“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation… by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
2 Cor. 1:3-5
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Order of Contents
Commentaries & Sermons on 36
Partial 8
Study Guides & Devotionals 12+
Websites 2
On the Compendium 2
Latin 2
Bibliographies 4
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Commentaries, Sermons & Lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism
1500’s
* Ursinus, Zacharias
Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism
The Sum of Christian Religion: Delivered… in his Lectures upon the Catechism… trans. Henrie Parrie (Oxford, 1587) 1,047 pp. ToC The modern editions are heavily edited.
Ursinus (1534–1583) was a German reformed theologian, reformer and professor at the University of Heidelberg. He was the principal author and interpreter of the Heidelberg Catechism.
Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism 3rd American ed., trans. George W. Williard Buy (Cincinnati: Bucher, 1851) 700 pp. ToC
This modern edition, often reprinted, edited heavily from the original, sometimes detracting from the important points and language of the original.
A Collection of Certain Learned Discourses, written by… Ursine… for Explication of Diverse Difficult Points Laid Down by that Author in his Catechism (Oxford, 1600) 341 pp. ToC
Olevianus, Caspar – A Firm Foundation: An Aid to Interpreting the Heidelberg Catechism Ref (Paternoster Press, 1995) 132 pp.
Bastingius, Jeremias – An Exposition or Commentary upon the Catechism of Christian Religion which is Taught in the Schools & Churches Both of the Low Countries & of the Dominions of the County Palatine (Cambridge, ca. 1591) 275 pp. ToC Index Scripture Index
Bastingius (1551–1595) was a Dutch Reformed theologian best known for this exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism. Bastingius was trained by several prominent second-generation reformers. He studied under Ursinus, Beza, Olevianus and Zanchi, and was appointed to be a professor of theology at Leiden (though he died before he could exercise that office, at 44 years of age).
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1600’s
* Ames, William – The Substance of Christian Religion, or a Plain & Easy Draught of the Christian Catechism in 52 Lectures on Chosen Texts of Scripture, for each Lord’s-Day of the Year (London, 1659) 307 pp. Reprinted as A Sketch of the Christian’s Catechism trans. Todd Rester in Classic Reformed Theological Series (RHB)
“Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of the Heidelberg Catechism.”
Witte, Petrus – Catechizing upon the Heidelberg Catechism of the Reformed Christian Religion, Published after… Approbation of the Rev. Classis of Hoorn (Amsterdam, 1670) 870 pp. ToC
de Witte (1622-1669) was a reformed minsiter at Leiden.
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1700’s
* Vanderkemp, John – The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ in Life & Death; Exhibited in Fifty-Three Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vols. 1, 2 (New-Brunswick, NJ: Abraham Blauvelt, 1718) no ToC Index
Vanderkemp (1664-1718) was a reformed Ducth minister.
De Ronde, Lambertus – A System Containing the Principles of the Christian Religion, Suitable to the Heidelberg Catechism… (NY: H. Gaine, 1763) 184 pp. ToC
de Ronde (1720-1795) was a minister of the Protestant Dutch Church in New York.
* VanderGroe, Theodore – The Christian’s Only Comfort in Life & Death: An Exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. trans. Bartel Elshout (RHB) 1,104 pp. ToC
VanderGroe (1705–1784) was one of the last and most well-known representatives of the Dutch Further Reformation. This is the first publishing of these sermons.
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1900’s
ed. Kuiper, Henry J. – (Zondervan, 1936-1956)
vol 1, Sermons on Sin & Grace, L.D. 1-7 (1936)
vo 2, Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed, L.D. 8-24 (1937)
vol 3, Sermons on the Baptism & Lord’s Supper, L.D. 25-31 (1938)
vol 4, Sermons on the Commandments, L.D. 32-44 (1951) ToC
vol 5, Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer, L.D. 45-52 (1956)
Kuiper (1885-1962) was a minister of the Christian Reformed Church, and an editor of the The Banner when these volumes were published. It has been said that the quality of these sermons ranges from very good, to thoughtful, to schmultzy.
Hoeksema, Herman – The Triple Knowledge: An Exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism, 3 vols. Buy (1943; Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1990)
This is a significant work on the Catechism, though Hoeksema’s hyper-Calvinistic distinctives are not recommended.
Van Baalen, Jan Karel – The Heritage of the Fathers: A Commentary on
the Heidelberg Catechism (Eerdmans, 1948) 633 pp.
