John Calvin Commentary John 5:46

"For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me." — John 5:46 (ASV)

For if you believed Moses, you would also believe me. He shows why Moses will be their accuser. It is because they do not reject his doctrine. We know that it is impossible to offer a greater insult to the servants of God than when their doctrine is despised or reproached.

Besides, those whom the Lord has appointed to be ministers of his word ought to be ready to defend it against those who despise it; and therefore, he gave to all his prophets a twofold commission: to teach and instruct for the salvation of believers, and, one day, to confound the reprobate by their testimony.

For he wrote concerning me. When Christ says that Moses wrote concerning him, this needs no lengthy proof for those who acknowledge that Christ is the end and soul of the Law. But if anyone is not satisfied with this, and desires to have the passages pointed out to him, I would advise him, first, to read carefully the Epistle to the Hebrews, with which Stephen’s sermon in Acts of the Apostles 7 also agrees; and, next, to observe the quotations that Paul applies to his purpose.

I acknowledge, indeed, that there are few instances in which Moses expressly mentions Christ; but what was the use of the tabernacle, the sacrifices, and all the ceremonies, but to be figures drawn in conformity with that first pattern which was showed to him in the mountain? (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5)

Thus, without Christ, the whole ministry of Moses vanishes. Again, we see how he continually reminds the people of the covenant of the Fathers, which had been ratified in Christ, and even how he makes Christ the principal subject and foundation of the covenant. Nor was this unknown to the holy Fathers, who always had their eyes fixed on the Mediator. To treat the subject more extensively would be inconsistent with the brevity at which I aim.