The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

V. The First French Recruit Revives Future Millennium

FRANCOIS LAMBERT OF AVIGNON (1487-1530), who had a part in reforming the Hessians, was the first French monk to be converted to Protestantism. Formerly a traveling preacher of the Franciscan Order in southern France, and an able orator, he found no peace in ascetic exercises. He was profoundly moved by a French translation of some of Luther’s early tracts. Sent to Germany to join brethren of his order, he traveled on muleback, stopping successively at Geneva, Bern, Zurich, Basel, Eisenach, and Wittenberg-ever seeking light. Half converted by Zwirigli, in a public disputation in 1522, he was urged to go on to Luther, by whom he was fully persuaded at Wittenberg, in 1523. ⁶⁵ PFF2 302.2

During the year 1523 he delivered exegetical lectures at the university, and wrote several tracts defending his new faith. He also translated Reformation tracts into French and Italian. In 1524 Lambert left Wittenberg for Metz and Strassburg, and in 1526 was called by Count Philip to help organize the Protestant church in Hesse. ⁶⁶ Here he prepared 158 theses for the Synod of Homberg, demanding that whatever is deformed should be reformed by the Word as the rule of faith and practice, and that the church should consist of true Christians only. PFF2 302.3

In 1527 Lambert became professor of theology in the newly opened university of Marburg, and lectured on the prophecies and the Apocalypse. But on account of his leanings toward the Zwinglian position on the Lord’s supper, he lost the support of his Lutheran co-reformers. ⁶⁷ In 1528 Lambert wrote a commentary on the Apocalypse-Exegeseos in sanctum Divi Joannis Apocalypsim-dedicated to the Landgrave of Hesse. His commentary shows decided traces of Joachim’s influence in the explanation of Revelation 20. The pope and the Turk are types of Antichrist. And after the long persecution set forth by the Seals, under the last seal will come the 1,000-year pause of Revelation 20. ⁶⁸ PFF2 302.4

Picture 2: THREE STALWART REFORMERS WHO EXPOUNDED PROPHECY
Philip Melanchthon, Luther’s Yokefellow (Left); Nicolaus von Amsdorf, of Naumburg (Center), and Heinrich Bullinger of Zurich (Right), Were Ready Writers on the Prophecies and Markedly Influenced Others Through Their Interpretations, See Pages 285, 304, and 339
Page 303