This week in Christian history: Protestant reformer born, Japanese evangelist baptized

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, February 12, 2023

Philip Melanchthon born – Feb. 16, 1497

Protestant Reformer Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560). | (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

This week marks the anniversary of when Philipp Melanchthon, a notable Protestant Reformation leader whose first name is sometimes spelled “Philipp,” was born in the German city of Bretten.

The son of an armorer who became a college student at the age of 12, Melanchthon worked alongside Martin Luther to help advance the ideas of the Reformation.

In his column for The Christian Post, apologist Robin Schumacher said, regarding Melanchthon, “when it comes to the Protestant reformation, it would have never happened without him.”

“Melanchthon influenced early educational systems and belongs on the same stage as Luther and John Calvin when it comes to being a fierce defender of biblical Christianity, a high-capacity theologian, and a disciple of Christ,” wrote Schumacher.

“Whenever Melanchthon would let fear and worry get the best of him, Luther would gently put a hand on his shoulder and whisper into his ear: ‘Let Philip cease to rule the world.’”