500th Anniversary of the Reformation Sample

The Reformers: Theodore Beza

In 1520, just three years after Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, his writings were widely read in France. Later in the 1500s, John Calvin and Theodore Beza were called to provide leadership to French Protestants. They established a “haven” in Geneva for Protestants fleeing persecution throughout Europe. Calvin’s Academy in Geneva became the most important school in Europe for training Reformed pastors. Theodore Beza was the school’s chief pastor and served as a professor. As John Calvin’s successor, Beza provided significant leadership for the Protestant Reformation in Geneva. His sermons and biblical commentaries inspired generations of Protestants. His Greek and Latin biblical scholarship influenced the translations of the Geneva Bible and the King James Version of 1611! Theodore Beza helped produce a metrical version of the Psalms, meant to be sung by congregations. His version of Psalm 68 became very popular among French Protestants.