The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

In like sort, that Herod may win the peoples favour, who did love him but a little, he putteth the Christians to death as a price wherewith he might redeem their favour: and such is our estate at this day: for though all men run by troupes upon the members of Christ, yet few are poked forward with superstition: but some sell them selves to Antichrist like profitable bond slaves: othersome bear with, and commend the outrageous outcries of Monks and the common people: but we in the mean season, being abjects must be glad to bear their mocks: yet there is one comfort which doeth excellently keep us on foot, in that we know that our blood is precious in the sight of Almighty GOD, which the world doth shamefully abuse: yea the more shamefully and reproachfully the wicked do handle us, so much the less shall Gods goodness forsake us.

In like sort, that Herod may winne the peoples fauour, who did loue him but a litte, hee putteth the Christians to death as a price wherewith hee might redeeme their fauour: and such is our estate at this day: for though all men runne by troupes vppon the members of Christe, yet fewe are pooked forwarde with superstition: but some sell them selues to Antichriste like profitable bond slaues: othersome beare with, and commende the outragious outcries of Monkes and the common people: but wee in the meane season, beeyng abiectes must bee glad to beare their mockes: yet there is one comfort which doeth excellently keepe vs on foote, in that wee knowe that our blood is precious in the sight of Almightie GOD, which the worlde doth shamefullye abuse: yea the more shamefullie and reprochefullie the wicked doe handle vs, so muche the lesse shall Gods goodnesse forsake vs.

4 Adding four quaternions of soldiers. Luke doth in this place declare by circumstances, that Peter was as it were shut up in his grave, so that it might seem that he was quite past hope. For as they divided the day and night into four parts by three hours: so Herod divided the watches, that four soldiers might always keep watch, and that one quaternion might succeed another every third hour. He showeth the cause why he was not forthwith put to death, because it had been an heinous offence to put him to death in the Easter holidays. Therefore Herod doeth not delay the time as doubtful what to do: but doth only wait for opportunity. Yea he maketh choice of a time, when as his gift may be more plausible, because there came a great multitude together from all parts unto the holy day.