John Calvin's Institutes in a Year

Christopher Michael Patton

Ever stared at John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion on your shelf and thought, “One day I’ll finally read that… but where would I even start?” This podcast is for that moment. Calvin’s Institutes in a Year is a guided, day-by-day journey through one of the most influential works in Christian theology. Together, we read through the entire Institutes over the course of a full year—one manageable section at a time—so that a book many admire from a distance finally becomes something you actually finish. Each daily episode is short, focused, and intentional. We keep the pace steady, the sections approachable, and the explanations clear, helping you follow Calvin’s arguments without feeling buried under the weight of a theological classic. No rushing. No intimidation. Just faithful reading, thoughtful reflection, and steady progress. This is not a lecture series and it’s not a shortcut. It’s a companion for the long walk—designed for pastors, students, Reformed readers, and anyone who wants to understand historic Christian doctrine at a deeper level by actually reading the text. If you want more than just listening, you’re invited to read along with us at ThroughTheChurchFathers.com where you’ll find the full reading schedule, written texts, and the ability to comment and discuss alongside others making the same journey. If the Institutes has always felt important but unreachable, this is your invitation to finally open it—one day at a time. We begin January 1, 2026 Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

  1. 2d ago

    Calvin's Institutes: October 28

    Calvin answers those who condemn every appeal to a judge. Paul claimed the rights of a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar. That was not revenge. Revenge is the private desire to return evil for evil. The magistrate's sword is God's vengeance, exercised by the ministry of man. Turning the other cheek remains. A Christian is born to bear injury, to pray for the one who curses him, and to overcome evil with good. That patience of heart does not forbid him to seek the magistrate's aid for his goods, or, for the public good, to call for the punishment of a man whom nothing but death will reform. Paul rebuked the rage for lawsuits at Corinth, not every just defence. Charity is the adviser. If the plea carries a man past charity, the cause is already lost. The first duty of subjects is honour. Not the man, as if office could cloak cruelty, but the station, as a jurisdiction delegated from God. Obedience follows: edicts, tribute, public burdens, and prayer for those in authority. To resist the magistrate is to resist God. Private men do not put their hands to a public correction unless his command first frees them. Today's Reading John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4, Chapter 20, Sections 19–23 Read or listen daily at ThroughTheChurchFathers.com Comment, ask questions, and support the work at patreon.com/cmichaelpatton #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Calvin #Institutes #CivilGovernment #Obedience #Magistrate #ChurchHistory #Reformation

    Calvin's Institutes: October 28

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About

Ever stared at John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion on your shelf and thought, “One day I’ll finally read that… but where would I even start?” This podcast is for that moment. Calvin’s Institutes in a Year is a guided, day-by-day journey through one of the most influential works in Christian theology. Together, we read through the entire Institutes over the course of a full year—one manageable section at a time—so that a book many admire from a distance finally becomes something you actually finish. Each daily episode is short, focused, and intentional. We keep the pace steady, the sections approachable, and the explanations clear, helping you follow Calvin’s arguments without feeling buried under the weight of a theological classic. No rushing. No intimidation. Just faithful reading, thoughtful reflection, and steady progress. This is not a lecture series and it’s not a shortcut. It’s a companion for the long walk—designed for pastors, students, Reformed readers, and anyone who wants to understand historic Christian doctrine at a deeper level by actually reading the text. If you want more than just listening, you’re invited to read along with us at ThroughTheChurchFathers.com where you’ll find the full reading schedule, written texts, and the ability to comment and discuss alongside others making the same journey. If the Institutes has always felt important but unreachable, this is your invitation to finally open it—one day at a time. We begin January 1, 2026 Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

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