John Knox
Scottish minister who led the Reformation in Scotland.
John Knox (c. 1514 – 24 November 1572) was a Scottish minister, Reformed theologian, and writer who was a leader of the country's Reformation. He was the reformer of the Church of Scotland. Born in Giffordgate, a street in Haddington, East Lothian, Knox is believed to have been educated at the University of St Andrews and worked as a notary-priest. Influenced by early church reformers such as George Wishart, he joined the movement to reform the Scottish Church.
- born
- c. 1514 (or between 1505 and 1515), Giffordgate, Haddington, East Lothian
- died
- 24 November 1572
- field
- Theology, religious reform, writing
- nationality
- Scottish
- known_for
- Leading the Scottish Reformation, founding the Reformed Church of Scotland, writ
Lore & Background
Knox was caught up in the ecclesiastical and political events that involved the murder of Cardinal David Beaton in 1546 and the intervention of the regent Mary of Guise. He was taken prisoner by French forces the following year and exiled to England on his release in 1549. While in exile, Knox was licensed to work in the Church of England, where he rose in the ranks to serve Edward VI of England as a royal chaplain. He exerted a reforming influence on the text of the Book of Common Prayer. When Queen Mary I ascended the throne of England and re-established Catholicism, Knox was forced to resign his position and leave the country. Knox moved to Geneva and then to Frankfurt. In Geneva, he met John Calvin, from whom he gained experience and knowledge of Reformed theology and presbyterian polity. He created a new order of service, The Forme of Prayers, which was eventually adopted by the Reformed Church in Scotland and came to be known as the Book of Common Order. It was the first book printed in any Gaelic language.
Reader's Guide
On his return to Scotland, Knox led the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Protestant nobility. The movement may be seen as a revolution since it led to the ousting of Mary of Guise, who governed the country in the name of her young daughter Mary, Queen of Scots. Knox helped write the new confession of faith and the ecclesiastical order for the newly created Reformed Church, the Kirk. He wrote his five-volume The History of the Reformation in Scotland between 1559 and 1566. He continued to serve as the religious leader of the Protestants throughout Mary's reign. In several interviews with the Queen, Knox admonished her for supporting Catholic practices. After she was imprisoned for her alleged role in the murder of her husband Lord Darnley, and King James VI was enthroned in her stead, Knox openly called for her execution. He continued to preach until his final days.
Did You Know?
- Knox acted as George Wishart's bodyguard, bearing a two-handed sword to defend him.
- When forced to kiss a picture of the Virgin Mary on a French galley, Knox (or a fellow prisoner) threw it into the sea, saying 'Let our Lady now save herself: she is light enough: let her learn to swim.'
- Knox's first sermon, preached in St Andrews in 1547, compared the Pope with the Antichrist, based on the seventh chapter of Daniel.
- The Forme of Prayers, created by Knox, was the first book printed in any Gaelic language.
- Knox was ordained a Catholic priest in Edinburgh on Easter Eve of 1536 by William Chisholm, Bishop of Dunblane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Knox?
John Knox was a Scottish minister, Reformed theologian, and writer who spearheaded the religious Reformation in Scotland. He is widely regarded as the principal architect who reshaped the Scottish Church into a Reformed body.
What is John Knox best known for?
He is most recognized for leading the Scottish Reformation and establishing the Reformed Church of Scotland. He also authored The History of the Reformation in Scotland, a foundational written record of the movement.
Where and when was John Knox born?
Knox was born around 1514 in Giffordgate, a street in Haddington in East Lothian, Scotland. He is thought to have studied at the University of St Andrews before taking up work as a notary-priest.
How did John Knox's life end?
John Knox died on 24 November 1572, bringing to a close his decades of tireless work in transforming Scottish religious life and governance.
Why is John Knox important to Protestant history?
Knox is a central figure because he personally drove the reformation of the Scottish Church, steering it toward Reformed theology and away from older Roman Catholic structures. His leadership and writings shaped the trajectory of Scottish Protestantism for generations to come.
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