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…

Had ordained by Election. The Greek word Cheirotonein doth signify to decree or ordain a thing by lifting up the hands, as they use to do in the assemblies of the people. Notwithstanding the Ecclesiastical writers do often use the word cheirotonia in an other sense: to wit, for their solemn rite of ordaining, which is called in scripture, Laying on of hands. Furthermore by this manner of speech is very excellently expressed the right way to ordain Pastors. Paul and Barnabas are said to choose Elders. Do they this alone by their private office? nay rather they suffer the matter to be decided, by the consent of them all: therefore in ordaining Pastors, the people had their free election. But least there should any tumult arise Paul and Barnabas sit as chief moderators. Thus must the decree of the Council of Laodicea be understood, which forbiddeth that the people have liberty granted them to Elect.

Had ordained by Election. The Greeke worde Cheirotonein doth signifie to decree or ordaine a thing by lifting vp the hands, as they vse to doe in the assemblies of the people. Notwithstanding the Ecclesiasticall writers doe often vse the word cheirotonia in an other sense: to wit, for their solemne rite of ordaining, which is called in scripture, Laying on of hands. Furthermore by this manner of speech is verie excellently expressed the right way to ordaine Pastours. Paule and Barnabas are saide to choose Elders. Doe they this alone by their priuate office? nay rather they suffer the matter to be decided, by the consent of them all: therefore in ordaining Pastours, the people had their free election. But least there should any tumult arise Paul and Barnabas sit as chiefe moderatours. Thus must the decree of the Councell of Loadicia bee vnderstood, which forbiddeth that the people haue libertie graunted them to Elect.

They having prayed with fasting. They had a double end and reason of their prayer: the first that, God would direct them with the spirit of wisdom and discretion, to choose the best and most meet men. For they knew that they were not furnished with so great wisdom, but they might be deceived: neither did they so much trust to their diligence, but that they knew that the principal point did consist in the blessing of god: as we see mens judgements err daily, where the heavenly government is not: and that all their labour is nothing worth, where the hand of God is not. These be the true signs and tokens of the godly, to call upon the Spirit of God, that he may govern their counsels. And if so be it this rule be to be observed in all businesses: so often as the government of the Church is in hand, which dependeth wholly upon his will and pleasure, we must beware that we attempt nothing unless we have him for our guide and governor. And the second end of their prayer was, that God would furnish with necessary gifts those Pastors which were chosen. For it is a harder matter to fulfil such a function faithfully as a man ought, than that mans strength is sufficient for it. Therefore they crave Gods help even in this part also, having Paul and Barnabas for their authors. They fast likewise, that even that may be a help to stir up the ferventness of their prayers. For we know how great our coldness is otherwise. Not because it is always necessary that we should pray fasting, seeing that god doth invite even those who are full to give thanks: