October 30, 2021

“I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed their flocks and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.” Zephaniah 3:12-13

Regarding the invitation to debate: in Zwingli’s stead, two young contenders, Oecolampadius and Haller, were selected to represent the Reformers. A well-known champion of Rome, Dr. Eck, supported by a host of prelates and doctors represented the established church. It was an 18-day battle of words! Only papal secretaries were allowed to take notes. All others present were forbidden, on pain of death, to take notes.

But a bright student of Zwingli’s sat in attendance and each evening composed a detailed account of the day’s arguments. Two other students delivered his notes, along with the daily letters of Oecolampadius, to Zwingli at Zurich, who answered each night with counsel and suggestions. Those two students would then return early each morning to Baden with Zwingli’s letters. Vigilant guards were stationed at the city gates. But the baskets of poultry on the students’ heads earned them passage without a hitch every time.

For the 18-day duration, the debate was conducted thus: Eck ceremoniously ascended a splendidly decorated pulpit wearing rich robes trimmed in jewels. Oecolampadius, clad humbly, was seated on a rudely carved stool. Eck’s thundering voice and the modest voice of Oecolampadius contrasted as much or more than their attire. When Eck’s arguments failed, he readily resorted to insults and oaths. Oecolampadius would say, “I acknowledge no other standard of judgment than the Word of God.” His courteous, gentle demeanor was positively unflinching.

At the end of the 18 days, the papists proclaimed victory. However, many of those in attendance turned in disgust from the presumptive, boisterous boasts of Eck and his host. Rome declared that Zwingli and all Reformers were cut off from the church; excommunicated. Very shortly thereafter, the cities of Bern and Basel, where Zwingli had attended school, declared for the Reformation!

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4