The most important method Calvin used to explain a text was to bring to it a parallel text. A single sermon will often quote a dozen or more passages from other parts of the Bible. Like Augustine, he believed Scripture is best interpreted by Scripture. It is rather strange that Calvin did not use a second Scripture lesson, but then he probably figured that was best done in the course of the sermon. Another method Calvin frequently used was to paraphrase the text. Often he says something like, “It is as though Jeremiah had said . . .” Sometimes he engages the prophets or apostles in
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