John Calvin Commentary Acts 14:4

"But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles." — Acts 14:4 (ASV)

The multitude was divided. The most troublesome part of the tragedy now follows, for the city is divided into two parts; and eventually Paul and Barnabas (being compelled by the uproar of the people) depart to another place.

If it is asked what was the origin of the discord, certainly it flowed from the gospel, to which, however, nothing is more contrary than causing discord; but the willfulness of men causes the gospel, which should be the bond of unity, to be (as soon as it is proclaimed) the occasion of tumults.

Therefore, as soon as any schism arises, before we condemn those who seem to be its authors, we should wisely consider who should bear the blame. We hear here that one city was divided, by which some were brought to Christ. The Spirit of God declares this to the praise, and not the shame, of Paul and Barnabas.

We must observe the same rule today, lest the gospel be burdened with undeserved blame if it does not bring men together to God, but instead the wicked rage against it. It is undoubtedly a miserable thing to see division among men. But just as the unity that separates us all from God is accursed, so it would be better for a few to depart a hundred times from all the world and, in the meantime, return to favor with God, than that they, by continually disagreeing with Him, should have peace with the world.