John Chrysostom

"Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples?" What means, "Tempt ye God?" As if He had not power to save by faith. Consequently, it proceeds from a want of faith, this bringing in the Law. Then he shows that they themselves were nothing benefited by it, and he turns the whole stress of his speech against the Law, not against them, and so cuts short the accusation of them: "which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear." And he did not say, Why do ye disbelieve? …

Homily on Acts 32 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

What does "tempt God" mean? It means: "Why do you not believe God? As though God were not powerful enough to save a person through faith." To introduce the law is a sign of unbelief. It is known to all that the law was burdensome for the Israelites. The disciples acknowledged this too. And the Savior Himself pointed this out to us, saying: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

"why do you test God?" That is, why do you disbelieve God, as if what he says is not sufficient to save those who come to Him by faith? It should be noted that the difficult-to-accomplish precepts of the flesh need not be imposed on anyone, such as extreme fasting, or celibacy, or silence, unless someone prescribes these things for himself. For although they are difficult, they are not impossible, and yet they have been practiced by many. [AMMONIUS]

Commentary on Acts ↗

Bede

Now, therefore, why do you test God by placing a yoke on the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear. It is clear that it should be understood in many ways what is said: You shall not test the Lord your God (Matt. IV). Therefore, he tests God who attempts to serve and please him in a way other than he has commanded, who confides that he can keep his commandments without the help of his grace. …

Retractions on Acts ↗