Geneva

Geneva I

During the journey from France to Basel, Calvin stops to sleep in Geneva. This only night was decisive for the rest of his life. In Geneva was a man who struggled with God and with the question who can help him, this man was William Farel, When Farel hears that Calvin was in the city, he directly visit him to ask him to help with the fight against the Catholics in Geneva. Calvin does not want to stay in Geneva, but Farel says angrily: 'If you do not stay here, your peace and study will be accursed by the Lord!' This words have big impression on Calvin, he decides to stay in Geneva. A completely other life starts for Calvin, everyday he explains parts from the Scripture to all people who want to hear it. 

Banished

In Geneva were many laws to stop the wickedness, for example: blasphemy, playing cards, gambling and much more. Calvin performed a very strict divine discipline. Every month the Holy Sacrament was held, everyone who was guilty of severe sins can not get access to the table. Calvin was strict, but that was necessary in Geneva. Many people opposed against all this rules, they do not want to stop with there sinful lives. They freedom to be a sinner, the people became more and more angry on Calvin and Farel. After the elections opponents of Calvin got a majority in the city council. It became very difficult for Farel and Calvin to preach and keep the people off the sins. With eastern the city council asks Calvin and Farel to serve the Holy Sacrament. The ministers refused this in the sinful position in the city. Two days later they get the command to left the city immediately. They were banished, Farel left to the Netherland and Calvin traveled to Basel.

Strasburg

Calvin did not stay long in Basel, but traveled further to Strasburg. He lived and worked here quietly and happily for three years and maried to Idelette de Bure. He served a small congregation of refugees. In Strasburg he wrote a new version of 'The Institutes of the Christian religion'.

Geneva ll

After three years, Calvin came back to Geneva. The people in Geneva asked for him. It were bad times for Geneva and the wickedness was rampant. In those days, Rome tried to get this lost provinces back. Geneva has to become Catholic again. Cardinal Sadoleto wrote a cunning 'friendly letter' to the city council to become  Catholic again. It was a letter full of compassion and friendly words, therefore this was a very dangerous letter. Rome tried to get Geneva back to the Roman Catholic Church with 'friendly words'. The people in Geneva were shocked, but did not want to be Catholic again. Nobody dared to answer this letter, they asked Calvin to answer the letter, he did. The people were fed up with the wickedness. After having rejected the first appeal, Calvin came to Geneva in 1541. He was received joyfully and as thank he got a new suit.