John Calvin Commentary Acts 19:18

"Many also of them that had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds." — Acts 19:18 (ASV)

Many which believed. Luke brings forth one sign of that fear of which he spoke. For they indeed declared that they were deeply moved by the fear of God, when they voluntarily confessed the faults and offenses of their past life, so that they would not harbor God's wrath within through their deceit.

We know how difficult it is to extract a true confession from those who have offended; for since people value nothing more than their reputation, they prioritize shame over truth. Indeed, as much as they can, they seek to hide their shame.

Therefore, this voluntary confession was a testimony of repentance and of fear. For no one, unless deeply moved, will subject themselves to the slanders and reproaches of others, and willingly be judged on earth, so that they may be freed and acquitted in heaven.

When he says, Many, from this we gather that they did not all have the same reason, for it may be that these individuals had corrupt consciences for a long time, as many are often infected with hidden and internal vices.

Therefore, Luke does not prescribe a common law for everyone; but he sets before them an example that those who need similar medicine must follow.

For why did these individuals confess their deeds, except to give testimony of their repentance and seek counsel and relief from Paul? It was different for those who came to John's baptism, confessing their sins (Matthew 3:6), for by this means they confessed that they entered into repentance without deceit.

But in this passage, Luke teaches by one example how the faithful were moved with reverence for God when God set before them an example of His severity. For this reason, the impudence of the Papists is greater, who disguise their tyranny using this event. For in what way does their auricular confession agree with this example?

• The faithful confessed how miserably they had been deceived by Satan before they came to the faith, bringing certain examples to light before others. But by the Pope’s law, it is required that people list all their words, deeds, and thoughts.
• We read that those individuals confessed this once; the Pope’s law commands that it be repeated at least every year.
• These individuals made confession voluntarily; the Pope binds everyone with necessity.
• Luke says many came, not all; in the Pope’s law, there is no exception.
• These individuals humbled themselves before the congregation of the faithful; the Pope gives a very different commandment, that the sinner confess his sins by whispering in the ear of one priest.

Behold, how well they apply the Scriptures to prove their subtleties!