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…

23 When they had ordained Elders. By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not enough if men have bin once taught the doctrine of godliness, and to have the sum of faith, unless they go forward continually. Therefore Christ did not only send his Apostles to preach the gospel, but he commanded also that there should be Pastors appointed that the preaching of the Gospel might be perpetual and in daily use. Paul and Barnabas do mark that this order was set down by Christ, when they assigned Pastors to every Church, least after their departure doctrine should cease and be whisht. Furthermore this place teacheth that the Church cannot want an ordinary ministry: neither can ⟨p. 346⟩any be counted christians before God, but those who during their whole life are willing to learn. I take it that those are called Elders in this place, who had the office of teaching enjoined them. For it appeareth by Paul that some were only Censors of manners and such as had authority to punish enormities. Now forasmuch as Luke saith, that they were set over every Church,¹ the difference between their office and the office of the Apostles is gathered hence. For the Apostles had no certain place of abode: but they went too and fro to found new Churches. But Pastors were set and appointed every man to his own Church, and were as it were placed to watch over their Congregations.

23 When they had ordained Elders. By this it appeareth sufficiently, that it is not ynough if men haue bin once taught the doctrine of godlinesse, and to haue the summe of faith, vnlesse they go forward continually. Therefore Christ did not onely send his Apostles to preach the gospel, but he commanded also that there should be Pastours appointed that the preaching of the Gospel might be perpetuall and in daily vse. Paul and Barnabas do marke that this order was set downe by Christ, when they assigned Pastours to euerie Church, least after their departure doctrine should cease and be whisht. Furthermore this place teacheth that the Church cannot want an ordinarie ministerie: neither can ⟨p. 346⟩any be counted christians before God, but those who during their whol life are willing to learne. I take it that those are called Elders in this place, who had the office of teaching inioyned them. For it appeareth by Paul that some were onely Censors of manners and such as had authoritie to punish enormities. Now forasmuch as Luke saith, that they were set ouer euery Church,