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…

So that they have need to strive with many tribulations, and it cannot be but that all their life shall be inuied and unquiet amiddest so many enemies. But this is the best comfort, and which is sufficient enough to confirm their minds, that, this way (though it be hard and sharp,) leadeth unto the kingdom of heaven. For we gather by this, that the miseries of the godly are more happy ⟨p. 345⟩then be all the doting dainties and delights of the world. Therefore let us remember, first, that rhis condition is set down for us, that we suffer many tribulations: yet let us also remember to add this, to mitigate the bitterness thereof, that by them we be brought unto the kingdom of God. Furthermore their babbling is frivolous, who gather hereby that patience is a work which deserveth eternal salvation, seeing that the cause of salvation is not in this place handled: but after what sort God useth to handle his in this world: and the comfort is added, not to extol the dignity and merit of works, but only to encourage the godly that they faint not under the burden of the cross. All mankind as we have said before, as well one as other, is subject to many miseries. But the afflictions of the reprobate are nothing else to them but the very entry of hell: but these turn to the saints to an happy and joyful end, and for them they fall out well, and so consequently they be helps for salvation, because they take part with Christ. We must note that Paul and Barnabas being not content with the plural number, do plainly set down Many tribulations, least any man after he hath suffered one or two or a few, do at length sink down. Therefore let the faithful think that they must pass through continual miseries: that done, let them prepare themselves not for one kind of persecution only, but for diverse kinds. For though God handle some men more courteously and gently: yet doth he pamper none of his so daintily, that he is free from all tribulations.

So that they haue need to striue with manie tribulations, and it cannot bee but that all their life shall bee inuied and vnquiet amiddest so many enemies. But this is the best comforte, and which is sufficient enough to confirme their mindes, that, this way (though it bee harde and sharpe,) leadeth vnto the kingdome of heauen. For wee gather by this, that the miseries of the godly are more happie ⟨p. 345⟩then be all the doting dainties and delights of the world. Therfore let vs remember, first, that rhis condition is set downe for vs, that wee suffer many tribulations: yet let vs also remember to adde this, to mittigate the bitternes thereof, that by them we be brought vnto the kingdome of God. Furthermore their babling is friuolous, who gather hereby that patience is a work which deserueth eternal saluatiō, seing that the cause of saluation is not in this place handled: but after what sort God vseth to handle his in this world: and the comfort is added, not to extoll the dignitie and merite of workes, but onely to encourage the godly that they faint not vnder the burthen of the crosse. All mankind as we haue saide before, as well one as other, is subiect to manie miseries. But the afflictions of the reprobate are nothing else to them but the verie entrie of hell: but these turne to the saints to an happie and ioyfull end, and for them they fall out well, and so consequently they bee helpes for saluation, because they take part with Christ. We must note that Paule and Barnabas being not content with the plurall number, doe plainely set downe Many tribulations, least any man after he hath suffered one or two or a few, doe at length sinke downe. Therefore let the faithfull thinke that they must passe through continuall miseries: that done, let them prepare themselues not for one kind of persecution onely, but for diuerse kindes. For though God handle some men more courtiously and gently: yet doth he pamper none of his so daintily, that he is free from all tribulations.