On This Day in Church History...

Two giants of the Reformation died.

Johannes Huszgen, or Oecolampadius, was born in 1482 and died on this day in 1531. A able biblical scholar, he aided Erasmus in the preparation of the Greek New Testament. But he is more often remembered for his assistance to Zwingli and as a professor at the University of Basle. Like Melancthon, Oecolampadius was a quiet giant whose place in history has been overshadowed by his greater peers - Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin.

Also, on this day in 1572 the great John Knox died. Theologian, churchman, educator, historian, but most predominately preacher, Knox was the leading figure of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. Probably converted through the ministry of George Wishart, Knox was also influenced by Calvin during his stay in Geneva during the Marian exile. Upon his return, Knox laboured to initiate a large-scale national and religious reform. His works include The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women and a History of the Reformation in Scotland. He also contributed to the Genevan Bible (aka the breeches bible!), Scottish Confession of Faith, and the Book of Discipline.