“There is nothing exceptional about this work, but it stands among other English resources to be consulted, and contains a thorough examination of each Lord’s Day.” – J. Mark Beach
* ed. Bruggink, Donald J. – Guilt, Grace & Gratitude: a Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism Commemorating its 400th Anniversary (Half Moon Press, 1963) 240 pp. ToC
Barth, Karl – The Heidelberg Catechism for Today trans. Shirley C. Guthrie, Jr. (John Knox Press, 1963) 140 pp. ToC
Barth (1886-1968) was Neo-Orthodox, which is heretical.
Pery, Ande – 400th Anniversary Edition 1563-1963, The Heidelberg Catechism with Commentary trans. Allen O. Miller Buy (United Church Press, 1964)
It has been said that this commentary reflects the understanding of Oscar Cullman, a colleague of Karl Barth. Not recommended.
Kersten, G.H. – The Heidelberg Catechism in 52 Sermons, 2 vols. (Netherlands Reformed Congregations in America, 1968)
Kersten (1882–1948) was a reformed minister in the Gereformeerde Gemeenten in the Netherlands, and a politician.
Various – Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (Board of Publications of the Christian Reformed Church, 1970) Variable quality
ed. Josse, James – Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism (Board of Publication of the Christian Reformed Church, 1970)
Van Reenen, G. – The Heidelberg Catechism: Explained for the Humble & Sincere in 52 Sermons Buy (Netherlands Reformed Congregations of America, 1979) 638 pp.
These are sermons meant for the common people.
Kuyvenhoven, Andrew – Comfort & Joy: A Study of the Heidelberg
Catechism Ref (CRC Publications, 1988) 317 pp.
“Kuyvenhoven feels free to disagree with the catechism where he thinks it is necessary, but readers should not let that put them off. Engage the author at these points and test his comments, for there is
much good material to be gleaned from this book. If you are among
those who do not read Dutch, Kuyvenhoven’s book becomes quite
handy since many of his insights are harvested from Dutch sources.
This is easily one of the best books on the Heidelberg Catechism in
English for pastors and catechism teachers.” – J. Mark Beach
* Klooster, Fred
A Mighty Comfort: The Christian Faith According to the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (CRC Publications, 1990) 138 pp.
Our Only Comfort: a Comprehensive Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. Buy (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2001) 1,272 pp.
Bremmer, R.H. – 52 Open Windows trans. Ralph Winkel (1991) 430 pp. A collection of sermons; the document was produced with a typewriter, which is not the easiest to read.
Dr. Bremmer was a minister. The translator acknowledged that his translation from the Dutch tended to be wooden and stilted. Wes Bredenhof has said that the translation “does provide a fairly accurate representation of the original work of Dr. Bremmer. I’ve often used Bremmer’s book in Dutch and have found it helpful.”
Stam, Clarence – Living in the Joy of Faith: the Christian Faith as Outlined in the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (Inheritance Publications, 1991) Sermons
* Beeke, Joel – Heidelberg Catechism Sermons, 2 vols. Ref (RHB, 1999) 1,922 pp. spiral-bound
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2000’s
Van Delden, Arthur – Only by True Faith: an Explanation of the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. 2nd ed. Ref (Kelmscott, WA: 1991; Australia: Pro Ecclesia Printers, 2000)
“This work is written by a minister of the Free Reformed Church of
Rockingham, Western Australia. It is a catechetical resource that can
also assist in writing sermons on the catechism.” – J. Mark Beach
Mallan, Frans – Book of Comfort for the Christian, 2 vols. (Reformed Congregation in North America, 2001)
denBoer, A.M. – The Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. Ref (Netherlands Reformed Book & Publishing Committee, 2001) 52 Sermons
Veldkamp, Herman – Children of the Lord’s Day: Notes on the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. in 1 trans. Harry Kwantes Buy (Wipf & Stock, 2002) 494 pp.
See the notes on this volume in J. Mark Beach.
Vogelaar, Cornelis – The Heidelberg Cathechism, 2 vols. (Netherlands Reformed Book & Publishing Committee, 2003)
Hoogerland, Adriaan – The Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. (Netherlands Reformed Book & Publishing, 2009)
Wieske, G. – The Glorious Gospel of Grace: Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (Inheritance Publications, 2010) 377 pp.
