God Calls Us To His Service The Relation Between God And His Audience In Calvin S Sermons On Acts

De 1549 à 1551, Jean Calvin prêchait le dimanche à partir des Actes des apôtres : c’est une part importante de ces sermons qu’étudie de manière détaillée W. Moehn. Plutôt qu’un dogmaticien rigoriste, c’est un orateur attentif à son auditoire qui se dégage et dont les préoccupations pastorales intègrent autant le cadre social – politique, travail, interdépendance – que les particularités confessionnelles de ses ouailles.

There are many general surveys of the Reformation available, and they all typically devote some space to how theologians such as Martin Luther and John Calvin understood the Lord's Supper and Christ's presence in the bread and wine. However, they usually do not provide a great deal of detail about the development of the Reformers' thoughts or the finer elements of their respective opinions. This volume by Thomas Davis fills these gaps with a more narrowly focused study. He devotes several chapters to Luther and to Calvin, examining their use of language and their understanding of the presence of Christ, both in the Lord's Supper and in the broader sense of his presence in the church.

How does John Calvin view the church? And how does the pivotal event of Pentecost influence his view on the church? In his commentary on the Acts of the Apostles Calvin shows how Pentecost and the preaching of the Gospel gives rise to the church. For Calvin the new and peculiar aspect of Pentecost is articulated by the phrases »I will pour out« and »on all flesh« (Acts 2:17). The first phrase ("I will pour out") leads to a discussion of the Holy Spirit who leads the church and the believers by the Word and his secret guidance. All gifts flow from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the study focuses on Calvin's view on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and on their use in church. The author argues that the gifts of the Spirit are the basis of Calvin's interpretation of Christian church. The second phrase ("on all flesh") leads to a discussion of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. The author treats different ecclesiologic topics of importance: He analyses the most important aspects of church that Calvin identifies in the book of Acts. His reflections are aiming at a convincing theological appreciation of the sacraments, in particular of the sacrament of baptism. By addressing Calvin's thoughts as elements of his historical context and including contemporary impulses to these issues, the author is able to present conclusive arguments for his main claim: Calvin's commentary on Acts enriches and qualifies Calvin's own systematic ecclesiology as found in his main doctrinal work, the Institutes.

Many Christians struggle with the topic of divine guidance. Yet, treatments of such guidance often do insufficient justice to the theological complexities underneath the practical questions. Therefore, in this book the author develops a Reformed approach to guidance using a systematic theological approach. First, he develops a typology of approaches to guidance in contemporary evangelicalism. This typology uncovers a number of underlying theological questions, which are discussed through extensive interactions with the writings of John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards. Based upon these interactions, the author proposes a Reformed approach to divine guidance in which vocation, wisdom, discernment, and transformation are central concepts. Furthermore, this approach to guidance emphasizes the importance of the Christian community and the ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit.

This book presents a new model for analyzing Calvin's biblical interpretation, rescuing him from the quagmire of anachronistic interpretations. Concentrating upon Calvin's description of biblical interpretation, the book suggests new insights for hermeneutics, exegesis in the Reformations, and Calvin's ecclesiology.

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

Dr Donald K. McKim gathers together an international array of major Calvin scholars to consider phases of Calvin's theological thought and influence. Here, historians and theologians meet to present a full picture of Calvin's contexts, the major themes in Calvin's writings, and the ways in which his thought spread and has increasing importance today. The chapters serve as guides to their topics and provide further readings for additional study. This is an accessible introduction to the significant Protestant reformer and will appeal to the specialist and non-specialist alike.

Research on French theologian John Calvin is flourishing around the world, and his quincentennial in 2009 has given such research even greater momentum. Designed to support and stimulate this research, The Calvin Handbook gathers contributions from internationally renowned scholars. Offering a comprehensive view of Calvin s life, his theology, and the history of his reception, this handbook is a uniquely helpful resource on Calvin for readers of every interest level.