On Idolatry — Chapter 9

1

“Ars” in Latin is very generally used to mean “a scientific art.” [See Titus iii. 14. English margin.]

2

See Eph. v. 11, 12, and similar passages.

3

i.e., by naming the stars after them.

4

Comp. chap. iv., and the references there given. The idea seems founded on an ancient reading found in the Codex Alexandrinus of the LXX. in Gen. vi. 2, “angels of God,” for “sons of God.”

5

See Tac. Ann. ii. 31, etc. (Oehler.)

6

See Matt. ii.

7

Because the names of the heathen divinities, which used to be given to the stars, were in many cases only names of dead men deified.

8

Or, heathenish.

9

Or, sect.

10

See Ex. vii., viii., and comp. 2 Tim. iii. 8.

11

See Acts viii. 9–24.

12

See Acts xiii. 6–11.

13

1 Cor. i. 20.

14

See Acts viii. 21.

15

See 1 Cor. vii. 31, “They that use this world as not abusing it.” The astrologer abuses the heavens by putting the heavenly bodies to a sinful use.

Chapter 9

Chapter IX.—Professions of Some Kinds Allied to Idolatry. Of Astrology in Particular.

Notes