the Third Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Calvin's Commentary on the Bible Calvin's Commentary
Old Testament
The creation, humanity's fall, the flood, and God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Exodus
Israel's escape from Egypt, receiving the Law, and covenant formation at Mount Sinai. Leviticus
Laws on sacrifices, purity, and holiness, guiding Israel's worship and community life. Numbers
Israel's wilderness journey, census data, and preparations for entering the Promised Land. Deuteronomy
Moses' final speeches reiterating the Law and renewing Israel's covenant before entering Canaan. Joshua
Israel's conquest, division of Canaan, and Joshua's leadership in settling the Promised Land. Psalms
A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise to God. Isaiah
Prophecies of judgment and redemption, foretelling the Messiah's coming and Israel's restoration. Jeremiah
Warnings of Jerusalem's destruction, calls for repentance, and promises of a new covenant. Lamentations
Poems mourning Jerusalem's destruction and expressing deep sorrow, yet hope in God's mercy. Ezekiel
Visions and prophecies of Jerusalem's fall, Israel's restoration, and a future temple. Daniel
Stories of faithfulness in exile and visions of future kingdoms and God's ultimate victory. Hosea
A prophet's marriage symbolizes God's steadfast love for unfaithful Israel, calling for repentance. Joel
Prophecies of a locust plague, judgment, and the outpouring of God's Spirit. Amos
A call for social justice, condemning Israel's complacency and predicting divine judgment. Obadiah
Prophecy against Edom for its betrayal of Israel, foretelling its destruction. Jonah
A reluctant prophet's mission to Nineveh, highlighting God's mercy towards repentance. Micah
Warnings of judgment, calls for justice, and prophecies of a future ruler from Bethlehem. Nahum
The impending fall of Nineveh as God's judgment against Assyrian cruelty. Habakkuk
A prophet questions God's justice, leading to a vision of divine sovereignty and faith. Zephaniah
Prophecies of judgment on Judah and surrounding nations, with promises of restoration. Haggai
Encouragement to rebuild the temple after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's presence. Zechariah
Visions and prophecies encouraging the returned exiles, foretelling the Messiah's coming. Malachi
A call to covenant faithfulness, addressing Israel's spiritual apathy, and predicting Elijah's return.
New Testament
Jesus' life, teachings, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the Messiah. Mark
A fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on his actions and sacrificial death. Luke
Jesus' life, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and the universal scope of salvation. John
Theological reflections on Jesus as the Word of God, focusing on his divine nature and mission. Acts
The early church's growth, the apostles' ministry, and the spread of the Gospel. Romans
A theological treatise on salvation, grace, faith, and righteousness through Jesus Christ for all. 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions, immorality, and spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians
Paul's defense of his apostleship, his sufferings, and the power of God's grace. Galatians
Paul's defense of the Gospel of grace against legalism, emphasizing faith in Christ alone. Ephesians
Paul's teachings on the church's unity, spiritual blessings in Christ, and Christian conduct. Philippians
A letter of joy and encouragement, urging humility and faithfulness amid persecution. Colossians
Paul's emphasis on Christ's supremacy and warnings against false teachings. 1 Thessalonians
Encouragement to a young church, with teachings on holiness and Christ's return. 2 Thessalonians
Clarifications about Christ's return and exhortations to stand firm in faith. 1 Timothy
Guidance for church leadership, sound teaching, moral conduct, and defending the truth of the gospel. 2 Timothy
Paul's final exhortations to Timothy, emphasizing perseverance and faithfulness. Titus
Instructions for establishing order in the church, promoting sound doctrine, and living with integrity. Philemon
A personal appeal for the forgiveness and restoration of a runaway slave, Onesimus. Hebrews
An insightful look at Christ's supremacy, priesthood, and the fulfillment of prophecies. James
Practical wisdom on living out one's faith through good works and righteous behavior. 1 Peter
Encouragement for suffering Christians to remain faithful and hopeful in their trials. 2 Peter
A reminder to grow in faith, resist false teachings, and remain steadfast awaiting His return. 1 John
Teachings on love, obedience, and assurance of salvation through fellowship with God. Jude
A strong warning against false teachers and a passionate call to defend the faith and uphold the truth.
Author's Biography
John Calvin
John Calvin, a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism, was born on July 10, 1509, in Noyon, Picardy, France. Educated initially for a career in the Church at the University of Paris, Calvin's intellectual journey took a decisive turn towards Reformation principles in the early 1530s, leading him to break with the Roman Catholic Church.
In 1536, Calvin published the first edition of his seminal work, the "Institutes of the Christian Religion," a comprehensive exposition of Protestant theology. His writing profoundly influenced the direction of the Protestant Reformation, articulating core tenets such as the sovereignty of God in salvation and the concept of predestination. The "Institutes" would go through several editions, each more extensive than the last, reflecting Calvin's evolving theological thought and the maturation of the Reformation movement.
Calvin's impact extended far beyond his writings. In 1536, he was persuaded to stay in Geneva, where he played a significant role in transforming the city into a model of Protestant morality and discipline. His efforts in Geneva included the establishment of a new church governance structure, the promotion of education for all, and the enforcement of a moral code that was remarkably strict by modern standards. His work in Geneva made the city a hub for Protestant exiles from across Europe, who subsequently carried Calvin's ideas to their home countries.
Calvin's theological legacy is vast, influencing not only religious thought but also the development of political theory, education, and society in the Western world. His emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers contributed to the spread of democratic ideas and the growth of literacy. Despite controversies surrounding his teachings and his role in the execution of heretics like Michael Servetus, Calvin remains a towering figure in the history of Christianity, revered for his intellectual rigor, profound devotion to God, and the enduring influence of his ideas on global Christianity.
