Exhortation in Calvin’s sermon on 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Abstract

This article deals with the aspect of exhortation in one of John Calvin’s sermons on the second letter of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is argued that the focus on exhortation in this sermon mainly serves three purposes: illustrating the specific “doctrina” on exhortation set forth in this Paulinian passage; defining more definitely the task of the pastor on the pulpit; dealing with the congregation like a doctor applying medicine to a sick body. Rhetorical devices (like equestrian or medical metaphors, or the use of the style of vehemence in the form of a diatribe set forth as a minidrama) are used to implement the purpose of the preacher in his parenetical application. In applying this, the lectio continua which was characteristic of Calvin’s homiletical style, gains much relief and escapes the danger of a cold and neutral exposition of the Biblical text – the very danger against which Calvin warns in this sermon.