Who was Theodore Beza?

Question
Who was Theodore Beza?
Answer
Beza, Theodore (1519-1605). French Protestant theologian who was a spokesman for the Reformed churches in France. He wrote a biography of Calvin and succeeded him as chief pastor in Geneva. He wrote and taught extensively as professor of Greek and theology at the Genevan Academy. In 1551, at Calvin's suggestion, he completed Marot's translation of the Psalms into French. In 1556 he published an annotated Latin translation of the Greek New Testament. In 1565 and 1582 he followed with the Greek text of the New Testament, to which he added the Vulgate and his own translation. After Calvin's death, he continued to engage in vigorous polemics with Ochino, Arminius, Castellio, and Petrus Ramus. His strong defense of Calvinistic ideas, such as double predestination, biblical literalism, and church discipline, had a permanent impact on the Reformed tradition.

Reference

George Thomas Kurian, Nelson's New Christian Dictionary: The Authoritative Resource on the Christian World (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Pubs., 2001).

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).