[Jean Chauvin]

Calvin's Commentaries are distinct and different from his Institutes. The Institutes are not that expensive as Wrigley has already pointed out. Most come in a two book set. I think I've also seen the entire Institutes in one book.

The Commentaries were written as an exhaustive exegesis of the text. The Institutes were written as a summary of Christian Doctrine which brings applicable texts into the wording.

The Institutes were originally written to the King of France to convince him of the Reformed faith such that he would put an end to the persecution of those in France (Calvin's homeland) who professed to the Reformed faith.

When the Institutes became popular (i.e. became MORE than a letter to the King of France), they went through several editions as Calvin's thought evovled. The final edition was in 1558, I think.

Jean

[RnMomof7]

Woops I knew that the commentaries and Institutes are different I hade a senior moment..because I covet the commentaries.