What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Power of the Spirit: Sermons on Matthew, Mark & Luke
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 11, 2024
5 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
John Calvin
1,704 books541 followersFrench-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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 5, 2024
What were Calvin’s final meditations on Christ? In The Power of the Spirit, Banner of Truth presents John Calvin’s 18 sermons on the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Translated from the French of 1562 by Robert White, these sermons offer profound theological and spiritual reflection on the life and teachings of Christ, synthesizing the accounts of the gospels to present a compelling portrait of the Savior.
These sermons were the last Calvin preached on a New Testament text, marking the culmination of his ministry. They reveal not only his deep knowledge of Scripture but also his pastoral heart and commitment to proclaiming the gospel in a clear, accessible way.
Theological and Spiritual
Calvin’s approach to the gospels is theological and spiritual. He excels at explaining the deep things of God and revealing the realities of the spiritual world, while remaining firmly grounded in the text. He carefully examines the characters in the narratives, paying close attention to their actions and words, and often dwelling on the drama of the gospel story. Calvin highlights important lessons from Christ’s life and draw out significant theological implications.
A recurring theme throughout these sermons is the kingdom of God. Calvin speaks with clarity about the sovereignty of God and His rule and reign over all things, emphasizing that the coming of God’s kingdom. At the same time, Calvin passionately calls for repentance, challenging his listeners to recognize their need for salvation. He champions the free grace of Christ, and while he does not shy away from calling sinners “senseless rebels,” he also points to the hope of redemption found in Christ alone.
Faith and Salvation
Faith and Salvation are central to each sermon. One aspect of his preaching that stood out to me was his emphasis on baptism. Calvin encourages believers to take baptism seriously, understanding it not just as a ritual but as a sign of God’s covenantal grace. He calls Christians to stand guard over their souls, to be vigilant in their faith, and to remain steadfast in the promises of God.
As I read through these sermons, I gained a renewed appreciation for Calvin not only as a theologian but also as a pastor and preacher. His ability to blend theological depth with pastoral care is evident throughout the work, and these sermons offer a window into his heart as a shepherd of God’s people. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of Scripture or simply wish to hear the gospel proclaimed with clarity and conviction, The Power of the Spirit is a timeless resource that presents Calvin as a lover of Christ and his church.
I received a media copy of In the Power of the Spirit and this is my honest review.
These sermons were the last Calvin preached on a New Testament text, marking the culmination of his ministry. They reveal not only his deep knowledge of Scripture but also his pastoral heart and commitment to proclaiming the gospel in a clear, accessible way.
Theological and Spiritual
Calvin’s approach to the gospels is theological and spiritual. He excels at explaining the deep things of God and revealing the realities of the spiritual world, while remaining firmly grounded in the text. He carefully examines the characters in the narratives, paying close attention to their actions and words, and often dwelling on the drama of the gospel story. Calvin highlights important lessons from Christ’s life and draw out significant theological implications.
A recurring theme throughout these sermons is the kingdom of God. Calvin speaks with clarity about the sovereignty of God and His rule and reign over all things, emphasizing that the coming of God’s kingdom. At the same time, Calvin passionately calls for repentance, challenging his listeners to recognize their need for salvation. He champions the free grace of Christ, and while he does not shy away from calling sinners “senseless rebels,” he also points to the hope of redemption found in Christ alone.
Faith and Salvation
Faith and Salvation are central to each sermon. One aspect of his preaching that stood out to me was his emphasis on baptism. Calvin encourages believers to take baptism seriously, understanding it not just as a ritual but as a sign of God’s covenantal grace. He calls Christians to stand guard over their souls, to be vigilant in their faith, and to remain steadfast in the promises of God.
As I read through these sermons, I gained a renewed appreciation for Calvin not only as a theologian but also as a pastor and preacher. His ability to blend theological depth with pastoral care is evident throughout the work, and these sermons offer a window into his heart as a shepherd of God’s people. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of Scripture or simply wish to hear the gospel proclaimed with clarity and conviction, The Power of the Spirit is a timeless resource that presents Calvin as a lover of Christ and his church.
