Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, was a German priest and theologian. He initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
On November 10, 1483, Martin Luther was born in Eisleben.
1484
Ulrich Zwingli born
Ulrich Zwingli, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation, was born on January 1, 1484.
1501
Martin Luther enters University of Erfurt
In 1501, Martin Luther entered the University of Erfurt to pursue his education.
1502
Martin Luther receives B.A. at Erfurt
In 1502, Martin Luther received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Erfurt.
1505-07-02
Luther vows to become a monk
On July 2, 1505, caught in a thunderstorm, Martin Luther made a vow to become a monk.
1505-07-17
Enters monastery of the Augustinian Hermits
On July 17, 1505, Martin Luther entered the monastery of the Augustinian Hermits in Erfurt.
1505-09-15
Luther's Admission to the Monastery
On September 15, 1505, Martin Luther made his general confession and was admitted into the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt as a novice, where he began his monastic life following a strict rule of work and worship.
1506-04-03
Luther ordained priest at Erfurt Cathedral
On April 3, 1506, Martin Luther was ordained as a priest at Erfurt Cathedral, marking a significant step in his religious journey.
1506-05-02
Luther celebrates first Mass
On May 2, 1506, Martin Luther celebrated his first Mass and embarked on the study of theology, shaping his future role in the Protestant Reformation.
1507-05-21
Luther Celebrates His First Mass
Martin Luther celebrated his first mass on May 21, 1507.
1508
Martin Luther lectures on moral philosophy
In the autumn of 1508, Martin Luther started lecturing on moral philosophy at Wittenberg until the end of 1509, while also continuing his studies in divinity.
1509-03-09
Luther obtains Bachelor of Theology degree
On March 9, 1509, Martin Luther obtained his Bachelor of Theology degree and returned to Erfurt, solidifying his academic foundation for his future religious endeavors.
1510
Luther Walks to Rome
Martin Luther undertook a journey on foot to Rome for church business, covering a distance of around 1,000 miles.
1512-10-19
Martin Luther receives doctoral degree
On October 19, 1512, Martin Luther received his doctoral degree.
1513
Martin Luther receives doctorate in theology
In approximately 1513, Martin Luther obtains his doctorate in theology. This academic achievement marks an important milestone in his career.
1515
Martin Luther Lectures on Romans
In 1515, Martin Luther began lecturing on the Book of Romans, a significant work in the New Testament. His lectures would later contribute to the development of Protestant theology.
1516
Martin Luther Lectures on Galatians
In 1516, Martin Luther started lecturing on the Book of Galatians, another important text in the New Testament. His interpretations of Galatians would play a key role in the Protestant Reformation.
1517-10-31
Luther posts 95 Theses
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church, sparking the Protestant Reformation. This act challenges the Catholic Church's practices and beliefs.
1518-07-07
Luther summoned to Rome
In July 1518, Martin Luther is summoned to Rome, but thanks to his patron, Elector Frederick III of Saxony, Luther's case is transferred to German territory.
1519-07
Debate with Professor John Eck at Leipzig
Martin Luther debates Professor John Eck at Leipzig, where he denies the supreme authority of popes and councils, further solidifying his break from the Catholic Church.
1520
Martin Luther's Von der Freiheit eines Christenmenschen
In 1520, Martin Luther wrote 'Von der Freiheit eines Christenmenschen' (On the Freedom of a Christian), a significant work discussing the freedom of a Christian individual.
1520-06-15
Leo X issues bull against Luther
On June 15, 1520, Pope Leo X issues a bull threatening Martin Luther with excommunication.
1520-12-10
Luther burns papal bull and Canon Law
Martin Luther burns the papal bull Exsurge Domine and a copy of Canon Law on December 10.
1521-01-03
Excommunication of Luther by Leo X
On January 3, 1521, Pope Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther with the bull 'Decet Romanum Pontificem', marking a significant event in the history of the Protestant Reformation.
