John Calvin Commentary Luke 9:55

"But he turned, and rebuked them." — Luke 9:55 (ASV)

You do not know of what spirit you are. By this reply He not only restrained the unbridled fury of the two disciples, but laid down a rule for all of us not to indulge our temper.

For whoever undertakes anything ought to be fully aware that he has the authority and guidance of the Spirit of God, and that he is moved by proper and holy dispositions.

Many will be impelled by the warmth of their zeal, but if the spirit of prudence is lacking, their outbursts end in foam. Frequently, too, it happens that the impure feelings of the flesh are mingled with their zeal, and that those who appear to be the keenest zealots for the glory of God are blinded by the private feelings of the flesh.

And therefore, unless our zeal is directed by the Spirit of God, it will be of no avail to plead on our behalf that we acted only from proper zeal.

But the Spirit Himself will guide us by wisdom and prudence, that we may do nothing contrary to our duty or beyond our calling—nothing, in short, except what is prudent and timely. And, by removing all the filth of the flesh, He may impart to our minds proper feelings, that we may desire nothing except what God suggests.

Christ also blames His disciples because, though they are far from the spirit of Elijah,⁵⁹² they rashly take it upon themselves to do what he did. For Elijah executed the judgment of God, which had been committed to him by the Spirit; but they rush to vengeance, not by the command of God, but by the movement of the flesh.

Therefore, the examples of the saints are no defense for us, unless the same Spirit who directed them dwells in us.

⁵⁹² “De l’esprit et affection d’Elie;” — “from the spirit and disposition of Elijah.”;” — “from the spirit and disposition of Elijah.”