Abstract

DE BOER, E.A.. Origin and originality of  John Calvin's 'Harmony of the Law', the expository project on Exodus-Deuteronomy (1559-1563). Acta theol. [online]. 2008, vol.28, suppl.10, pp.41-69. ISSN 2309-9089.

John Calvin's plan to study Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the form of a Harmony on the Last Four Books of Moses was conceived in the weekly Bible studies of the joint ministers of Geneva. A surviving manuscript of Cavin's introductory exposition to the series, studied here for the first time since the 16^th century, reveals intriguing details on the conception and execution of this plan. It also sheds light on the history of the congrégations, this fascinating example of concentration on the Bible in Geneva, on the co-operation of the ministers, and on Calvin's role as the moderator of the Company of Pastors. The origin of the Harmony idea is an adaptation of the Gospel Harmonies. Calvin's approach is highly original in the history of exegesis. The text of the congrégation points to Cavin's reading of the commentary of the Lutheran Martin Borrhaus and, possibly, of Johannes Brenz' commentary on Exodus.

Keywords : John Calvin; History of Exegesis; Harmony on Exodus to Deuteronomy; Reformation; Law and gospel.

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