"So when we see persecutions arising on all sides, let us not be surprised, and let us not be like those many who, if they could have a peaceful gospel, would be glad to vote for it. We are like birds on a branch surrounded by many dangers. We do not want to share in those troubles because we are accustomed to living comfortably in this world. We, like the birds, are unwilling to subject ourselves to unpleasant times if we can avoid them. And then we think that the condition of Christians seems to be the most unfortunate in the world because everyone hates us and rejects us. It is true that we, like the birds, consider all those disadvantages and are only too careful to examine the situation, but we do not take the long view and consider that the word of God has always been the target of the grudges and calumnies of the wicked and that it still does not lose its power to overcome all of Satan's subterfuges and schemes. Our Lord wants the good news about him to flourish in the midst of persecutions. Let us not be astonished by that, and let us not think that God is asleep if he is slow to act, but let us wait for the outcome and we will see that he is using Satan's schemes and his henchmen to increase his word and strengthen his church."
John Calvin, Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 1–7, (Banner of Truth, 2008), Sermon 9, The Preachers of the Gospel Persecuted, Sunday, 13 April 1550, Acts 4:1–14.
John Calvin, Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 1–7, (Banner of Truth, 2008), Sermon 9, The Preachers of the Gospel Persecuted, Sunday, 13 April 1550, Acts 4:1–14.
