Adding to our catalogue of Bible translators remembered on this blog, today we remember Theodore Beza, who died 13th October in 1605. He was a colleague of John Calvin, and continued Christian ministry in Geneva after Calvin’s death. Beza completed the revision of Pierre Olivetan’s (Calvin’s cousin!) translation of the New Testament in 1558, which became known as the first French Protestant Bible.
The Reformation Wall in Geneva. From left: William Farel, John Calvin, Beza, and John Knox
While few Christians would be unaware of John Calvin’s influence as a reformer, we may not know of the many others who stood alongside Calvin in the turbulent years of his era. It is right that we remember such men, who did so much to secure the church under the authority of the Bible, and often at very great personal sacrifice.
Like a hall of fame, there is a statue in Geneva celebrating Calvin and three of his compatriots. To his left stands Theodore Beza, who continued after Calvin’s death to have key influence in Geneva – in the law courts, in politics, education, and his influence also turned in behalf of refugees in need after a massacre in 1572.
May his life inspire us today to live to the glory of God, with whatever gifts or talents we may have. There are so many ways to be involved in the work of Bible translation, which is still underway today for over 300 million people in minority language communities who are without a word of Scripture in their language. See how you could be involved.
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