Reformed Theology

I’ve written on commentaries before, such as here and here, and even here. I was just prompted by something I read to point out something else concerning commentaries. As well as the standard sage advice to not overly revere the commentaries, but rather treat them as conversation partners; as well as the solid suggestion to not invite them into the conversation too early; one more suggestion:

Don’t only read commentators that are solidly within your own theological tradition or denominational stream. It is tempting, especially with limited resources, to always buy from the same denominational publishing house, or in a series that is largely of your kind theologically. Some people seem to only read Reformed Calvinists, others look for well-known Arminian theologians, others like anything connected to Dallas, others want Abingdon Press, others only John MacArthur, others only Tom Wright, others only buy UK/Australian authors, etc. Tempting as such an approach may be, you will find that richer insight is gained by engaging with a variety of voices. All of these that I have mentioned can be helpful, as can Roman Catholic commentators, or Jewish commentators, etc.

A couple of caveats (since I know some readers will take me out of context and write me off theologically for one of the items in that list, or perhaps for all of them – I could list more until I find your favorite!) (1) Just because it’s different, doesn’t make it right, any more than it makes it wrong. That is to say, whatever their tradition or theology, some commentators deal with the text better than others – you are still looking for good commentators. (2) Make sure you have some grounding yourself before you bounce around in other camps. Reading multiple voices is part of good seminary training, but be careful not to intellectually buy into anything and everything in print. (3) Don’t neglect quality commentators from “your camp.” They will probably form the “spine” of your collection. (4) It is helpful to know where a commentator is coming from. It helps to know that this guy always looks for an obscure position and takes it. It helps to know that that one comes from a theology that tends to read these kinds of verses in this way.

Finally, I’ve mentioned John Glynn’s helpful book in the past. I’d like to point you to a very helpful online resource strongly influenced by John Glynn’s book. Perhaps you have not come across it yet – bestcommentaries.com. I would not say that I always agree with the scores given to a commentary, of course, but it largely seems to be a very helpful guide. Take a look around it, you will probably be glad to add it to your bookmarks!

Steven Lawson is a pastor who works closely with John MacArthur at the Expositor’s Institute. He was trained at Dallas and Reformed Theological Seminaries. This book is the first in a series of Long Line of Godly Men Profiles published by Reformation Trust of Ligonier Ministries.

This is an attractively presented little hardback (133pp). In it Lawson seeks to present the qualities and distinctives of John Calvin. Not Calvin the theologian who wrote the famous Institutes, nor Calvin the commentator whose exegesis is still referenced by serious scholars, nor Calvin the statesman who served as a Reformation leader in Geneva with influence spreading much farther, nor Calvin the shaper of both church and western culture, but Calvin the pastor, Calvin the preacher. For all his accomplishments, Calvin’s priority was his pulpit ministry to real ordinary needy folk in Geneva.

The first chapter of the book presents a brief summary of Calvin’s life and legacy. In the subsequent seven chapters, Lawson deals with various aspects of the preaching of Calvin, delineating 32 distinctives recognizable in Calvin’s preaching ministry. Throughout the book, Lawson’s observations are supported diligently by sermon sound-bites and quotations from other scholars like Alister McGrath, James M. Boice, T.H.L. Parker, etc. Although the support material is sufficient, it is by no means overwhelming and it does not turn this engaging little book into a dry academic research tome.

Chapters two and three address Calvin’s attitude toward the pulpit and personal preparation. It is no surprise to read of his diligent mind, devoted heart and relentless will, but challenging nonetheless. Then Lawson considers how Calvin would launch a sermon, along with reference to delivery (no notes, I’m glad to report!) The most substantial chapters deal with expounding the text and crafting delivery. The last two chapters look at application of the truth and sermon conclusion. A couple of brief appendices are given to support details in the book (sermon text verse divisions for several series and an outline from a sermon on Job 21).

I have studied church history, even the Reformation, but I am no church historian. Does this book deserve great respect as an accurate and insightful piece of historical research? I don’t know. Perhaps Calvin scholars would disagree with details or emphases. Perhaps they would applaud loudly. Certainly Calvin the preacher and pastor is often lost in the focus on his Institutes (written as an introduction to his commentaries!), or in the controversies over his politics and leadership. Calvin the preacher is worthy of our attention. This little book is a quick read, but thought provoking in its clarity. Thought provoking on a historical level, perhaps, but especially as we consider our own preaching ministry today. I would not suggest we affirm every distinctive and emulate without thought for our own times and contexts, but I’m sure any preacher would find their own ministry poked and encouraged by this book. I look forward to subsequent volumes in the series.