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…

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.¹ But though it be such naturally, yet is it made accidentally the savour of death unto death, to the reprobate.

26 Men and brethren. Paul doth againe prick forward the Iewes to embrace Christ. For this ought to haue raised no smal studie and attentiuenesse in their mindes, when as they saw their saluation handled, and that the message of saluation was appointed properly for them. He calleth them children of Abraham, not only for honours sake, but that they may know that they be heires of eternall life, and hee speaketh them so fayre, that it might not greeue them to depart from the Scribes and priests whom they worshipped: because they must needs receiue Christ: ⟨p. 307⟩Furthermore we must remember that which I saide before: though the gate of the kingdome of heauen were set open to the Gentiles, yet were not the Iewes throwne downe from their estate, but were counted the first begotten in Gods familie. Therfore is it that he saith, that saluatiō was sent to them, because they wer first in order: yet because the carnall kinred was of it selfe of no great importance, and the vngodlines of many brake out, Paul speaketh specially vnto the true worshippers of God, signifying, that words were but vaine, vnlesse the feare of God reigne in their hearts, which may receiue them, and receiuing them, may foster them. Wee must note this title of the Gospel, that it is called the worde of saluation. Wherefore their hardnes must needs be great whom it doth not allure with the sweetnesse that is in it.