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…

4 The multitude was divided. The most troublesome part of the tragedy followeth now, for the city is divided into two parts: & at length Paul and Barnabas (being enforced by the uproar of the people) depart unto an other place. If it be demanded what was the original of the discord, assuredly it flowed from the Gospel: to which notwithstanding there is nothing more contrary then to cause discord. But the frowardness of men causeth that the gospel which ought to be the bond of unity ⟨p. 333⟩is, (so soon as it cometh abroad) the occasion of tumults. Wherefore so soon as any schism ariseth before we condemn those who seem to be the authors, it behoveth us wisely to consider who ought to bear the blame. We hear here that one city was divided, whereby some were brought unto Christ. The Spirit of God pronounceth this to the praise, and not to the shame of Paul and Barnabas. The same rule must we observe at this day, least the Gospel be burdened with false envy, if it bring not men together unto God, but the wicked rage against it. It is assuredly a miserable matter to see division among men. But as the unity is accursed which doth separate us all from God: so it were better that a few should depart an hundred times from all the whole world, and in the mean season come in favour again with GOD, then that disagreeing with him continually, they should have peace with the world.

4 The multitude was diuided. The most troublesome part of the tragedie followeth now, for the citie is diuided into two partes: & at length Paul and Barnabas (being enforced by the vprore of the people) depart vnto an other place. If it be demanded what was the originall of the discorde, assuredly it flowed from the Gospell: to which notwithstanding there is nothing more contrary then to cause discord. But the frowardnesse of men causeth that the gospel which ought to be the bond of vnitie ⟨p. 333⟩is, (so soone as it cōmeth abroad) the occasion of tumults. Wherfore so soone as any scisme ariseth before we condemne those who seeme to be the authours, it behoueth vs wisely to consider who ought to bear the blame. Wee heare heere that one citie was diuided, whereby some were brought vnto Christ. The Spirit of God pronounceth this to the praise, and not to the shame of Paul and Barnabas. The same rule must we obserue at this day, least the Gospell bee burdened with false enuie, if it bring not men together vnto God, but the wicked rage against it. It is assuredly a miserable matter to see diuision among men. But as the vnitie is accursed which doth separate vs all from God: so it were better that a few should depart an hundred times from all the whole worlde, and in the meane season come in fauour againe with GOD, then that disagreeing with him continually, they shoulde haue peace with the worlde.