John Calvin Commentary Acts 15:36

"And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the Lord, [and see] how they fare." — Acts 15:36 (ASV)

Let us visit our brethren. In this history we must first note how careful Paul was for the churches which he had ordained. He labored, indeed, at Antioch profitably, but because he remembered that he was an apostle ordained by God, and not the pastor of one particular place, he kept to the course of his calling.

Secondly, as it was not fitting for him to be tied to one place, so he considered that he was bound to all whom he had begotten in the Lord; therefore, he would not allow them to lack his help.

Moreover, the work that was begun in those places could not be neglected, or it would shortly afterward decay.

Yet it is thought that Paul remained in the church of Antioch until he saw its state well-ordered and concord established.

For we know from experience what great force principal churches have to keep other, lesser churches in order.

If any tumult arises in an obscure street, or if any offense occurs, the rumor does not go so far, nor are the neighbors so greatly moved. But if any prominent place falters, it cannot do so without great ruin, or, at least, the lesser buildings will be severely shaken by it, both far and wide.

Therefore, Paul, by staying for a time at Antioch, provided for other churches. And so we must look no less to his wisdom than his diligence in this example, because often the immoderate zeal of pastors in addressing matters does no less harm than their sluggishness.

How they do. Paul knew that amidst such great fickleness and inconstancy of men, and since their nature is inclined to vice, if anything is well-ordered among them, it seldom continues stable for any long time. He knew especially that churches easily decay or degenerate, unless they are continually attended to.

Nothing under heaven ought to be more firm than the spiritual building of faith, whose stability is grounded in heaven itself. Yet there are but few in whose minds the word of the Lord thoroughly takes living root; therefore, firmness is rare in men.

Again, even those who have their anchor firmly fixed in the truth of God nevertheless do not cease to be subject to various tossings, by which, though their faith is not overturned, it still has need of strengthening, so that it may be supported and sustained.

Moreover, we see how Satan assaults, and with what subtle schemes he secretly goes about to pull down sometimes whole churches, and sometimes each of the faithful individually.

Therefore, it is not without cause that Paul is so concerned for his disciples, lest they behave otherwise than is desirable. And therefore he is desirous to prevent in time, if any trouble has arisen, which cannot be done until he has assessed the situation.