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…

1 When Paul and Barnabas had endured many combats against the professed enemies of the Gospel: Luke doth now begin to declare that they were tried by domesticall war. So that it was meet that their doctrine and ministry should be proved by all means, to the end it might the better appear that they were furnished by God and armed against all the assaults of the world and Satan. For that was no small confirmation for their doctrine, in that being shaken and battered with so many engines, it stood nevertheless, neither could the course thereof be broken off by so many hinderances. Therefore to this end doeth Paul boast that he suffered fights without and terrors within.¹ This history is most worthy the noting. For though we do all naturally abhor the cross and all manner persecution, yet civill & domestical discord is more dangerous, least happily they discourage us. When tyrants bend their force and run violently upon men, flesh in deed is afraid, & all those who are not endued with the spirit of fortitude, do tremble with all their heart: but then their consciences are not properly touched with any temptation. For this is known to be as it were the fatal estate of the Church. But when it falleth out so that the brethren go together by the ears, and that the Church is on an uproar within it self, it cannot be but that weak minds shall be troubled and also faint: and especially when the controversy is about doctrine, which alone is the holy bond of brotherly unity: finally there is nothing which doth more endamage the Gospel, then civill discord: because it doeth not only pierce and wound weak consciences, but also minister occasion to the wicked to backbite. Wherefore we must diligently note this history, that we may know that it is no new example, if among those who profess the same Gospel there arise some wranglings & strife about doctrine, when proud men can get them a name (whereof they are so furiously desirous) by no other means, but by bringing in their own inventions. It is certain, that as there is but one god, so there is but one truth of this God. Therefore when Paul goeth about to exhort the faithful unto mutual consent, he useth this argument, One God, one faith, one Baptism &c.²

1 When Paul and Barnabas had endured many cumbates against the professed enimies of the Gospel: Luke doth nowe begin to declare that they were tried by domesticall warre. So that it was meete that their doctrine and ministerie should be proued by all meanes, to the end it might the better appeare that they were furnished by God and armed against all the assaults of the worlde and Satan. For that was no small confirmation for their doctrine, in that being shaken and battered with so manie ingines, it stood neuerthelesse, neither could the course thereof be broken off by so many hinderances. Therefore to this ende doeth Paul boast that he suffered fights without and terrors within.