Jonas, Justus, 1493-1555

Justus Jonas is chiefly known as a translator of the works of Luther and Melanchthon. He was Dean of the Theology Faculty at Wittenberg from 1523-1533 and Rector of the University three time during that period. He became involved with Reformation activities outside of Wittenberg, to the detriment of his teaching responsibilities at the University. In 1542 he left Wittenberg and became Church Superintedent in Halle. In 1546, he accompanied Luther on his last journey to Eisleben. When Luther died there, Jonas preached the funeral sermon. He returned to Halle where he had been appointed preacher for life. With the outbreak of the Schmalkald War in 1545, Imperial troops forced Jonas and his family to flee from Halle. They returned briefly when Elector John Frederick retook the city but were forced to flee again when Charles V defeated John Frederick at Muhlberg. Eventually Maurice of Saxony permitted Jonas to return to Halle but the City Senate refused to permit him to preach. He did, however, perform the other duties of his Superintendency.

From the description of Justus Jonas receipt, 1549. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122503891