Calvin's Commentary, Vol. 5: Psalms 36-92

by John Calvin

B&R Samizdat Express Edition with active table of contents.This is a collection of Calvin's Commentaries -- a large collection, about four times the size of a typical novel. The Institutes is a separate book, which we also sell for the Kindle.According to "John Calvin (né Jean Cauvin; 10 July 1509 – 27 May 1564) was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he suddenly converted and broke from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1520s. After a violent uprising against Protestants in France, he was forced to flee to Basel, Switzerland, where in 1536 he published the first edition of his seminal work, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin was invited by William Farel to help reform the church in Geneva. However, the city council resisted the implementation of Calvin and Farel's ideas and both were expelled. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg where he became the minister of a church of French refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and was eventually invited back to lead its church. Following his return he introduced new forms of church government and liturgy, despite the opposition of several powerful families in the city who tried to curb his authority. During this period, Michael Servetus, a Spaniard known for his heretical views, arrived in Geneva. He was denounced by Calvin and executed by the city council. Following an influx of supportive refugees and new elections to the council, Calvin's opponents were forced out. He spent his final years promoting the Reformation both within Geneva and throughout Europe."

Genres: Reference, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Church History

506 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

French-Swiss theologian John Calvin broke with the Roman Catholic Church in 1533 and as Protestant set forth his tenets, known today, in Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536).

The religious doctrines of John Calvin emphasize the omnipotence of God, whose grace alone saves the elect.

* Jehan Cauvin
* Iohannes Calvinus (Latin)
* Jean Calvin (French)

Originally trained as a humanist lawyer around 1530, he went on to serve as a principal figure in the Reformation. He developed the system later called Calvinism.

After tensions provoked a violent uprising, Calvin fled to Basel and published the first edition of his seminal work. In that year of 1536, William Farel invited Calvin to help reform in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of ideas of Calvin and Farel and expelled both men. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg as the minister of refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and people eventually invited him back to lead. Following return, he introduced new forms of government and liturgy. Following an influx of supportive refugees, new elections to the city council forced out opponents of Calvin. Calvin spent his final years, promoting the Reformation in Geneva and throughout Europe.

Calvin tirelessly wrote polemics and apologia. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition, he wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible as well as treatises and confessional documents and regularly gave sermons throughout the week in Geneva. The Augustinian tradition influenced and led Calvin to expound the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

Calvin's writing and preaching provided the seeds for the branch of Protestantism that bears his name. His views live on chiefly in Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, which have spread throughout the world. Calvin's thought exerted considerable influence over major figures and entire movements, such as Puritanism, and some scholars argue that his ideas contributed to the rise of capitalism, individualism, and representative democracy in the west.

Reviews

[Phillip Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After experiencing some church difficulties, I thought I needed to make sure that my theology was not the problem. So, being a Protestant, I looked to history for guidance and settled on Calvin because of his contributions to Protestantism. I took a couple of years and read Calvin's Commentaries as a personal devotion. I have never been the same and heartily recommend Calvin to all Christians.

Not only does reading Calvin provide an education in Christianity, but the quality of his language provides an education in literature.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come read commentaries written by one of the greatest exegetes of the Reformation! His clarity, orthodoxy, and love for the Lord all make these a great addition to any library!

[Aaron Jackson]

Reading as needed.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if it is fair to say that one has actually "read" Calvin's Commentaries (22 volumes!). However I think it safe to say that I have extensively referenced these commentaries - the crown jewel of commentaries - many times over the past 30 years. John Calvin's Biblical wisdom and sagacity are to be compared to none, in my humble opinion. The church of Christ has certainly been blessed by these works over the centuries.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My "go-to" commentary. I'm rarely disappointed when reading an entry, although sometimes the sections are hard to find--especially the volumes where multiple books are harmonized.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are reading through the harmony of the evangelists at present. Very readable; very edifying.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The depth of his understanding of the Scriptures was phenomenal! I use this set regularly in my sermon preparation.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Dates:

Galatians: ~2006; April 2019

1 Timothy: October 2014

John: July 2023

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calvin is excellent. Really. A more thoughtful, careful, pastoral commentary cannot be found.

[Clara]

Only used for studying 1 John. What a delight.