Table Of ContentCommentary on Acts - Volume 2
Author(s): Calvin, John (1509-1564)
(Alternative)
(Translator)
Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Description: Commentary on Acts is an impressive commentary, contain-
ing some of Calvin's most important views. Calvin is regarded
as one of the Reformation's best interpreters of scripture. He
frequently offers his own translations of a passage, explaining
the subtleties and nuances of his translation. He has a pen-
chant for incorporating keen pastoral insight into the text as
well. He always interacts with other theologians, commentat-
ors, and portions of the Bible when interpreting a particular
passage. Further, this volume also contains informative notes
from the editor. Calvin's Commentary on Acts should not be
ignored by anyone interested in the book of Acts or Calvin
himself.
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
This volume contains commentary on chapters 14 through
28 of Acts.
Subjects: The Bible
Works about the Bible
i
Contents
Commentary on Acts 14-28 1
Chapter 14 2
Acts 14:1-4 3
Acts 14:5-10 7
Acts 14:11-13 9
Acts 14:14-18 11
Acts 14:19-22 18
Acts 14:23-28 22
Chapter 15 26
Acts 15:1-5 27
Acts 15:6-11 36
Acts 15:12-18 48
Acts 15:19-21 55
Acts 15:22-29 58
Acts 15:30-35 63
Acts 15:36-41 66
Chapter 16 70
Acts 16:1-5 71
Acts 16:6-10 76
Acts 16:11-15 79
Acts 16:16-22 84
Acts 16:23-28 91
Acts 16:29-34 94
Acts 16:35-40 97
Chapter 17 100
Acts 17:1-4 101
ii
Acts 17:5-10 106
Acts 17:11-15 110
Acts 17:16-21 114
Acts 17:22-25 120
Acts 17:26-29 127
Acts 17:30-34 133
Chapter 18 138
Acts 18:1-5 139
Acts 18:6-11 142
Acts 18:12-17 147
Acts 18:18-23 150
Acts 18:24-28 153
Chapter 19 158
Acts 19:1-7 159
Acts 19:8-12 164
Acts 19:13-17 167
Acts 19:18-22 170
Acts 19:23-28 173
Acts 19:29-34 177
Acts 19:35-40 179
Chapter 20 181
Acts 20:1-6 182
Acts 20:7-13 184
Acts 20:14-21 187
Acts 20:22-27 193
Acts 20:28-32 197
Acts 20:33-38 204
Chapter 21 207
Acts 21:1-6 208
Acts 21:7-14 210
Acts 21:15-25 214
Acts 21:26-30 220
iii
Acts 21:31-40 223
Chapter 22 227
Acts 22:1-5 228
Acts 22:6-11 231
Acts 22:12-15 233
Acts 22:17-22 238
Acts 22:23-30 241
Chapter 23 244
Acts 23:1-5 245
Acts 23:6-9 250
Acts 23:10-16 256
Acts 23:17-24 260
Acts 23:25-35 262
Chapter 24 264
Acts 24:1-9 265
Acts 24:10-21 269
Acts 24:22-27 275
Chapter 25 279
Acts 25:1-8 280
Acts 25:9-12 283
Acts 25:13-21 286
Acts 25:22-27 289
Chapter 26 291
Acts 26:1-8 292
Acts 26:9-18 296
Acts 26:19-23 301
Acts 26:24-32 304
Chapter 27 308
Acts 27:1-8 309
Acts 27:9-20 311
Acts 27:21-32 314
Acts 27:33-44 318
iv
Chapter 28 321
Acts 28:1-6 322
Acts 28:7-14 326
Acts 28:15-20 329
Acts 28:21-24 333
Acts 28:25-31 336
Indexes 341
Index of Scripture References 342
Index of Scripture Commentary 345
Greek Words and Phrases 346
Latin Words and Phrases 348
v
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vi
Commentary on Acts 14-28
Commentary on Acts 14-28
COMMENTARY
UPON
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
BY JOHN CALVIN
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF
CHRISTOPHER FETHERSTONE, STUDENT IN DIVINITY,
BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ
VOLUME SECOND
CHRISTIAN CLASSICS ETHEREAL LIBRARY
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
http://www.ccel.org
1
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
2
Acts 14:1-4
Acts 14:1-4
Acts 14:1-4
1.And it came to pass at Iconium, that they went together [or at the same time] into the
synagogue of the Jews, and spake so, that a great multitude both of Jews and Gentiles be-
lieved. 2. And the Jews which believed not stirred and with envy infected the minds of
the Gentiles against the brethren. 3.Therefore, they were long time conversant there, be-
having themselves boldly in the Lord, who bare witness of the word of his grace, granting
that signs and wonders might be done by their hands. 4. And the multitude of the city
was divided: and some stood with the Jews, and some with the apostles.
1.In the chapter last going before, Luke declared how Paul and Barnabas took in hand
their embassage unto the Gentiles. Furthermore, it might seem to be an unprosperous and
unlucky beginning, in that they were not only expelled out of Antioch, but also enforced by
the obstinate wickedness of certain to shake off the dust from their feet. But though they
1
had but short entertainment in one place, yet do they not yield; because they consider that
the Lord had called them upon that condition, that they should do their duty though the
whole world and Satan did say nay. Therefore, we see that they came not only ready to teach,
but also armed to enter conflicts, that they might courageously proceed in publishing the
gospel, even through the midst of combats.
And assuredly, that which was once spoken to Jeremiah is common to all the prophets
and ministers of God,
“They shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail,”
(Jeremiah 1:19.)
2
Now, whithersoever they fly, they carry with them the same courage still; whereby it
appeareth that they were not only furnished for one combat, but even for continual warfare;
3
which Luke doth now prosecute. He saith first, that they came to Iconium, and therewithal
he showeth that they sought not there some haven where they might rest quietly; but they
entered the synagogue as if they had suffered no hurt at all.
I refer the word Κατα το αυτο, forasmuch as it signifieth among the Grecians, together,
or at the same time, rather unto the Jews than unto Paul and Barnabas. Therefore, I interpret
it thus, not that they went in both together, but that they followed the multitude at the solemn
and appointed time of the meeting, whence we gather that they spake not secretly with a
few men, but in a great assembly of people; whereby they declare their boldness and ready
4
desire; they are so far from fearing envy, or avoiding danger.
1 “Verum quamvis duciter accepti,” but however harshly they were received.
2 “Animi praesentiam,” presence of mind.
3 “Quod Lucas nunc prosequitur,” as Luke now relates in detail.
4 “Ut invidiam fugitent, aut periculem formident,” from shunning envy, or dreading danger.
3
