John Calvin Commentary Acts 4:33

John Calvin Commentary

Acts 4:33

1509–1564
Protestant
John Calvin
John Calvin

John Calvin Commentary

Acts 4:33

1509–1564
Protestant
SCRIPTURE

"And with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." — Acts 4:33 (ASV)

And with great power. This third aspect pertains to doctrine. For Luke indicates that the zeal the apostles had to preach the gospel was so far from being diminished that they were, instead, endowed with new power. Although Luke only names the resurrection of Christ, this is synecdoche; for this part represents the whole gospel. Luke mentions the resurrection alone because it is, so to speak, the completion or fulfillment of the gospel; and secondly, because they had endured a severe struggle for it, and the Sadducees, who then held the chief sway, were greatly distressed by it.

And great grace was. He signifies that this contributed significantly to the spread of doctrine, because by generously helping the poor, they found favor with outsiders. For he says that they were beloved because they were beneficial. Therefore, the words, No man amongst them did lack, provide an explanation. Although we should not doubt that their honesty, temperance, modesty, patience, and other virtues also moved many to regard them favorably. He later explains how they held their goods in common (a topic he had touched upon before): namely, that the rich sold their lands and houses so that they could relieve the poverty of the poor.