John Calvin Commentary Acts 9:31

"So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied." — Acts 9:31 (ASV)

Then the Churches. Luke’s meaning is that the enemies of the gospel were greatly provoked by Paul’s presence. For why was there such peace made suddenly by his departure, except because the very sight of him provoked the fury of the enemies? And yet this is no reproach to him, as if he had been, as it were, some trumpet in war; but Luke rather commends him for this, because he made the wicked run mad, only with the smell of him when he was near them. For Christ intended to triumph in him in such a way that he would be no less a trouble than an ornament to His Church.

Therefore, we are taught by this example that those who inflame the madness of the wicked more than others are not immediately to be condemned; this admonition is very profitable. For as we are too delicate and too much infatuated with the love of our own rest, so we are also sometimes angry with the best and most excellent servants of Christ, if we think that through their vehemence the wicked are incited to do harm. By this means, we do an injustice to the Spirit of God, whose force and speech kindle all that flame.

And when Luke says that the Churches had peace, let us understand that it was not continuous, but because the Lord granted His servants a brief respite. For in this way He bears with our infirmity, when He appeases or mitigates the winds and storms of persecutions, lest, if they should continue, they should press us beyond measure.

And this blessing is not to be despised, nor is it a common blessing, when the Churches have peace. But Luke adds other things, which are of far more value; namely, that the Churches were edified, they walked in the fear of God, and they were filled with the consolation of the Spirit.

For as we are accustomed to riot and go to excess in times of peace, the Churches are, for the most part, happier amidst the tumults of war than if they were to enjoy whatever rest they might desire. But if holy conduct and the consolation of the Spirit, by which their state flourishes, are taken away, they not only lose their happiness, but they also come to nothing.

Therefore, let us learn not to abuse external peace with feasting and idleness. The more rest we are given from our enemies, the more we should encourage ourselves to go forward in godliness while we may. And if at any time the Lord lets loose the bridle to the wicked to trouble us, let the inward consolation of the Spirit be sufficient for us. Finally, in peace as well as in war, let us always joyfully go forward toward Him who has a reward for us.

Edification may be understood either as increase, that is, while the Churches are augmented by the number of the faithful; or as the progress of those who are already in the flock, that is, while they are given new gifts and receive greater confirmation of godliness. In the first sense, it refers to the persons; in the second, to the gifts of the Spirit.

I embrace both willingly: that from time to time some who were formerly strangers were gathered into the Church, and those who were of the household of the Church increased in godliness and other virtues. Furthermore, the metaphor of a building is very appropriate, because the Church is the temple and house of God, and every one of the faithful is also a temple (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:16).

The two things that follow—that they walked in the fear of God, and that they were filled with the consolation of the Spirit—are parts of that edification. Therefore, though the Churches had peace, yet they were not intoxicated with delights and earthly joy, but, trusting in God’s help, they were more emboldened to glorify God.