Theodore Beza
Theodore Beza (June 24, 1519–October 13, 1605) was a French Reformer, scholar and pastor who is best known for succeeding John Calvin in leading the Reformation in Geneva.
Early life and career
Beza was born on June 24, 1519 in the town of Vézelay in modern-day central France.[1]
Beza studied law in Orleans from 1535-39.[1] After receiving his degree, he set up his own law practice.[1] During this time, in 1548, Beza published Juvenilia, "a volume of amorous verse" which gave him a reputation as a leader in Latin poetry.[1]
Conversion and involvement in the Reformation
After falling seriously ill, Beza was saved and became a Protestant Christian.[1] In 1548 he travelled to Geneva, joined John Calvin, and became very involved in the Reformation in the area.[1] Beza served as a professor of Greek in Lausanne from 1549-58, and one of his more notable actions during time was to write De haereticis a civili magistratu puniendis in 1554, which defended the conduct of Calvin and the Geneva government in the burning of the Michael Servetus, a heretic who denied the Trinity.[2]
After travelling around Europe to defend the Reformation, Beza became a professor of Greek in Geneva.[2] In 1559, he founded the Geneva Academy with Calvin.[1]