18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.



Ver. 18. Certain philosophers, &c.] The deep theorems of philosophy (said King James) make one learned, but seldom better, and oftentimes worse, mere atheists. There is an Arabic proverb, Cum errat eruditus, errat errore erudito. When a learned man goes astray, he goes astray by learned deception. And Indocti rapiunt caelum, The unlearned are snatched off to heaven, saith Aug. Melior est humilis rusticus qui Deo servit, quam superbus Philosophus, &c., Better is the lowly peasent obeys God than the proud philospher, said a devout Dominican. (Erpen. Cent. 2 Pro_28:6)



What will this babbler say?] Seminilega, óðåñìïëïãïò , by a metaphor from little birds, that yield neither good meat nor good music, but only pick up grain, and live by other men’s labours. Master Rogers (our late proto-martyr) interpreteth it a prater, trifler, news-carrier, that tells whatsoever men will have him for gain; that will for a piece of bread say what you will have him.



A setter forth of strange gods] Rogers renders it, a preacher of new devils.



Jesus and the resurrection] Anastasis, or the resurrection, they took for some new goddess, saith Œcumenius.