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…

19 Who used curious crafts. Luke doeth not only speak of magical jugglings, but of frivolous and vain studies, whereof the more part of men is for the most part too desirous. For he useth the word perierga: under which the Grecians comprehend whatsoever things have in themselves no sound commodity: but lead mens minds and studies ⟨p. 465⟩through diverse crooks unprofitably. Such is judicial Astrology, as they call it, and whatsoever divinations men invent to themselves against the time to come. They burn their books that they may cut off all occasion of erring both for themselves and for others. And whereas the greatness of the price doeth not call them back from endamaging themselves so much, they do thereby better declare the study of their godliness. Therefore as Luke did of late describe their confession in words, so now he setteth down the confession they make in deeds. But because the Grecians take argurion for all kind of money, it is uncertain whether Luke doth speak of pence or sestertians. Notwithstanding because it is certain, that he expressed a sum that we might know that the faithful did valiantly contemn gaine•; I do nothing doubt but that he meaneth pence or some other better kind of coin. And fifty thousand peace, make about nine thousand pound of french money.

19 Who vsed curious crafts. Luke doeth not onely speake of magicall iuglings, but of friuolous and vaine studies, whereof the more part of men is for the most part too desirous. For hee vseth the word perierga: vnder which the Grecians comprehende whatsoeuer thinges haue in themselues no sound commoditie: but lead mens mindes and studies ⟨p. 465⟩through diuerse crookes vnprofitablie. Such is iudiciall Astrologie, as they call it, and whatsoeuer diuinations men inuent to themselues against the time to come. They burne their bookes that they may cut off all occasion of erring both for themselues and for others. And whereas the greatnes of the price doeth not call them backe from indamaging themselues so much, they doe thereby better declare the studie of their godlines. Therfore as Luke did of late describe their confession in words, so now he setteth downe the confession they make in deeds. But because the Grecians take argurion for all kinde of money, it is vncertaine whether Luke doth speake of pence or sestertians. Notwithstanding because it is certaine, that he expressed a summe that we might knowe that the faithfull did valiantly contemne gaine; I doe nothing doubt but that hee meaneth pence or some other better kinde of coyne. And fiftie thousande peace, make about nine thousande pounde of french money.