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…

This they fulfilled. ¹So that we see that not only creatures void of understanding, but even the very Devil and also the wicked are subject to the power of God: that he may execute by them that which with himself he hath decreed. The same had we in the third & fourth chapters, that when the enemies of Christ did most of all rage to destroy him, yet could they not obtain their purpose: but rather they brought that to pass with their own hands, which God had in his counsel determined: which thing maketh not a little for commendation of Gods truth: because he is not only of sufficient power to perform those things which he hath promised: but also those who go about to bring his counsels to nought, do their endeavour to establish them, though it be against their will. For how should not the truth of God stand which the chiefest enemies are enforced to fulfil. Yet wisdom is necessary here, least we join God and Satan together. For the Jews are not therefore excusable because they fulfilled the scriptures: because we must consider their wicked will, and not the event which they did not look for: yea which ought to be counted a miracle. If we look into their work by it self, it is quite contrary to God. But as god doth in the Sun and other planets by wonderful cunning temper contrary motions, & such as strive among them selves: so he directeth the perverse endeavours of the wicked by his secret power unto another end then they thought upon and did desire, least they should do any thing but that which he would. They in deed, as touching themselves do contrary to his will: but it falleth out according to the will of God after an incomprehensible manner. Forasmuch as this course is contrary to nature, no marvel if the wisdom of the flesh see it not. Therefore it must be discerned with the eye of faith, or rather it must be reverenced: & those dogs who bark against it, must be despised with their wantonness.

This they fulfilled. ¹So that we see that not only creatures void of vnderstanding, but euen the very Diuell and also the wicked are subiect to the power of God: that hee may execute by them that which with himself he hath decreed. The same had we in the thirde & fourth chapters, that when the enemies of Christ did most of all rage to destroy him, yet coulde they not obtaine their purpose: but rather they brought that to passe with their owne hands, which God had in his counsel determined: which thing maketh not a litle for cōmendation of Gods truth: because he is not only of sufficient power to perfourme those things which hee hath promised: but also those who goe about to bring his counsels to nought, doe their indeuour to establish them, though it be against their will. For how should not the truth of God stand which the chiefest enemies are enforced to fulfill. Yet wisdome is necessarie here, least we ioin God and Satan together. For the Iewes are not therefore excusable because they fulfilled the scriptures: because we must consider their wicked will, and not the euent which they did not looke for: yea which ought to be counted a myracle. If we looke into their worke by it selfe, it is quite contrarie to God. But as god doth in the Sun and other planets by wonderfull cunning temper contrary motions, & such as striue among them selues: so he directeth the peruers indeuours of the wicked by his secret power vnto another end then they thought vppon and did desire, least they should do any thing but that which he would. They in deed, as touching themselues do contrary to his will: but it falleth out according to the will of God after an incomprehensible maner. Forasmuch as this course is contrary to nature, no maruell if the wisdome of the flesh see it not. Therfore it must be discerned with the eie of faith, or rather it must be reuerenced: & those dogs who barke against it, must be despised with their wantonnesse.