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…

22 Whereas Luke reporteth that he was taught in all wisdom of the Egyptians, he putteth that in his commendation as a point of excellē city. Notwithstanding it might have so fallen out, as it doth oftentimes, that being puffed up with profane sciences, he might have despised the base common people: yet because god hath determined to redeem his people, ⟨p. 149⟩he doth in the mean season frame both the mind of Moses & all other things to finish his work. The reason of mans flesh should murmur in this place, Why doth God wink at so long miseries of the people? Why doth he suffer Pharaoh to rage more cruelly daily? Why doeth he not suffer Moses to grow up amongest his own people? Why doth he after a sort cut him off from the kindred of Israel, being adopted by the kings daughter? Why will he suffer him to remain amidst courtly pleasures, and doth not rather pull him thence? But the end it self is so wonderful, that we are enforced to confess, that all these things were governed by singular counsel and order, to set forth the glory of God. Whereas I said that Luke speaketh in this place of the learning of the Egyptians for honours sake, I would not have it so taken, as if there were in the same no corruption. Forasmuch as Astrology doth consider the wonderful workmanship of God, not only in the placing of the stars, & in such excellent variety, but also in their moving, force, and secrete offices, it is a science both profitable & worthy of praise. The Egyptians bestowed great study in this: but being not content with the simple order of nature, they wandered also in many foolish speculations, as did the Chaldeans. It is uncertain whether Moses were infected with these superstitions or no. Yet howsoever it be, we see how sincerely, & plainly he setteth that before us to be considered in the frame of the world, which is appertinent unto godliness. Surely this was excellent modesty in that he which could reason with learned and witty men of the secretes of nature, doth not only omit higher subtleties, but doeth also descend unto the common capacity of every most simple man, and doeth in a common style set forth unto men unlearned, those things which they perceive by experience. When Justine babbleth concerning Moses, he maketh him a Magician, which with juggling and enchantments made passage for the people through the read sea.

22 Whereas Luke reporteth that he was taught in all wisdome of the Egyptians, hee putteth that in his commendation as a point of excellē cie. Notwithstāding it might haue so falne out, as it doth oftentimes, that beeing puft vp with profane sciences, hee might haue despised the base commō people: yet because god hath determined to redeem his people,