Chapter 13:
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
Introduction
The scene opens in Netherlands where the Word of God had been presented even before the Reformation. God raises up more witnesses for the truth. Unfortunately, the truth is not easily shared. It takes hardship; but a love for the truth is not easily quashed. More witnesses rise in Scandinavia with a fervor that transforms their country into a bastion for Protestantism.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Event: THE BIBLE TRANSLATED TO DUTCH (1526 AD)
Translated from Luther’s Bible.
People: MENNO SIMONS (1496-1561)
A Catholic priest converted to Anabaptist leader.
Hesitant to read the Bible for fear of heresy, finally studied it to research transubstantiation and infant baptism.
Simons evangelized with his family, facing hardship. As a result the Netherlands receives the reformation.
People: MENNONITES
Followers of Menno Simons
They are believers in the Anabaptist movement and are known for their pacifism.
Concept: ANABAPTISM
The belief in being baptized for the remission of sins.
Anabaptists were persecuted mercilessly during the reformation.
Event: The Eighty Years War (1568-1648)
The Dutch are persecuted by the catholic armies of Phillip II of Spain. Also known as the Dutch War of Independence ending at the Peace of Münster.
People : PHILIP II (1527-1598)
King of Spain and ruler of Hapsburg Netherlands
He forced Catholicism on the Dutch and oppressed them unmercifully.
Because of the persecution of Protestants, protestant believers multiply. "Blood of the martyrs were as seed" (see chapter 2)
People: WILLIAM I PRINCE OF ORANGE (1533-1584)
Dutch Prince and leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish.
Known as William the Silent, he was a proponent of the reformation who fought for freedom of religion.
Reformation Spreads to Scandinavia
Students of Luther return from their studies in Wittenberg to their homes in Scandinavia.
People: HANS TAUSEN (1494-1501)
Danish monk and reformer.
Tausen had a high aptitude for learning and was sent to Colonge to study.
After he received some of Luther's Writings, he enrolled at the University of Wittenberg and later accepted Lutheranism.
People: OLAF AND LAURENTIUS PETRI (1493-1552; 1499-1573)
Swedish Reformers and clergymen.
Students of Luther and Melancthon.
Debated with champions of popery, maintaining that the Bible was the only standard for doctrine.
King Gustav I accepts Protestantism and Sweden joins the reformation.
Event: THE BIBLE TRANSLATED TO SWEDISH (1540)
The Petri’s present the word of God in their own language to King Gustav Vasa I.
What does this have to do with me today?
What are your children learning in school? Is what they are learning bringing them closer to or further from God?
Does having a higher education than someone else make you better/smarter than them?
How are the pastors in your church educated?
Do you study your Bible?