Pointing to Christ: John Calvin on Faith, Ministry, and the Offense of the Gospel

In his commentary on Matthew 11:1–6 and Luke 7:18–23, John Calvin offers a profound theological meditation on John the Baptist’s inquiry into Jesus’ identity. Calvin begins by highlighting Jesus’ steadfast dedication to his ministry. Even as the Apostles embarked on their missions, Christ continued teaching and preaching in Galilee. Calvin underscores the significance of the term “commanding,” noting that it reveals the Apostles’ role as emissaries bound by Christ’s explicit instructions. They were not free to act according to their own judgment but were entrusted with a clear mandate to guide their message and conduct.