Biography

Do you recognize the name Peter Vermigli? Perhaps you know him by one of his nicknames: Italian Calvin, Peter Martyr, or The Forgotten Reformer. Vermigli was born in 1499 and at age 15 joined an Augustinian Order. Being an excellent student, he took every opportunity to learn from others which exposed him to many books, ideas, and debates. He also gained the respect of others and held the offices of preacher, vicar, and abbot during his lifetime. Perhaps his greatest calling was that of “Reformer. “ His study of scripture and contact with other Reformers led him to take issue with the Catholic doctrine of the Eucharist. The other credo Vermigli expounded upon was “Salvation in Christ alone” which by the way were part of his last words as he passed away while exiled in Zurich in 1562. While his name may be “forgotten” as part of the Reformation, his life and body of writings had a great influence on many people’s lives. The Commonplaces is a compilation of much of his writings.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer