Acknowledgements

Today I successfully defended my dissertation on John Calvin’s interpretation of the Sabbath commandment before Dr. John Balserak and Dr. Marie-Luise Ehrenschwendtner. I am deeply grateful to bring this process to a conclusion. As I catalogue my gratitude during this sabbatical season, it is only appropriate that I post the “Acknowledgements” that lie at the front of the thesis.

Acknolwedgements

This dissertation was written by a pastor in the trench of parish ministry. Therefore, it is the product of much prayer and great patience by the many people who journeyed along with me through its composition. Given this, these acknowledgements will be incomplete for there are too many people to thank. I am grateful for the elders and congregation of Christ Church Presbyterian in Jacksonville, Florida for their willingness to embrace the vocation of a pastor that includes the academy and the training of young ministers. These commitments created the environment for me to pursue this project. In the course of my research, I also received assistance from many friends and family members, especially Jerry and Judy Kaye Thames, Jim and Mo Dickenson, Rob and Chris Hiday, Doug and Janet Wedding, Robbie and Meredith Williams, and Don and Denise Bluster, whose generosity, kindness, and hospitality were wonderful gifts that allowed this work to take shape. 

Michael Allen and Scott Swain were gracious to provide helpful guidance and to allow me to use the library at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. Justin Young was a consummate friend and a gracious guide in assisting me with resources through Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary’s library as well. I am also indebted to my language tutors—Jonathan Roberts and Rob Roy McGregor. Their patience with me in learning to translate Calvin exceeded my deserving. 

My gratitude must also extend to the staff of Christ Church—Alec Cotton, Charlotte Cox, John Lawler, Aldo Mondin, Allison Ristau, and Andy Zipf. These good people served through seasons of plenty and want as this dissertation was written, washing feet without acknowledgement. Mark Booker, Jason Hood, Mike Malone, and Matthew Mason walked with me through the wilderness. I am grateful to them for humoring me through countless conversations about Calvin and providing insight along the way. I am grateful especially for my doctoral advisor and friend, Paul Nimmo, whose keen insights, clarion focus, and honest feedback sharpened my research and encouraged me to grow as a theologian. Paul shoulders a great deal, and I’m thankful he shouldered so much Calvin. I am your debtor, Paul. 

It is important to acknowledge my late spiritual father and mentor, Tim Russell. Our last full conversation prior to his untimely death was about my work in Calvin. His absence is felt daily, but I look forward to that great gettin’ up morning when death will be swallowed up and we meet again. To my parents, Butch and Caroline Colson, I owe a special debt of gratitude. Their commitment to education and God’s kingdom made this project possible. The debt can only be paid forward to the generation to come. 

I am grateful for my children—Sim, Ware, and McKenzie—who were patient in bearing with the long hours of study and days of divided attention. They kept me grounded and were the source of motivation on many days to press on. And, finally, I am thankful to my wife, Melissa, who made the needed sacrifices to bring this work to fruition. Through this, and all else, she embodies grace, poise, and patience. She, of all people, knows the joys and sorrows that have accompanied this pilgrimage. And so, to you, my love, this dissertation is dedicated. I will always be yours. Consummatum est. Cantate Iehovae canticum novum. 

CBC

Jacksonville, Florida

December 24, 2021