John Calvin and the Grounding of Interpretation: Calvin’s First Commentaries

This book considers John Calvin’s interpretation of the Pauline epistles, discussing his interpretive method and the link between biblical interpretation and correct doctrine. It introduces a division between doctrinal hermeneutics and textual exegetical rules clarifying Calvin’s relationship to the antecedent and subsequent traditions. The book portrays Calvin as a theologian for whom the doctrinal and exegetical tasks cohered, especially in the context of the Church in the Reformations.

The first section presents the division between hermeneutical principles and exegetical rules, demonstrating each in Calvin’s commentaries. The second section considers the coherence of Calvin’s theological, exegetical and historical efforts. The text is grounded by the inclusion of many instances of Calvin’s interpretation, and his reflections on the nature of biblical interpretation.