John Calvin Commentary Acts 13:16

"And Paul stood up, and beckoning with the hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken:" — Acts 13:16 (ASV)

We must note the state of this sermon, so that we do not think that he spoke words in vain. Paul seems, indeed, to begin even at the very first beginning, but he speaks nothing but that which is most suitable for the present purpose. His purpose is to bring the Jews to the faith of Christ; and so that he may better do this, it is necessary to declare that they excel other nations in this one thing, because the Savior was promised them, whose kingdom is their principal and only blessedness.

This is, therefore, Paul’s beginning: since they were chosen in the past to be the special people of God, and since they had so many benefits given to them from time to time, though they showed themselves most unworthy, this depended upon the promise of the Messiah. It also tended to the end that God might govern them by the hand of the Messiah. Therefore, they have nothing of which they may boast, unless they are gathered under their Head. Indeed, unless they receive him when he is offered, the covenant of life which God had made with their fathers will be void, and the adoption will be nullified.

This is the main point of the first part of the sermon: that this is the principal point of the law and the foundation of God’s covenant—that they have Christ for their Captain and Governor, so that he may restore all things among them; that without him religion cannot stand, and that they will be most miserable without him.

Next, Paul moves to another part: that Jesus, whom he preaches, is Christ indeed, through whom salvation is offered to the people. He also declares the means of the redemption purchased by him. Furthermore, he discusses his power and office, so that they may know what good things they ought to hope for from him.

The conclusion contains a rebuke, for he threatens them with horrible judgment if they refuse the author of salvation, who offers himself, even of his own accord—the one whom the law and prophets urge them to desire earnestly. This is, in a way, the summary; now let us discuss every point by itself.

Men and brethren. Because Paul knew that there were many illegitimate sons of Abraham, or those who were degenerate, he calls the Jews to whom he speaks by a double name. First, he calls them brethren, having respect for common kinship; nevertheless, he also shows that they will be true Israelites if they fear God, and that then they are likewise true hearers, because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Similarly, he makes the faithful attentive and gains a hearing among them, as if to say, Since many boast that they are sons of Abraham who were unworthy of such honor, show yourselves not to be illegitimate offspring.

Let us learn from this that it is not a fault common to one age only, that good and sincere worshippers, being mixed with hypocrites, share the name of the Church among them. But we must take great care about this, that we are indeed what we are called; this, the true fear of Almighty God will bring to pass, and not the external profession alone.