1521-04-17
Luther's appearance at the Imperial Diet in Worms
On April 17-18, 1521, Martin Luther appeared at the Imperial Diet in Worms and famously refused to recant his beliefs, leading to a pivotal moment in the Protestant Reformation.
1521-04-18
Martin Luther refuses to recant at the Diet of Worms
On April 18, 1521, Martin Luther stood firm in his beliefs and refused to recant at the Diet of Worms, leading to him being branded an outlaw.
1521-05-04
Luther taken into protective custody
On 4th May 1521, Martin Luther is taken into protective custody by Elector Friedrich III near Eisenach on his way home from Worms. He remains in Wartburg Castle until 3rd March 1522.
1521-05-25
Diet of Worms
Martin Luther appeared at the Diet of Worms on May 25, 1521, where he refused to recant his teachings.
1521-05-26
Edict of Worms issued
The Edict of Worms, issued on 26th May 1521, places Martin Luther and his followers under imperial ban, marking a significant event in the history of the Protestant Reformation.
1522-03-06
Luther returns from Wartburg
Martin Luther returns from Wartburg Castle on March 6.
1522-09-21
Luther's Translation of New Testament Published
Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament is published on September 21.
1523-07-01
Heinrich Voes and John Esch burned at stake
Heinrich Voes and John Esch, the first Lutheran martyrs, were executed by burning at the stake in Antwerp on July 1.
1524-12-28
John Staupitz dies
On December 28, 1524, John Staupitz, an early mentor and supporter of Martin Luther, passed away.
1525-06-13
Marriage to Katherine of Bora
Luther marries Katherine of Bora, a former nun known for her brilliance.
1525-12-25
Luther’s German Mass first used
On December 25, Luther's German Mass is used for the first time.
1526
Writes German Mass; Becomes a Father (son Hans)
In 1526, Luther composes the 'German Mass' and welcomes his son Hans into the world.
1527
Writing 'A Mighty Fortress'
In 1527, Martin Luther fought sickness and intense depression, during which he wrote the famous hymn 'A Mighty Fortress'. He also welcomed the birth of his daughter Elizabeth and engaged in writing against Zwingli's views on the Lord's Supper.
1528
Writing Great Confession Concerning Christ's Supper
In 1528, Martin Luther wrote the Great Confession Concerning Christ's Supper. He also experienced deep grief over the death of his daughter Elizabeth and visited churches during this time.
1529-05-04
Birth of Magdalena Luther
Magdalena Luther was born on May 4th.
1529-10-16
Schwabach Articles Presented
Schwabach Articles, written by Martin Luther and others, were presented on October 16.
1530-06-25
Augsburg Confession Presented
The Augsburg Confession was presented to Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg on June 25, 1530.
1531-11-09
Martin Luther (son of Martin and Katharina) born
On November 9, 1531, Martin Luther, the son of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, was born, carrying on the legacy of the prominent reformer.
1532
Luther publishes An Admonition to Prayer against the Turks
In 1532, Martin Luther published 'An Admonition to Prayer against the Turks', urging for prayers and resistance against the Ottoman threat.
1533-01-28
Paul Luther born
On January 28, 1533, Paul Luther, the son of Martin Luther, was born, becoming a part of the Luther family.
1534-12-17
Margarethe Luther born
On December 17, 1534, Margarethe Luther, a member of the Luther family, was born.
1535
Luther begins his last major lecture series, on Genesis
In 1535, Martin Luther commenced his final significant lecture series, focusing on the book of Genesis, which contributed to his theological legacy.
1536
Agrees to Wittenberg Concord on the Lord’s Supper
In 1536, Martin Luther agreed to the Wittenberg Concord on the Lord's Supper in an effort to reconcile differences with other reformers. However, the Zwinglians did not accept this agreement.
1537
Luther Presents the Schmalkaldic Articles
Martin Luther presented the Schmalkaldic Articles, a stricter Protestant confession, at a meeting of the Schmalkaldic League in Germany.
