John Calvin Commentary John 10:19

"There arose a division again among the Jews because of these words." — John 10:19 (ASV)

A division therefore arose again. The advantage gained by Christ’s discourse was that it gained him some disciples. However, since his doctrine also has many adversaries, a division thus arises, so that those who formerly appeared to be one body of the Church are split into parties. For all unanimously professed that they worshipped the God of Abraham and complied with the Law of Moses; but now, when Christ comes forward, they begin to differ because of him.

If that profession had been sincere, Christ, who is the strongest bond of love and whose role it is to gather what is scattered, would not have broken up their agreement. But Christ, by the light of his Gospel, exposes the hypocrisy of many who, while they had nothing but a false and hypocritical pretense, boasted that they were the people of God.

Thus, the wickedness of many is still the reason why the Church is troubled by divisions, and why contentions are kindled. Yet those who disturb the peace throw the blame on us and call us Schismatics; for the principal charge which the Papists bring against us is that our doctrine has shaken the tranquility of the Church.

Yet the truth is that if they would yield submissively to Christ and give their support to the truth, all the disturbances would immediately be calmed. But when they utter murmurs and complaints against Christ, and will not allow us to be at peace on any other condition than that the truth of God is extinguished and Christ is banished from his kingdom, they have no right to accuse us of the crime of schism; for it is they themselves, as everyone sees, who should be charged with this crime.

We ought to be deeply grieved that the Church is torn by divisions arising among those who profess the same religion. However, it is better for some to separate themselves from the wicked to be united to Christ their Head, than for all to be of one mind in despising God. Consequently, when schisms arise, we ought to inquire who are those who revolt from God and from his pure doctrine.