Commentary on the Gospel According to John

The Crossway Classic Commentaries

by John Calvin

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Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian

456 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1553

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

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Reading Calvin is always very encouraging.

[Kevin Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t need to restate how brilliant John Calvin is at systematic theology. His brilliant theology comes out clearly in his commentary on John. In fact, it often felt strange to me, for he is such a systematic theologian that I sometimes felt like I wasn’t reading a commentary. Thus, it took me far too long to appreciate what he was doing with it and to let his words edify my soul as he offered exposition after exposition of the gospel to me. It is a feast for the soul if we are willing to listen.

On the other hand, Calvin’s systematic theology sometimes did get in the way of expositing the text at hand. I thought he frequently missed the linguistic or biblical-theological point of a pericope by instead running straight to a systematic-theological point or to a forced (even moralistic) application of a minor detail in the text. This happened especially in the first twelve chapters of John.

That said, he did help me understand the text better in places as he filled my heart with glorious truths and a few new textual connections; and my soul certainly was edified as I saw new depths of the gospel. Calvin definitely pointed me to my depravity and Christ’s glory. This is a worthy read and a hearty commentary on John—as long as you’re not expecting the same approach to the text as, say, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary series.

[Gage Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this commentary for sermon prep. Such an enjoyable read that I will be referencing often.

[Josh Kannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true feast for the soul. Made me love Christ more.

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experiencing Calvin outside of his "Institutes" was phenomenal; he is as pastoral as he is theological. Calvin's exposition on the Gospel of John was as insightful and relevant as any modern commentary, and his exegetical and linguistic comments were helpful, perfectly sparse and not superfluous—the perfect blend of scholarly exegesis in combination with tender pastoral exhortation. This was truly a delight to work through, as Calvin's exposition on John is considered one of his best commentaries. In short, the perfect mix of biblical, historical, and practical theology. Looking forward to going through Acts with Calvin next.

[Paul Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many rich and inspiring insights.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful companion to John’s Gospel.