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…

17 And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham the people increased, and was multiplied in Egypt. 18 Until another king arose which knew not Joseph. 19 This man dealt subtly with our kindred, he evil entreated our fathers, that they might cast out their infants, least they should be increased.

17 And when the time of the promise drew neere, which God had sworne to Abraham the people increased, and was multiplied in Egypt. 18 Vntill another king arose which knew not Ioseph. 19 This man dealt subtillie with our kinred, he euill intreated our fathers, that they might cast out their infants, least they should be increased.

17 Stephen passeth over unto the deliverance of the people, before which, went that innumerable issue, which had increased beyond the ordinary manner in no long space of time. Therefore he setteth down this as a singular gift of God: that the people was increased, to the end we may know that that came not to pass according to the common or wonted custom of nature. But on the other side god seemeth to take from the Jews all hope: because Pharaoh doth tyrannously afflict them, & their bondage groweth greater daily. And when as they are commanded to cast out their male infants, it seemeth that the destruction of the whole nation was present. There is another token of deliverance given, when Moses cometh abroad: but because he is by & by refused and enforced to fly into exile, there remaineth nothing but mere despair. The sum is this, that God being mindful of his promise, did increase the people in time, that he might perform that which he had sworn to Abraham: but the Jews (as they were unthankful & froward) did refuse the grace of god, so that they did what they could to shut up the way before themselves. Furthermore we must note the providence of God in this place, whiles that he doth so order the course of times, that his works have always their opportunity. But men who make hast disorderedly in their desires, cannot hope patiently & be at rest until such time as god showeth forth his hand: for this cause, because they take no heed to that moderation whereof I have spoken. And to the end god may exercise the faith of his children, so often as he appeareth with joyful tokens of grace, he setteth other things against those on the other side, which cut off suddenly the hope of salvation. For who would not have said of the Hebrews, that they were utterly undone, when as the kings commandment appointeth all the men children to be put to death? For which cause the meditating upon that doctrine is the most necessary for us, that god doth kill & restore to life: he leadeth unto hell and bringeth back again.