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…

Behold he cometh. That is, he is about to come: the Hebrew phrase which is common enough even in the new testament, whereas he confesseth that he is unworthy to loose the latchets of Christs shoes: It is a proverbial figure, whereby he abaseth himself so much as he can, least his greatness darken Christ his glory: for he meant to do that faithfully which was given him in charge, that Christ alone might have the preeminence. Therefore he saith: that how great soever he be, yet he is nothing in respect of Christ. For though God servants have their dignity: yet being compared to Christ, they must all be as nothing, that he alone may excel: as we see all stars vanish away, that they may give place to the brightness of the Sun.

Behold he commeth. That is, he is about to come: the Hebrew phrase which is common enough euen in the new testament, whereas he confesseth that he is vnworthie to loose the latchets of Christes shoes: It is a prouerbiall figure, wherby he abaseth himselfe so much as he can, least his greatnesse darken Christ his glory: for he meant to do that faithfully which was giuen him in charge, that Christ alone might haue the preheminence. Therfore he saith: that how great soeuer he be, yet he is nothing in respect of Christ. For though God feruants haue their dignity: yet being compared to Christ, they must all be as nothing, that he alone may excell: as we see all starres vanish away, that they may giue place to the brightnesse of the Sunne.

26 Men and brethren. Paul doth again prick forward the Jews to embrace Christ. For this ought to have raised no small study and attentiveness in their minds, when as they saw their salvation handled, and that the message of salvation was appointed properly for them. He calleth them children of Abraham, not only for honours sake, but that they may know that they be heirs of eternal life, and he speaketh them so fair, that it might not grieve them to depart from the Scribes and priests whom they worshipped: because they must needs receive Christ: ⟨p. 307⟩Furthermore we must remember that which I said before: though the gate of the kingdom of heaven were set open to the Gentiles, yet were not the Jews thrown down from their estate, but were counted the first begotten in Gods family. Therefore is it that he saith, that salvation was sent to them, because they were first in order: yet because the carnal kindred was of it self of no great importance, and the ungodliness of many brake out, Paul speaketh specially unto the true worshippers of God, signifying, that words were but vain, unless the fear of God reign in their hearts, which may receive them, and receiving them, may foster them. We must note this title of the Gospel, that it is called the word of salvation. Wherefore their hardness must needs be great whom it doth not allure with the sweetness that is in it.