John Calvin Commentary Acts 5:40

"And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." — Acts 5:40 (ASV)

Having beaten them, they commanded. He says that Gamaliel’s counsel was allowed; yet the apostles are beaten and forbidden to preach. From this we gather how great the rage of the enemies was, who, although now pacified or at least mitigated, nevertheless rage immoderately. It also appears what evil success those doubtful counsels have, in which men alone are respected, and the truth of God is set aside.

Gamaliel obtains this much: that the lives of the apostles may be saved. However, in the meantime, the Son of God is blasphemed and slandered in their persons. The truth of the gospel is buried in eternal silence, as much as lies in the enemies' power. God surely, by this means, wonderfully spreads His word abroad; yet that counsel does not cease to be evil.

We must note this because today most people think that they are rendering no small obedience to God if they save the lives of those men who are in danger for the doctrine of the gospel, or if they somewhat appease enemies who are otherwise bloodthirsty. In the meantime, they are not afraid to drive them to the wicked denial of Christ, the confession of whom is far more precious in God’s sight than the lives of all people. But what can those achieve who, casting aside all concern for godliness, attempt to win God’s favor by an act of courtesy?