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…

21 We must therefore. This which he bringeth in, might seem at the first sight to be far fet. For if so be it David did speak of transposing Judas his Bishopric, it did not thereupon straightway follow that, the disciples should choose another to be his successor: yet because they knew that they had this charge given them to order the church, so soon as Peter had told them, that it did please the Lord that it should be so, he gathereth thereupon, that they ought to do it. For whensoever God will use us as means to maintain the government of his church, so soon as we know what his will is, we must not linger, but stoutly perform whatsoever is required in our ministry & function. That was without all controversy, what was the duty of the Church. Like ⟨p. 23⟩as at this day, when we hear that those must be put from their office which behave themselves ungodlily, and wickedly, and that other must be chosen in their rooms, the church must take this charge in hand. Wherefore it was superfluous to move any question about a thing that was not to be doubted of. Therefore let us alway remember to consider what we have to do, that we may be ready to obey the Lord. Furthermore, when as he entreateth of the making of an Apostle, he sayeth he must be a witness of the resurrection. Which signifieth, that the Apostleship is not without the preaching of the Gospel. Whence it may appear how vain and frivolous the Popish bishops are, which having on only dumb visors, brag that they are the successors of the Apostles. But wherein are they like unto them? I grant that Peter doeth here require such a witness, as saw the Lord after his resurrection, of which sort John doth profess himself to be one, when he sayeth,¹ He which saw it, beareth witness. For this did serve for the confirmation of faith: yet nevertheless Peter maketh it a thing necessary in him and the rest of his fellows in office, that they should teach, while he maketh them and himself preachers or witnesses of the resurrection.

21 We must therefore. This which hee bringeth in, might seeme at the first sight to be farre fet. For if so be it Dauid did speake of transposing Iudas his Bishopricke, it did not thereupon straightway follow that, the disciples shuld choose another to be his successor: yet because they knew that they had this charge giuen them to order the church, so soone as Peter had told them, that it did please the Lord that it should be so, hee gathereth thereuppon, that they ought to doe it. For whensoeuer God will vse vs as meanes to maintaine the gouernment of his churche, so soone as wee knowe what his wil is, wee must not linger, but stoutly perfourme whatsoeuer is required in our ministerie & function. That was without all controuersie, what was the duetie of the Church. Like