1538
Writes Against the Sabbatarians
In 1538, Martin Luther wrote 'Against the Sabbatarians', a work where he argued against certain Sabbath-keeping groups and their beliefs.
1539
Writes On the Councils and the Church
In 1539, Martin Luther wrote 'On the Councils and the Church', discussing his views on the role of councils and the church in Christian theology.
1540-07-30
Martyrdom of Robert Barnes
On July 30, 1540, Robert Barnes, a Lutheran confessor, was martyred in England.
1541
Council of Regensburg Attempts Unity Between Rome and Lutherans
In 1541, the Council of Regensburg made efforts to achieve unity between the Roman Catholic Church and Lutherans on the doctrine of justification, but the compromise was rejected by John Frederick and others.
1542-08-03
Death of Elizabeth Luther
Elizabeth Luther passed away on August 3rd.
1543
Writes On the Jews and Their Lies
In 1543, Martin Luther wrote 'On the Jews and Their Lies', a controversial work where he expressed anti-Semitic views.
1544-10-05
Torgau Castle Chapel dedicated by Luther
The first church built to be Lutheran, Torgau Castle Chapel, was dedicated by Martin Luther on October 5, 1544.
1545
Writes Against the Papacy at Rome, an Institution of the Devil
In 1545, Martin Luther wrote a piece titled 'Against the Papacy at Rome, an Institution of the Devil', criticizing the practices and authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
1546
Death of Luther
Martin Luther, the key figure in the Protestant Reformation, died in 1546.
1546-02-14
Luther preaches his last sermon
On February 14, 1546, Martin Luther delivered his final sermon before his passing, leaving a lasting impact on the Protestant Reformation.
1546-02-18
Death of Martin Luther
On February 18, 1546, Martin Luther passed away in Eisleben, marking the end of his influential life as a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.
1546-02-22
Luther is buried at Castle Church in Wittenberg
On February 22, 1546, Martin Luther was laid to rest at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, a significant location in the history of the Reformation.
1547-04-24
Smalcaldic League defeated at Battle of Mühlberg
On April 24, 1547, the Smalcaldic League, a Protestant alliance, was defeated by Charles V at the Battle of Mühlberg, impacting the religious and political landscape of the time.
1552-02-18
Death of Katherine von Bora
On February 18, 1552, Katherine von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, passed away, marking a significant event in the life of the Luther family.
1558
First Volume of Luther's Collected Works
The first volume of Martin Luther's collected works was completed and published in 1558.
1561
Naumburg Conference attempts to unite Lutherans
In 1561, the Naumburg Conference made an unsuccessful attempt to unite Lutherans, ultimately failing due to the rejection of the second edition of the Augsburg Confession and Apology.
1564-03-02
Martin Luther (son of Martin and Katharina) dies
Martin Luther, the son of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, died on March 2, 1564.
1565-05-14
Death of Nicholas Amsdorf
Nicholas Amsdorf dies in Eisenach on May 14.
1567-03-31
Death of Philip of Hesse
Philip of Hesse dies in Kassel on March 31.
1570-09-11
Death of John Brenz
John Brenz dies in Stuttgart on September 11.
2010
Publication of Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval
Heinz Schilling authored the book 'Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval', focusing on the life and impact of Martin Luther during a period of significant change and turmoil.
2017-08-28
Publication of 'Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval' by Heinz Schilling
The book 'Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval' by Heinz Schilling was published on August 28th, 2017.
2017-10-19
Display 'The Reformation: What was it all about?' at the National Library
The display 'The Reformation: What was it all about?' featuring key texts by Martin Luther was held at the National Library from October 19 to December 10, 2017.
2017-12-25
Saint Martin Luther's Definition as a Saint
Saint Martin Luther's definition as a saint is discussed in a broader sense, beyond the traditional definition by The Holy Roman Catholic Church. The concept includes both those alive on earth and those who have passed away.