John Calvin Commentary Acts 7:17

"But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt," — Acts 7:17 (ASV)

Stephen moves on to the deliverance of the people, which was preceded by their innumerable offspring, who had increased in number beyond the ordinary manner in a short period. Therefore, he presents this as a unique gift of God, so that we may know that this did not happen according to the common or usual custom of nature.

But, on the other hand, God seems to take all hope from the Jews, because Pharaoh tyrannically afflicts them, and their bondage grows greater daily. And when they are commanded to cast out their male infants, it seems that the destruction of the whole nation was imminent. Another sign of deliverance is given when Moses appears; but because he is soon after refused and forced to flee into exile, nothing but sheer despair remains.

In summary, God, remembering His promise, increased the people in due time so that He might perform what He had sworn to Abraham. But the Jews (being unthankful and rebellious) refused the grace of God, so that they did what they could to block their own path.

Furthermore, we must note the providence of God at this point: He so orders the course of time that His works always have their opportune moment.

But people who are impulsively hasty in their desires cannot wait patiently and be at peace until God reveals His hand. This is because they pay no attention to that moderation of which I have spoken.

And so that God may test the faith of His children, whenever He appears with joyful signs of grace, He also introduces opposing circumstances that suddenly cut off the hope of salvation.

For who would not have said of the Hebrews that they were completely ruined when the king’s commandment ordered all the male children to be put to death?

For this reason, meditating on that doctrine is especially necessary for us: that God kills and restores to life; He leads down to hell and brings back again.