John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 5:15

"for already some are turned aside after Satan." — 1 Timothy 5:15 (ASV)

For some have already turned aside. It is certain that there is no ordinance so holy that some evil may not arise from it through the wickedness of men. Yet those things which are necessary ought to remain unmoved, whatever may happen to them, although the sky should fall. But when we are free to choose either way, and when experience has shown this or that to be advantageous, it is a matter of prudence to set aside what was formerly approved, as in the present case. It was not at all necessary that women who were still young should be admitted into the rank of widows. Experience showed that it was dangerous and hurtful. Therefore, Paul justly advises to take care for the future so that nothing of this kind may happen.

If the revolt of some women was regarded by him as a sufficiently strong argument for seeking a universal remedy, how many arguments would the Papists have for abolishing their filthy celibacy, if they had any regard for edification! But they choose instead to strangle millions of souls with the cruel cords of a wicked and diabolical law rather than to loosen a single knot. This makes evident how widely their cruelty differs from the holy zeal of Paul.

After Satan. The expression is worthy of notice, because no one can turn aside from Christ in the smallest degree without following Satan. For he has dominion over all who do not belong to Christ. We learn from this how destructive turning aside from the right course is. It changes us from being children of God into slaves of Satan; and by withdrawing us from the government of Christ, it places Satan over us as our guide.