John Calvin Commentary Luke 1:38

"And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." — Luke 1:38 (ASV)

Behold the handmaid of the Lord. The holy virgin does not allow herself to dispute any further. And yet, many things might unquestionably have presented themselves to suppress that faith, and even to distract her from what was said to her by the angel.

But she blocks opposing arguments and compels herself to obey. This is the real proof of faith: when we restrain our minds and, as it were, hold them captive, so that they dare not raise objections to God. For boldness in disputing, on the other hand, is the mother of unbelief.

These are weighty expressions, Behold the handmaid of the Lord: for she gives and devotes herself unreservedly to God, that he may freely dispose of her according to his pleasure. Unbelievers withdraw from his hand and, as much as they can, obstruct his work. But faith presents us before God, ready to yield obedience.

But if the holy virgin was the handmaid of the Lord because she submitted herself to his authority, there cannot be worse obstinacy than to flee from him and to refuse the obedience which he deserves and requires. In a word, as faith alone makes us obedient servants to God and gives us up to his power, so unbelief makes us rebels and deserters.

Be it unto me. This clause may be interpreted in two ways. Either the holy virgin, leaving her former subject,³³ suddenly turns to prayers and supplications; or, she continues in the same manner³⁴ to yield and surrender herself to God.

I interpret it simply that she is convinced of the power of God, cheerfully follows where he calls, trusts also in his promise, and not only expects but eagerly desires its accomplishment.

[We must also observe that she is convinced by the angel's word because she knows it came from God, valuing its credibility not in reference to him who was its messenger, but in reference to him who was its author.³⁵]

³³ “Laissant son premier propos.”.”

³⁴ “Uno contextu.” — “.” — “En continuant le fil de son propos.”.”

³⁵ “Il faut aussi noter qu'elle s'asseure sur la parole de l'Ange, par ce qu'elle sait qu'elle est procedee de Dieu: pesant la dignite d'icelle non a cause de celuy qui en estoit le messager, mais a cause de celui qui en estoit l'autheur.”.”