John Calvin Commentary Acts 13:50

"But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders." — Acts 13:50 (ASV)

Nevertheless, he declares that this was done not without great pains and trouble. Therefore, the beginning of the calling of the Gentiles was joyful and prosperous, nor could Satan hinder the course of the grace of God; but in the meantime, it was necessary for Paul and Barnabas (whom God had brought forth into the field) to strive.

And we must note what Luke says, that the religious and devout women, together with the chief men of the city, were incited to persecute the servants of Christ. For this was no small offense to the uninstructed, and those who were as yet barely established in Christ, when they saw all those men and women who had any standing or reputation opposed to Christ, and also whatever was praiseworthy in the eyes of men.

A great multitude of people received Christ, but it was only the common crowd and the outcasts of society. Opposed to them were the chief men of the city, who with their grandeur easily oppressed the lowly and obscure crowd. That might also cause the doctrine to be suspected, indeed, to be hated, because seemingly godly and respectable matrons were enemies to it.

If wicked, ungodly, and mischievous men had come out from their taverns and dens, if groups of prostitutes had burst out from their brothels, it would be no discredit to the gospel; indeed, its dignity would thereby appear more clearly. But now, what can the weak think to themselves, other than that the doctrine which has such adversaries is not of God?

Therefore it was necessary that not only the faithful, who were still weak, should be confirmed by the Lord, so that their faith would not fail, but also that a hand should be extended to Paul and Barnabas, so that, being discouraged, they would not give up.

And by this example the Lord meant to teach us that we must valiantly resist such hindrances, and that we must beware that the empty masks of virtue do not blind our eyes, so that we cannot see the glory of Christ which shines in the gospel.

For it is certain that all the virtue and integrity that is in people is mere hypocrisy when they set themselves against Christ; although it may be that those who are rashly swept into opposing Christ for a time may afterwards repent.

Nevertheless, we must think to ourselves that whatever fair appearance of holiness those who resist the gospel may present, they are neither endowed with the perfect fear of God, nor are they anything but a vain shadow, however greatly they may boast of their virtue. Nor is it without cause that Christ has this title given to him, that he reveals the cogitations of many hearts (Luke 2:35).

Religious. And what kind of religion could that be where there was no reverence for the Word of God? We must note that there are four kinds of men: just as there are few who worship God sincerely and from the heart, so there are few who openly profess manifest and gross contempt for him.

These are two kinds. And the greater part is neither entirely without religion, nor is it altogether devoid of the common worship of God; but yet, nevertheless, while they coldly and, so to speak, superficially trifle with God, if they are thoroughly examined, they are merely profane; just as, today, the ungodliness of many is in a way shrouded under ceremonies and the feigned profession of the worship of God.

So in all ages there have been certain worshippers of God who have worshipped him like actors, whose holiness consisted entirely in gestures and empty displays. In Paul’s time, even as today, a particular pursuit of godliness was to be found in a few, whose religion, though it was impure, and their heart feigned, deceitful, and duplicitous, yet they are considered in a way religious, on account of their zeal.

But by this it appears what value we may place on mere religion, which drives its professors headlong, through reckless passion, to resist the kingdom of God and to suppress his glory.

Furthermore, it is to be supposed that although these matrons had not fully converted to Judaism, nor had they been nurtured in the doctrine of the law, yet they were half-Jewish in their leanings, and that was the reason they so willingly took upon themselves the defense of the nation. For thus, as Paul testifies, are women led about captive, being laden with sins.