Expounding scripture and applying it to our use: Calvin's sermons on Ephesians

Abstract

Recent scholarly attention to Calvin's commentaries on scripture still limits our attention to the works Calvin produced for future pastors, and neglects his efforts to teach and train ordinary Christians. The commentaries have as their audience future pastors, with the goal of revealing the mind of the author with lucid brevity. The sermons have as their audience ordinary Christians, with the goal of expounding the intention of the author, and of applying it to their use, so that they might retain it in their minds and hearts, and put it into practice in their lives. There are three steps Calvin consistently followed in each of his sermons on Ephesians. First, he sought to show the meaning and intention of Paul contained in the words of the epistle. Next, he pointed out that the meaning revealed in his exposition should be kept in mind, retained in memory, and imprinted on the hearts of the congregation. Third, Calvin sought to apply the doctrine of Paul to the use, edification, and instruction of the congregation, so that they might profit from the doctrine by putting it in practice in their lives.