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Behold My Servant: Sermons on Isaiah 52:13-53:12
- GenresTheology
135 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
John Calvin
1,697 books540 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.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 19, 2025
It’s amazing how many volumes Banner of Truth has given us of Calvin sermons in new translations. When Calvin gets freshly translated, you can see easily what a spectacular expository preacher he was. I know it’s debatable to say, but I think it’s his best gift. In any event, this book of sermons on Isaiah 53 continues that tradition of great sermons that I have enjoyed in previous volumes.
This collection of sermons has long been highly valued. It’s been printed several times, and as the Introduction shows, has received English translation a few times too. Those translations are already a bit stale, so this volume is welcomed.
Perhaps this set of sermons by Calvin is, if you can believe it, even more on themes of Soteriology than some of the others I’ve encountered. Credit Isaiah 52:13-53:12 as the reason. That exquisite picture of our suffering Savior naturally leads to those great theological themes.
This may sound odd, or maybe it’s just me, but I thought the sermons got better as they went. Let’s call it building to a crescendo. I know many have access to Calvin’s commentary on Isaiah, but this a different resource entirely. I vote for using them both.
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.
This collection of sermons has long been highly valued. It’s been printed several times, and as the Introduction shows, has received English translation a few times too. Those translations are already a bit stale, so this volume is welcomed.
Perhaps this set of sermons by Calvin is, if you can believe it, even more on themes of Soteriology than some of the others I’ve encountered. Credit Isaiah 52:13-53:12 as the reason. That exquisite picture of our suffering Savior naturally leads to those great theological themes.
This may sound odd, or maybe it’s just me, but I thought the sermons got better as they went. Let’s call it building to a crescendo. I know many have access to Calvin’s commentary on Isaiah, but this a different resource entirely. I vote for using them both.
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.
September 28, 2025
Summary: Seven sermons by John Calvin on Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth “Servant Song” emphasizing his death for the sins of many.
Within the book of Isaiah, there are four passages speaking of “my servant,” often called the “Servant Songs.” They are among my favorite texts in Isaiah, having heard or read several expositions of these passages (and given a set myself!). They build up to the pinnacle of the last and most memorable of these, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, beginning with the words, “Behold My Servant.” While there have been many speculations about the identity of the servant (Israel? Cyrus?) most Christians believe that somehow Isaiah had a sneak peak at the life, death, and vindication of Jesus.
That was certainly John Calvin’s thinking. From Robert White’s introduction, we learn that Calvin preached daily. On Sundays, he usually preached from the New Testament or Psalms. On alternate weeks, he preached from Old Testament books. The seven sermons in this book were preached on Saturday, June 18 and Monday June 27 through Saturday July 2, 1558.
Before going on, I want to say a note about those hesitant of reading Calvin. Many fear he is too intellectual or obscure. Far from it! I spent a summer reading The Institutes, which was both intellectually and devotionally one of the richest reading experiences of my life. Calvin has both the razor sharp mind of the lawyer and a devotional warmth of one who is passionately caught up in what he writes. But read him in a good translation!
This is a good translation. And one of the first things I noticed is the directness with which Calvin addresses his listeners. For example, on Isaiah 53:4-6, writing on “by his wounds we are healed,” he pleads,
“Accordingly, let us learn to come to this source and fountainhead, so that we may draw from him all that we lack, Our Lord Jesus Christ has sufficient to satisfy all of us. We should not fear that the fullness of grace which he possess will ever run dry; he will give us his part and portion to each one who comes seeking it in him. Let us come boldly, then to our Lord Jesus Christ” (p. 53).
The sermons unfold the text as follows:
The Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:1)
The Rock of Offense (Isaiah 53:1-4)
Stricken for Our Iniquities (Isaiah 53:4-6)
A Lamb to the Slaughter (Isaiah 53:7-8)
Seed for Many Generations (Isaiah 53:9-10)
The Travail of His Soul (Isaiah 53:11)
Our Advocate and Intercessor (Isaiah 53:12)
Calvin portrays the suffering of the Servant Jesus, that he was despised, knew grief, physical and mental anguish. Beyond this, he unfolds what the text reveals of the Servant’s mission is that necessitates this suffering. Specifically, sermon by sermon, he elaborates the Servant’s atoning sacrifice. He sprinkles us with his blood. He bears our weaknesses and sorrows as one stricken by God. And he bears our iniquities. We glimpse the scope of his saving mission. Finally, throughout these sermons, Calvin invites us to ‘come to Jesus Christ” — in humility, and continuing gratitude and trust.
In addition to the rich, substantive expositions of Isaiah’s text, Calvin concludes each sermon with a prayer. I found it a blessing to pray these aloud, agreeing with my brother across nearly 500 years. These sum up his theme for each text and lead us to appropriate the truth found within.
Another feature I would note is Robert White’s Introduction. Not only does he set the sermons in historical context. He also introduces key themes the reader will encounter. All in all, I would highly commend this series of messages, which whet my appetite to read more of Calvin’s sermons.
