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…

6 And the Apostles and Elders came together, that they might look to this business. 7 And after there had been great disputing, Peter arose and said to them, Men and brethren, ye know how that of old time God did choose in us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. 8 And God who is knower of the hearts, bare witness to them giving them his holy Spirit, as to us. 9 And he put no difference between them and us, after that by faith he had purified their hearts. 10 Therefore why do ye now tempt God, to lay a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that we have salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, even as they.

6 And the Apostles and Elders came togither, that they might looke to this busines. 7 And after there had beene great disputing, Peter arose and saide to them, Men and brethren, yee know how that of old time God did choose in vs, that by my mouth the Gentiles should heare the word of the Gospel, and beleeue. 8 And God who is knower of the hearts, bare witnesse to them giuing them his holy Spirit, as to vs. 9 And he put no difference betweene them and vs, after that by faith he had purified their hearts. 10 Therefore why do ye now tempt God, to lay a yoke vpon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare? 11 But we beleeue that we haue saluation through the grace of our Lorde Iesus Christ, euen as they.

6 The Apostles and Elders met together. Luke saith not that all the whole Church was gathered together, but those who did excel in doctrine and judgement, and those who according to their office were competent judges in this matter. It may be in deed that the disputation was had in presence of the people. But least any man should think that the common people were suffered hand over head to handle the matter, Luke doth plainly make mention of the Apostles and Elders: as it was more meet that they should hear the matter and to decide it. But let us know that here is prescribed by God a form and an order in assembling synods, when there ariseth any controversy, which cannot otherwise be decided. For seeing that many did daily gainstand Paul, this disputation alone, by reason whereof there was great ruin like to ensue, and which was already come to hot combats, did enforce him to go to Jerusalem.