I received a media copy of In the Power of the Spirit and this is my honest review.
November 11, 2024
Here’s the third volume of Calvin’s sermons that survived on the Gospels. These sermons are truly captivating. Credit both Calvin for his sermon prowess and White for his exquisite translating skills. While reading you can so easily forget how old they are. If it wasn’t for a near obsession against “papists”, you’d forget these sermons weren’t new. I guess we’d better credit the timelessness of God’s Word as well.
Most people know John Calvin the theologian, maybe some John Calvin the commentator, but few John Calvin the preacher. Don’t expect a treatise on the theological system that bears his name here, but some sterling exposition. These sermons are dandies.
Preachers may love the sermons as they prepare their own, but I see another wonderful use of this book. I can’t imagine a better devotional read. The sermon “One Mightier Than I” was so piercing. I was thinking of doing one thing in my life professionally that wasn’t a sin or anything like that, but this sermon turned me around in my tracks. That is now off the table. Now that’s the kind of devotional reading I like—not those that just give you the warm fuzzies, but those that humble you.
I could go on and on as all of them are high quality . The ones that covered Jesus’ temptation were especially enlightening. Without a doubt, this is a volume that I will be returning to again in the future.
Of course it’s got the beauty and durability we have come to expect from Banner. I hope they keep translating and giving us these volumes. I’ll never stop asking for them to do Jonah, but maybe I’m the only one who wants that one.
This is a book that I feel blessed to own. I suspect you will feel the same way. 
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Most people know John Calvin the theologian, maybe some John Calvin the commentator, but few John Calvin the preacher. Don’t expect a treatise on the theological system that bears his name here, but some sterling exposition. These sermons are dandies.
Preachers may love the sermons as they prepare their own, but I see another wonderful use of this book. I can’t imagine a better devotional read. The sermon “One Mightier Than I” was so piercing. I was thinking of doing one thing in my life professionally that wasn’t a sin or anything like that, but this sermon turned me around in my tracks. That is now off the table. Now that’s the kind of devotional reading I like—not those that just give you the warm fuzzies, but those that humble you.
I could go on and on as all of them are high quality . The ones that covered Jesus’ temptation were especially enlightening. Without a doubt, this is a volume that I will be returning to again in the future.
Of course it’s got the beauty and durability we have come to expect from Banner. I hope they keep translating and giving us these volumes. I’ll never stop asking for them to do Jonah, but maybe I’m the only one who wants that one.
This is a book that I feel blessed to own. I suspect you will feel the same way. 
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 29, 2025
This book truly shows the shepherding side of John Calvin. We all know the theological side of Calvin through the Institutes, but what a blessing to see his work as a minister of the church and an expositional preacher for the flock in this small book.
Our church is currently working through the Gospel of Luke, so it was very interesting to see Calvin’s exposition of these verses, compared to how my pastor expounded them. Overall, I think this book can be good for study of the scriptures or used devotionally with daily bible reading.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
Our church is currently working through the Gospel of Luke, so it was very interesting to see Calvin’s exposition of these verses, compared to how my pastor expounded them. Overall, I think this book can be good for study of the scriptures or used devotionally with daily bible reading.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
December 29, 2025
Wonderful. The more Calvin sermons I read, the more I appreciate him. He clearly exposits the Scripture at hand and applies it so well to his hearers. His pastoral heart is so very clear throughout, whilst his tremendous grasp of Reformed theology is evident at various points also. I devoured this book in the final days of 2025. It has inspired me to maybe finally read Institutes as well as to push on and read more before the end of the year and into 2026. Highly recommended. Pick up and read!
January 17, 2025
Its fascinating to see how Calvin explores deep truths with such simplicity, plainness and clarity. I feel he maybe pushes the odd interpretation a smidgen too far, as he understandably seeks to counter-act the Popish follies of his day. All in all, an excellent read and very profitable for teaching and spiritual food.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews