John Knox

By gianluca.c.formica@gmail.com
  • 1514

    birth

    John Knox is born near Haddington, Scotland.
  • 1530

    Education

    Education
    studied at the University of St. Andrews, where he would have been exposed to early Reformist ideas.
  • Period: 1536 to 1538

    Ordanment

    Knox is ordained as a Catholic priest. He follows the traditional religious practices of the Catholic Church, but soon becomes influenced by the works of Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers. Knox is also influenced by the Scottish reformer George Wishart.
  • 1545

    Conversion to Protestantism

    Knox becomes a bodyguard to George Wishart, a prominent early reformer in Scotland. Wishart's preaching had a great impact Knox’s views and resolve.
  • 1547

    ST. Andrews

    ST. Andrews
    Knox joins Protestants at St. Andrews Castle, where he begins preaching Protestant doctrines. His preaching attracts a following, and this marks his first significant public role as a Protestant leader. French forces, allied with the Scottish Catholic take St. Andrews Castle, and Knox, along with others, is captured and taken prisoner.
  • Period: 1547 to 1549

    captivity

    Knox spends two years as a slave on French ships. He continues preaching to fellow prisoners during this time.
  • Period: 1549 to 1553

    Knox in England

    John Knox is released and works under the church of England as a preacher
  • Period: 1553 to 1559

    Exile During the Reign of Mary I

    Knox is forced to flee England, in Geneva he meets john Calvin which is crucial for his theological development.
  • Period: 1559 to 1560

    Return to Scotland and Leadership in the Reformation

    Knox returns to Scotland, the country is in turmoil due to increasing conflict between Catholic and Protestant forces. Knox becomes the leading figure in the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, he inspires rebellion against the Catholic authorities. Papal authority and the celebration of the Catholic Mass is abolished. Knox helps draft the Scottish Confession of Faith, which establishes the doctrinal foundation for the new Protestant Church of Scotland.
  • Period: 1567 to 1572

    Later Life and Final Years

    After clashing with Mary queen of Scots. He continues to preach until he eventually dies