The commentaries of M. John Calvin upon the Acts of the Apostles, faithfully translated…The commentaries of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the Actes of the Apostles, faithfully translated…

16 Was sore grieved. Though Paul whither soever he came did stoutly execute that function of teaching which he knew was enjoined him: yet Luke showeth that he was more incensed and moved at Athens, because ⟨p. 418⟩he saw idolatry reign more there then in any other place for the most part. The whole world was then full of Idols: the pure worship of God could be found no where: and there were every where innumerable monsters of superstitions, but Satan had made the City of Athens more mad than any other City, so that the people thereof were carried headlong with greater madness unto their wicked & perverse rites. And this example is worth the noting that the City which was the mansion house of wisdom, the fountain of all arts, the mother of humanity, did exceed all other in blindness and madness. We know with what commendations witty and learned men did set forth the same, and she had conceived so great good liking of her self that she counted those rude whom she had not polished. But the holy Ghost condemning the whole world of ignorance and blockishness, saith that those masters of liberal sciences were bewitched with an unwonted madness. Whence we gather what mans wit can do in matters which concern God. Neither need we doubt of this but that the Lord suffered the men of Athens to fall into extreme madness, that all the world might learn by them, and that they might teach all ages that the foresight and wit of mans mind being holpen with learning and instruction doeth altogether dote and is mere foolishness when it cometh to the kingdom of God. They had undoubtedly their cloaks and colours wherewith they did excuse their worshippings how preposterous and corrupt so ever they were. And yet notwithstanding it is certain that they did not only deceive men with childish and frivolous toys, but that they themselves were deluded shamefully with gross and filthy jugglings, as if they were deprived of common sense & were altogether blockish and brutish. And as we learn what manner religion proceedeth from mans understanding, and that mans wisdom is nothing else but a shop of all errors: so we may know that the men of Athens being drunk with their own pride, did err more filthily than the rest. The antiquity, the pleasantness and beauty of the City did puff them up, so that they did boast that the Gods, came thence.

16 Was sore grieued. Though Paul whither soeuer he came did stoutly execute that function of teaching which he knewe was inioyned him: yet Luke sheweth that he was more incensed and moued at Athens, because