April 22, 1538 - John Calvin and William Farel Forced to Leave Geneva

History of the Bible. Reformation Wall Monument, Geneva. Image source: History of the Bible website.

At the request of reformer William Farel, John Calvin arrived in Geneva in 1536. Geneva had recently accepted the teachings of the Protestant Reformation yet wrestled to determine how church authority should function within civic government without an authority like the Roman Pope. Farel believed that Calvin’s theological abilities would aid in strengthening the Protestant reforms taking place in the city. Calvin and Farel attempted to implement stricter church discipline, including guidelines for moral conduct and proper participation in the Lord’s Supper. Several city leaders refused to submit to these standards, and as a result, the reformers declined to administer Communion to them. The city council saw this denial as defiance of civic authority, so on April 22, 1538, Calvin and Farel were expelled from Geneva. However, in 1541, the leaders of Geneva asked Calvin to return. He spent the rest of his life helping to shape the city into one of the most influential centers of Protestant Theology. 

These events in Calvin’s life serve as an encouragement to modern Christians because it demonstrates the importance of committing to church discipline and doctrinal integrity. Calvin and Feral believed that participating in Communion required genuine repentance and spiritual preparation. Additionally, they were willing to face political consequences rather than compromise their convictions. This story also encourages believers in setbacks. While Calvin was expelled from Geneva, God used his return to establish reforms that influenced Protestant churches worldwide.