“This is a welcome set of sermons by a Canadian Reformed minister that will aid young ministers who are new to writing sermons on the catechism or for veteran ministers who wish to see how another minister has approached and expounded a given Lord’s Day. Rev. Wieske’s sermons on the catechism include, like traditional published Dutch sermons, one or more Scripture readings, as well as psalms to be sung in corporate worship. Wieske’s sermon outlines are straightforward and uncluttered.” – J. Mark Beach
DeYoung, Kevin – The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism Buy (Moody, 2010) 256 pp.
Sonnevelt, Cees — The Way, the Truth & the Life, 2 vols. (GA Printing, 2011)
* Bierma, Lyle D. – The Theology of the Heidelberg Catechism (Westminster John Knox Press, 2013) 260 pp. ToC
eds. Payne, Jon D. & Sebastian Heck – chs. 5-11 in A Faith Worth Teaching: The Heidelberg Catechism’s Enduring Heritage (RHB, 2013), pp. 79-214 ToC
Mieras, Marinus Abraham – The Only Comfort, 2 vols. (GA Printing, 2021)
Clark, R. Scott – Guilt, Grace, & Gratitude: A Historical, Theological, & Pastoral Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. (Lexham Press)
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Commentaries, etc. on Only Part of the Heidelberg Catechism in rough order of the Questions
* Bethune, George W. – Expository Lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 1 (L.D. 1-19, Q. 1-52), 2 (L.D. 20-38, Q. 53-103) (NY, 1864/1866) ToC 1, 2
Bethune was a minister in the Reformed Dutch Church of America, who died before completing this series of lectures.
Schenck, Ferdinand S. – Expository Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism (NY: Board of Publication of the Reformed Church in America, 1920) 215 pp. ToC This work leaves out L.D. 7-22, on the Apostles’ Creed, and 35-52, on Commandments 2-10 and the Lord’s Prayer.
* Praamsma, Louis – Before the Face of God: a Study of the Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 1-24 (Q. 1-64) (Paideia Press, 1987) 95 pp. ToC
De Graaf, Simon Gerrit – The True Faith: a Commentary on Lord’s Days 1-22 of the Heidelberg Catechism (Q. 1-58) Ref (Inheritance Publications, 2011) 493 pp.
Kloosterman, Nelson D. – That Christ May Dwell in Your Hearts: Sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day I-XX Buy
Holwerda, Benne – Lord’s Day 1, 27, 32-44 (Q. 1-2, 72-74, 86-115)
Holwerda (1909-1952) was a professor at Kampen Seminary for the Liberated Churches in the Netherlands and followed Klaas Schilder as an editor for a reformed periodical.
Gerhart, Emanuel V. – Lectures on the Heidelberg Catechism (L.D. 16-31, Q 43-85) (Lancaster, PA: Lecture Printing Society of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, 1891) 70 pp. no ToC
Gerhart was a professor at the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church.
Voetius, Gisbert – ‘Concerning Precision in Interpretation of Questions 94, 113, & 115 of the [Heidelberg] Catechism’ (L.D. 34, 44) in ed. John Beardslee, Reformed Dogmatics: Seventeenth-Century Reformed Theology (Univ. of Oxford Press, 1965)
Voet (1589–1676) was a Dutch reformed theologian.
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Study Guides on the Heidelberg Catechism
1800’s
The Heidelberg Catechism, or: Short Instruction in Christian Doctrine as it Conducted in the Churches & Schools of the Palatinate… Explicated… trans. J.H. Good & H. Harbaugh (Chambersburg, 1849) 310 pp. no ToC
* Fisher, Samuel R. – Exercises on the Heidelberg Catechism: Applied to the Use of Families, Sabbath-Schools, & Catechetical Classes rev. ed. (Publication Office of the German Reformed Church, 1854) 255 pp. no ToC
* Whitmer, A.C. – Notes on the Heidelberg Catechism for Parents, Teachers & Catechumens (Philadelphia, 1878) 320 pp. no ToC
Thelemann, Otto – An Aid to the Heidelberg Catechism trans. M. Peters (James I. Good Publisher, 1896) 540 pp. ToC
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1900’s
Good, James I. – Aid to the Heidelberg Catechism (Central Publishing House, 1904) 285 pp. no ToC
Good (1850–1924) was an American, Reformed Church minister and historian.
van Wyk, William P. – My Sermon Notes on Heidelberg Catechism, 2 vols. Buy (Holland, MI: van Wyk, 1942) no page numbering
“These are not “must have” volumes, but worth a glimpse especially if you are short on other English language sources.” – J. Mark Beach
Spykman, Gordon J. – Never on Your Own: a Course of Study on the Heidelberg Catechism & Compendium (Board of Publication of the Christian Reformed Church, 1969) 210 pp. ToC
* Williamson, G.I. – The Heidelberg Catechism: a Study Guide Buy (P&R, 1994) 256 pp.
