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…

They catch at this word,¹ whereas Moses doth testify that the prophet shall be like unto him: whereas notwithstanding it is written that there arose none like unto Moses. I confess that there is in both places the same note of likeness, yet in a divers sense. For in the second place the likeness or equality is expressed, as it doth plainly appear. They catch also at another thing, that the prophet shall far excel Moses, of whom he beareth witness as a crier or herald. But this is never a whit stronger: because Moses goeth about to bring to pass, that the word of God may be believed by whomsoever it be brought.

They catch at this word,¹ whereas Moses doth testifie that the prophet shalbe like vnto him: wheras notwithstanding it is written that ther arose none like vnto Moses. I confesse that there is in both places the same note of likenes, yet in a diuers sense. For in the second place the likenes or equalitie is expressed, as it doth plainly appeare. They catch also at another thing, that the prophet shal far excel Moses, of whō he beareth witnes as a crier or harrold. But this is neuer a whit stronger: because Moses goeth about to bring to passe, that the word of God may be beleeued by whomsoeuer it be brought.

1. 1Deut. 18.15

Therefore there is no cause why we should set our selves to be laughed to scorn by the Jews, by wresting the words of Moses violently, as if he spake of Christ alone in this place. Yet must we see, whether Peter doth cite the testimony fitly, whose authority ought to serve for a sound reason. I say that in Peter his speech there is nothing which is not most convenient. For he saw that which all men ought to grant, that this testimony doth so appertain unto the other Prophets, that yet notwithstanding it doeth chiefly commend Christ, not only because that he is the prince and chief of all the Prophets, but because all other former prophesies were directed toward him, and because God did at length speak absolutely by his mouth. For God spake in divers manners, & at sundry times in times past, unto our fathers by the Prophets, he added the conclusion at length, in the last days, in his only begotten son. Therefore it came to pass, that they wanted prophets for a certain years before his coming: