John Calvin and the Reformation

  • John Calvin was born in France; in 1517, when Martin Luther posted the 95 theses, Calvin was eight years old.
  • Calvin is a second-wave reformer, building on Luther and Zwingli's work.
  • He studied at the University of Paris at 14, initially philosophy, then law at his father's direction.
  • Calvin's time in Paris exposed him to Luther's ideas, leading to his commitment to the Reformation.
  • Calvin fled Roman Catholic France to Geneva, Switzerland, to solidify the city's acceptance of the Reformation.
  • Calvin believed his main task was to establish a church to preserve the Reformation faith, operating and living according to the gospel.