_______________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
Within the book of Isaiah, there are four passages speaking of “my servant,” often called the “Servant Songs.” They are among my favorite texts in Isaiah, having heard or read several expositions of these passages (and given a set myself!). They build up to the pinnacle of the last and most memorable of these, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, beginning with the words, “Behold My Servant.” While there have been many speculations about the identity of the servant (Israel? Cyrus?) most Christians believe that somehow Isaiah had a sneak peak at the life, death, and vindication of Jesus.
That was certainly John Calvin’s thinking. From Robert White’s introduction, we learn that Calvin preached daily. On Sundays, he usually preached from the New Testament or Psalms. On alternate weeks, he preached from Old Testament books. The seven sermons in this book were preached on Saturday, June 18 and Monday June 27 through Saturday July 2, 1558.
Before going on, I want to say a note about those hesitant of reading Calvin. Many fear he is too intellectual or obscure. Far from it! I spent a summer reading The Institutes, which was both intellectually and devotionally one of the richest reading experiences of my life. Calvin has both the razor sharp mind of the lawyer and a devotional warmth of one who is passionately caught up in what he writes. But read him in a good translation!
This is a good translation. And one of the first things I noticed is the directness with which Calvin addresses his listeners. For example, on Isaiah 53:4-6, writing on “by his wounds we are healed,” he pleads,
“Accordingly, let us learn to come to this source and fountainhead, so that we may draw from him all that we lack, Our Lord Jesus Christ has sufficient to satisfy all of us. We should not fear that the fullness of grace which he possess will ever run dry; he will give us his part and portion to each one who comes seeking it in him. Let us come boldly, then to our Lord Jesus Christ” (p. 53).
The sermons unfold the text as follows:
The Servant of the Lord (Isaiah 52:13-53:1)
The Rock of Offense (Isaiah 53:1-4)
Stricken for Our Iniquities (Isaiah 53:4-6)
A Lamb to the Slaughter (Isaiah 53:7-8)
Seed for Many Generations (Isaiah 53:9-10)
The Travail of His Soul (Isaiah 53:11)
Our Advocate and Intercessor (Isaiah 53:12)
Calvin portrays the suffering of the Servant Jesus, that he was despised, knew grief, physical and mental anguish. Beyond this, he unfolds what the text reveals of the Servant’s mission is that necessitates this suffering. Specifically, sermon by sermon, he elaborates the Servant’s atoning sacrifice. He sprinkles us with his blood. He bears our weaknesses and sorrows as one stricken by God. And he bears our iniquities. We glimpse the scope of his saving mission. Finally, throughout these sermons, Calvin invites us to ‘come to Jesus Christ” — in humility, and continuing gratitude and trust.
In addition to the rich, substantive expositions of Isaiah’s text, Calvin concludes each sermon with a prayer. I found it a blessing to pray these aloud, agreeing with my brother across nearly 500 years. These sum up his theme for each text and lead us to appropriate the truth found within.
Another feature I would note is Robert White’s Introduction. Not only does he set the sermons in historical context. He also introduces key themes the reader will encounter. All in all, I would highly commend this series of messages, which whet my appetite to read more of Calvin’s sermons.
_______________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
July 23, 2025
In Behold My Servant, Banner of Truth presents John Calvin's sermons on Isaiah 52:13–53:12. Translated from the original French by Robert White, this collection is a powerful exposition on one of the most stunning passages in Scripture.
Christ the Small Shoot
I was most moved to read how Jesus was described as a small shoot, a root springing from dry ground. Calvin says that although Christ was insignificant, God caused Him to grow. He increased and flowered in all His glory. Christ was a small shoot, but grew up to give shade to the whole world. Calvin goes on to explain that the dry ground correlates to people asking, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Don’t we know how He was raised? And what school did He learn at to become so great a teacher?” Like the growth of Christ, I saw the growth and spread of the gospel and the plans of God to be unstoppable.
I found this book to be encouraging. When Christ is not esteemed, Christians should remember that we will be treated the same. But we can also trust that God will, in the end, exalt His Son and make us victorious.
The Paradox of the Cross
I saw the paradox of how God could say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased—listen to Him,” yet also afflict Him for our transgressions. It’s a holy and heavy thought—yet we can be sure that He will pardon our sins and welcome us as His beloved children, since our curse was ended on the cross.
I was especially interested to read how we could use silence to give God glory. Calvin says that God’s Son showed silence, as a lamb led to slaughter, who did not open His mouth. In the same way, we can hold our tongues when we are being mistreated, but also when we are being tested by God. This does not mean we do not pray—rather, it means we do not protest. Calvin turns the tables in an incredible way by saying that now Christ’s mouth is always open, being ever ready to intercede in order to remedy all the offenses we have committed.
Marvel at the Messiah
Those interested in Calvin will want to check out this volume for his brilliance on a standout section of Scripture. Those new to Calvin will see the great Reformer as a pastor, and one who sees the beauty of his Savior. All will wonder at the grace of God, behold the mystery of the cross, and marvel at the Messiah—the Suffering Servant of the Lord.
