Abstract
The dissertation addresses the issue to what extent, and in what manner, Calvin was influenced in his exposition of the prophetic book of Daniel by the contextual circumstances in the period in which he worked on the exegesis of Daniel. A related question of importance is what influence his exposition
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exerted on his audience and, through them, on the churches of the French Reformation. The structure of the study determined that the first chapter would deal with the historical context of the Praelectiones on Daniel. This makes clear that Calvin worked on the exposition of Daniel during one of the most crucial periods of the history of the Reformation in France—1559-1561—when the French throne was at stake in the power struggle between the Catholics and the Huguenots. Calvin did his utmost to contain the forces that were released and threatened to lead to a revolt against the suppression of his co-religionists. The second chapter explores the role of Calvin's exegetical lectures in his over-all work in Geneva. Questions that are addressed are: (a) who were part of his audience; and: (b) where do we position the praelectiones in the light of the traditional biblical exegesis by the church? The third chapter analyzes Melanchton's approach to Daniel. Melanchton's commentary on Daniel was an important source for Calvin, which he gratefully consulted. But there are clear differences in emphasis. The reason why the study pays attention to Melanchton is, by making a comparison, to more clearly accentuate the specific nature of Calvin's exposition. In a similar way the views of Oecolampadius on Daniel are dealt with. This Swiss reformer also influenced Calvin and his approach is analyzed by comparing his views with Calvin's. The fifth chapter constitutes the core of the study. It offers an analysis of the regnum Christi theme, as it appears in various connections in Calvin's exposition. Here, the way in which Calvin views world history—which is painted in some detail in the four empires of Daniel—is at issue. The unique aspect of Calvin's exposition—which differs from all contemporary Daniel exegetes of his time—is, that Daniel's prophecy contains no predictions regarding the history subsequent to Christ's coming and his establishing of the church. Daniel does not offer any eschatological prophecy, which can be translated into political events. Calvin regards this as a highly significant adage. Precisely because Daniel's message does not directly relate to political events in his time, it can have a very special spiritual meaning for the believers in his days. Daniel teaches the believers how, in times of persecution, to patiently bear their cross, until God will set them free in the eternal kingdom of his glory. The study ends with some concluding observations, in which it is established that, in the final phase of his life, Calvin became more prudent rather than more radical, as has often been assumed. Against the background of the approaching Wars of Religion, he did what he could to prevent his followers from starting a revolt, since he feared that armed resistance would only bring further problems for the cause of Christ in France.
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