📖 Biblical Definition
John Knox (c. 1514-1572) was the Scottish Reformer whose preaching, courage, and political toughness brought Scotland into the Protestant Reformation. Galley slave for nineteen months under French capture, exile in Geneva (where he sat under Calvin), then return to Scotland in 1559 where he forced Mary Queen of Scots and the Lords of the Congregation toward Reformation settlement. The Scots Confession (1560) and Book of Discipline are largely his work.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Scottish Reformer (c. 1514-1572); leading figure of the Scottish Reformation.
expand to see more
Captured by French forces at St Andrews (1547), spent 19 months as a galley slave; freed via English intervention. Pastor in England under Edward VI; fled Marian persecution to Geneva (1554); studied under Calvin.
Returned to Scotland 1559; preached the famous St Andrews and Perth sermons that ignited the Protestant uprising. The Scottish Parliament adopted the Scots Confession in 1560; the Reformed Church of Scotland was established.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Kings 18:21 — "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him."
Acts 4:19 — "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."
Daniel 3:18 — "But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image."
Romans 13:1 — "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often softens Knox; his actual courage in confronting royal power is what changed Scotland.
expand to see more
Knox's confrontations with Mary Queen of Scots are some of the most dramatic in Reformation history. He faced down a queen, refused to soften his preaching, and accepted exile when needed. I have never feared the face of any man was said over his grave by his Regent.
His political theology in The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (1558) was rough on female sovereigns; his doctrine of resistance to tyranny anticipated later constitutionalism.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Scottish given name and surname.
expand to see more
Anglo-Saxon knock — surname from a hill or hillock.
Note: Calvin called Knox his most fervent disciple; Knox called Calvin his master.
Usage
"How long halt ye between two opinions?"
"I have never feared the face of any man."
"Geneva-trained, Scotland-deployed."