Williamson was a minister in the OPC.
van Bruggen, J. – Annotations to the Heidelberg Catechism trans. A.H. Oosterhoff (Inheritance Publications, 1991) 295 pp. ToC
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2000’s
* Working, Randal – From Rebellion to Redemption: a Journey through the Great Themes of Christian Faith: a Year of Reflections on the Heidelberg Catechism (NavPress, 2001) 315 pp. ToC
Kaloostian, Adam – Heidelberg Catechism Curriculum for Families (URCLearning, 2006) 84 pp. This is printable.
Jones, Norman L. – Study Helps on the Heidelberg Catechism 2nd ed. Buy (2011) 352 pp.
Barnes, M. Craig – Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism (Faith Alive; Congregational Ministries, 2012) 225 pp. ToC
Barnes has been a pastor and a professor and president at Princeton Theological Seminary (which is liberal).
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Devotionals on the Heidelberg Catechism
Meade, Starr – Comforting Hearts Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (P&R, 2013) 255 pp.
Vonk, Cornelius – Living & Dying in Joy: A Devotional Guide to the Heidelberg Catechism Buy (Christian’s Library Press, 2013) 259 pp.
Vonk (1904–1993) was a Reformed pastor in the Netherlands.
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Websites
This is a huge database of material on the Catechism. On the left column select the Lord’s Day you are interested in. Then use the right column to view sermons, articles or outlines by various authors on that Lord’s Day.
600+ print sermons on the Catechism. Scroll down a little to the Heidelberg Catechism section, and then pick your Lord’s Day.
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On the Compendium of the Christian Religion 1618-1619 an abridgement of the H.C.
1900’s
Beets, Henry – The Compendium Explained: a Popular Exposition of the Abridgement of the Heidelberg Catechism known as the Compendium of the Christian Religion, of the Reformed Churches of Holland… (Eerdmans-Sevensma, 1915) 240 pp. no ToC
This is thought to be the first exposition in English of the Compendium.
Spykman, Gordon J. – Never on Your Own: a Course of Study on the Heidelberg Catechism & Compendium (Board of Publication of the Christian Reformed Church, 1969) 210 pp. ToC
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Latin
1600’s
Bachoff, Reinhard – Catechism of the Christian Religion, which is Taught in the Churches & Schools of the Palatinate (Hanau, 1603) 722 pp. Index
Bachoff von Echt (1544-1614) was German reformed.
Leydekker, Melchior – Of the Truth of the Reformed Faith & of its Sanctity in 3 Books, or a Commentary on the Palitinate’s Catechism, in which the Principles of the Faith are Demonstrated & the Marrow of Practical Theology is Exhibited (Utrecht: William Clerck, 1694)
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Bibliographies
1800’s
* van Alphen – The History & Literature of the Heidelberg Catechism, & of its Introduction into the Netherlands trans. J.F. Berg (Philadelphia, 1863) 170 pp. no ToC
van Alphen (1665-1742) was a professor of theology at Utrecht. Berg was a professor at the seminary of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, N.J. This work was translated from German, and is not a whole translation of the near-1,000 page Latin work by Alphen below.
Malcom, Howard – ‘Heidelberg Catechism’ in Theological Index… (Boston, 1868), p. 216
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2000’s
Beach, J. Mark – ‘Books on the Heidelberger: an Annotated Bibliography of the Heidelberg Catechism for Pastors’ MAJT 24 (2013), pp. 5-30
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Latin
* van Alphen, Hieronymous – ‘Index of Authors which have Commented on the Heidelberg Catechism’ in An Economy of the Palatinate Catechism (Utrecht, 1729), at the end of the Prologue The whole volume has 992 pp.
van Alphen (1665-1742) was a professor of theology at Utrecht. The listings are in Latin & Dutch. Alphen lists 90 authors.
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Related Pages
Commentaries on the Apostles’ Creed
Commentaries on the Westminster Standards
History of the Dutch Reformation in Belgium & the Netherlands
Expositions of the Ten Commandments