I received a media copy of Behold My Servant and this is my honest review
Christ the Small Shoot
I was most moved to read how Jesus was described as a small shoot, a root springing from dry ground. Calvin says that although Christ was insignificant, God caused Him to grow. He increased and flowered in all His glory. Christ was a small shoot, but grew up to give shade to the whole world. Calvin goes on to explain that the dry ground correlates to people asking, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Don’t we know how He was raised? And what school did He learn at to become so great a teacher?” Like the growth of Christ, I saw the growth and spread of the gospel and the plans of God to be unstoppable.
I found this book to be encouraging. When Christ is not esteemed, Christians should remember that we will be treated the same. But we can also trust that God will, in the end, exalt His Son and make us victorious.
The Paradox of the Cross
I saw the paradox of how God could say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased—listen to Him,” yet also afflict Him for our transgressions. It’s a holy and heavy thought—yet we can be sure that He will pardon our sins and welcome us as His beloved children, since our curse was ended on the cross.
I was especially interested to read how we could use silence to give God glory. Calvin says that God’s Son showed silence, as a lamb led to slaughter, who did not open His mouth. In the same way, we can hold our tongues when we are being mistreated, but also when we are being tested by God. This does not mean we do not pray—rather, it means we do not protest. Calvin turns the tables in an incredible way by saying that now Christ’s mouth is always open, being ever ready to intercede in order to remedy all the offenses we have committed.
Marvel at the Messiah
Those interested in Calvin will want to check out this volume for his brilliance on a standout section of Scripture. Those new to Calvin will see the great Reformer as a pastor, and one who sees the beauty of his Savior. All will wonder at the grace of God, behold the mystery of the cross, and marvel at the Messiah—the Suffering Servant of the Lord.
I received a media copy of Behold My Servant and this is my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
Banner of Truth was kind enough to provide me a copy of their latest publication of Calvin's sermons for review.
The present review consists of three parts: Aesthetics, Content, and Translator.
Regarding aesthetics, this little book is gorgeous. The dust jacket is well-designed. The cover itself looks really nice on the shelf. The type and format is very easy on the eyes. This is about what you'd expect from a Banner of Truth hardcover, and I mean that as a very high compliment.
The content of this book is wonderful. As a general rule, you should read the introduction of books. Robert White's introduction here is especially helpful, giving the reader good background on Calvin's preaching in general, the history of his sermons on Isaiah in particular, and the theology of these specific sermons on Isaiah. Once you get past the introduction and into Calvin himself, it just keeps getting better and better. Calvin was a brilliant theologian and exegete of scripture, but he was also a faithful pastor. Most people are familiar with the former but not the latter. This book is one of a growing body of work that seeks to change this unfamiliarity. It's truly a wonderful and edifying read!
Much could be said about the translator, Robert White. I can't comment on the quality of the translation, as I don't know French. What's beyond doubt for me, however, is that White is quickly asserting himself (rightly so) as one of the greats of Calvin scholarship, up there with names like Henry Beveridge and Ford Lewis Battles. Whereas Beveridge and Battles made great contributions in translating Calvin's theological works, White has had a unique impact in his overwhelming (though not exclusive) focus on Calvin's sermons. I commend White for his contributions, and I truly believe he will go down as one of the greats.
In short, this volume is well worth the investment. It's a wonderful blend of theological rigor, pastoral piety, and Christological clarity.
The present review consists of three parts: Aesthetics, Content, and Translator.
Regarding aesthetics, this little book is gorgeous. The dust jacket is well-designed. The cover itself looks really nice on the shelf. The type and format is very easy on the eyes. This is about what you'd expect from a Banner of Truth hardcover, and I mean that as a very high compliment.
The content of this book is wonderful. As a general rule, you should read the introduction of books. Robert White's introduction here is especially helpful, giving the reader good background on Calvin's preaching in general, the history of his sermons on Isaiah in particular, and the theology of these specific sermons on Isaiah. Once you get past the introduction and into Calvin himself, it just keeps getting better and better. Calvin was a brilliant theologian and exegete of scripture, but he was also a faithful pastor. Most people are familiar with the former but not the latter. This book is one of a growing body of work that seeks to change this unfamiliarity. It's truly a wonderful and edifying read!
Much could be said about the translator, Robert White. I can't comment on the quality of the translation, as I don't know French. What's beyond doubt for me, however, is that White is quickly asserting himself (rightly so) as one of the greats of Calvin scholarship, up there with names like Henry Beveridge and Ford Lewis Battles. Whereas Beveridge and Battles made great contributions in translating Calvin's theological works, White has had a unique impact in his overwhelming (though not exclusive) focus on Calvin's sermons. I commend White for his contributions, and I truly believe he will go down as one of the greats.
In short, this volume is well worth the investment. It's a wonderful blend of theological rigor, pastoral piety, and Christological clarity.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews