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…

17 Tell James and the Brethren. By Brethren I understand not every one that was of the Church, but the Apostles and elders. For though it were requisite that the miracle should be made known to all, yet will Peter worthily for honours sake have his fellows in office to be certified thereof. Ecclesiastical writers after Eusebius, report, that this James was one of the disciples: but forasmuch as Paul reckoneth him in the number of the three pillars of the Church, I do not think that a disciple was advanced to that dignities, and the Apostles set aside. Wherefore I do rather conjecture that this was James the son of Alphee, whose holiness was such that it caused the Jews to wonder at it. And there be two reasons for which Peter would have this joyful message brought unto the brethren: to wit, that he might rid them of that care which did vex them: secondly that they might be encouraged with such an example of Gods goodness to be the more bold. Whereas he passeth into another place, I think it was done for this cause, because forasmuch as the house was well known and famous, because many of the brethren resorted thither, he might lye hid elsewhere with less danger. Therefore he sought a place which was not so much suspected of the enemy, and that, that he might not only save himself, but also his hostis and others.

17 Tel Iames and the Brethren. By Brethren I vnderstand not euery one that was of the Church, but the Apostles and elders. For though it were requisite that the myracle should be made knowne to all, yet will Peter worthily for honors sake haue his fellowes in office to be certified thereof. Ecclesiastical writers after Eusebius, report, that this Iames was one of the disciples: but forasmuch as Paul reckoneth him in the number of the three pillars of the Church, I doe not thinke that a disciple was aduanced to that dignities, and the Apostles set aside. Wherefore I doe rather coniecture that this was Iames the son of Alphee, whose holinesse was such that it caused the Iewes to wonder at it. And there be two reasons for which Peter would haue this ioyfull message brought vnto the brethren: to wit, that he might ridde them of that care which did vexe them: secondly that they might be incouraged with such an example of Gods goodnesse to be the more bold. Whereas he passeth into another place, I thinke it was done for this cause, because forasmuch as the house was well knowne and famous, because many of the brethren resorted thither, hee might lye hidde elsewhere with lesse daunger. Therefore hee sought a place which was not so much suspected of the enimie, and that, that hee might not onely saue himselfe, but also his hostis and others.