Martin Bucer was born on this day, Martinmas, in 1491 in the Alsace-Lorraineborderland between France and Germany. He would eventually become one of the most influential men in the GreatReformation.
He served as a mediator between Luther, Zwingli, and Melancthon atthe Marburg Colloquy. He was a theological sounding board for Kopfel, Zell,and Cop at Heidelberg. He served as a mentor to Calvin, Beza, and Knox at Strasburgand Geneva. And he helped Cranmer compile the first Anglican Book of Common Prayerin Canterbury.
No other Reformer had such an impact on so many spheres, men, or nations.
According to historian Philip Schaff, “Martin Bucer is simultaneouslythe most neglected and the most influential of all the first generationReformers. His impact was felt invirtually every sphere and every arena of the age.”
