Calvin the Moderate Exegete

John Calvin might be thought by some a tyrant insensitive to the views of others, especially when it comes to interpreting Scripture, but R. Scott Clark makes the case that he was receptive to interpretations of the Bible by other commentators. He shows that Calvin’s use of “if anyone prefers” and “I do not object” (as in the English editions by the Calvin Translation Society) shows willingness to accept different interpretations. He also notes that the brevity of Calvin’s insights in the commentaries is because topics are developed more fully in the Institutes. See “Calvin as Exegetical Moderate” on Heidelblog.