The Banner of Truth is the publisher of John Calvin’s Sermons on 1 Timothy. This book was first published in French in 1561, and then in English in 1579. Recently, Robert White has provided a fresh translation into the English language (2018).
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Most people who are familiar with John Calvin are aware of his impressive commentaries and his majestic Institutes of the Christian Religion. However, very few are aware of the fact that many of his sermons have likewise been translated and published in the English language. And for those who are familiar with these sermons, they often assume they are nothing more than a regurgitation of his commentaries. However, nothing could be further from the truth!
Sermons on 1 Timothy
The inside cover of this magnificent book gives this wonderful summary of the book’s contents: “Preaching was the most pressing and demanding of Calvin’s duties during his long ministry in Geneva (1536-38, 1541-64). His sermons on the Pastoral Letters–1 and 2 Timothy and Titus–were delivered in 1554-1555…In his sermons on 1 Timothy, Calvin offers not only a first-rate exposition of the apostle Paul’s main themes–ministry, prayer, marriage, the fight of faith–but a keen appreciation of their relevance to the lives of men and women who, engaged in a daily battle with sin, are challenged nevertheless to trust in the Father’s love, to know the Spirit’s power, and to rejoice in the intercession of Christ the Son.”
This volume consists of 54 sermons by Calvin. He works systematically through the book of 1 Timothy. As noted above, though, this is much more than just a running commentary on this book. It’s a passionate, powerful, engaging sermon that is sure to stir up your affections for the Lord! Calvin was a masterful preacher, and it shows forth in these pages. If only more and more Christians were to digest this kind of spiritual food, we would surely have a more healthy spiritual body.
For anybody who is familiar with Banner of Truth, you won’t be surprised to hear that the physical book itself is beautifully designed! The hardcover book is a cloth-bound, green-colored book with gold lettering. The dust jacket white and red with a picture of a map on the front cover. I really like the font in this book compared to the older typeset found in some of the other books of Calvin’s sermons.
I hope that many will take advantage of this blessing that we have received from Banner of Truth! It’s a marvelous book with a spiritual feast in its contents. I highly recommend this to you! Tolle lege! Take up and read!
Other Book Reviews on Works by John Calvin
Disclaimer: My thanks to Banner of Truth for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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