John Knox

Born around 1514, John Knox was a Scottish minister, theologian, and writer who became a leading force in the Reformation in Scotland. He is closely associated with the rise of Protestantism there and is widely remembered for his powerful preaching and his influence on the movement that led to the establishment of the Church of Scotland.

Knox lived through years of turmoil that included political conflict, exile, and intense religious debate. During his time abroad he was influenced by other reformers, and when he returned to Scotland he played a major role in pushing for a break with Roman Catholic authority. His writings, including sharp polemics as well as works of history and reform, helped spread his ideas far beyond the pulpit.

He died on November 24, 1572. For listeners today, Knox remains a striking and often controversial figure: a man whose words carried enormous force in his own lifetime and whose legacy still shapes how the Scottish Reformation is understood.