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…

Now must we see whether the Gospel command us to call upon the dead: to burn incense to idols: to translate unto feigned Saints the grace of Christ: to take in hand vowed pilgrimages: to invent profane worshippings, whereof there is no mention made in the word of God. But there is nothing more contrary to the Gospel, then that these superstitions should take place. Whereupon it followeth that the Papists do wickedly make engines of the shores of the gospel to oppugn it. To the same end tendeth that which Luke saith, that the Lord granted that by the hands of his servants miracles might be done: in which words he teacheth that those were only ministers, who obeyed God: and that he was the author, who used their hand and industry. Wherefore in speaking properly we cannot say that they were Paul and Barnabas his miracles: but the miracles of God alone, who doth so work by men, that he will not have his glory darkened by their ministry. Furthermore, we must note the title of the Gospel, which Luke putteth in here, that it may be made to us more amiable. For in calling it the word of grace, it hath a most pleasant taste: because salvation is offered to the world in it through Christ, and we must understand the contrariety with the law, wherein only the curse is set before us. Therefore let us remember that God speaketh to us in the Gospel to this end, that he may reconcile himself to us, and may testify that he is merciful to us. Neither doth this hinder that it is the savour of death unto death to the reprobate: because they change not the nature thereof by their fault. Read those things which we have spoken in the second Chapter touching signs and wonders.¹

Now must we see whether the Gospel commaund vs to call vpon the dead: to burne incense to idols: to translate vnto fained Saints the grace of Christ: to take in hand vowed pilgrimages: to inuent profane worshippings, wherof there is no mention made in the word of God. But there is nothing more contrary to the Gospell, then that these superstitions should take place. Whereupon it followeth that the Papists do wickedly make engines of the shoares of the gospel to oppugne it. To the same end tendeth that which Luke saith, that the Lord graunted that by the handes of his seruants myracles might be done: in which words he teacheth that those were only ministers, who obeyed God: and that he was the authour, who vsed their hand and industrie. Wherefore in speaking properly we cannot say that they were Paul and Barnabas his myracles: but the myracles of God alone, who doth so worke by men, that hee will not haue his glory darkened by their ministerie. Furthermore, wee must note the title of the Gospell, which Luke putteth in here, that it may be made to vs more amiable. For in calling it the worde of grace, it hath a most pleasant tast: because saluation is offered to the world in it through Christ, and we must vnderstand the contrarietie with the law, wherein only the curse is set before vs. Therfore let vs remember that God speaketh to vs in the Gospel to this end, that he may reconcile himself to vs, and may testifie that he is mercifull to vs. Neither doth this hinder that it is the sauour of death vnto death to the reprobate: because they chaunge not the nature thereof by their fault. Reade those thinges which we haue spoken in the second Chapter touching signes and wonders.