William Farel
1489 – September 13, 1565
Reformer & Evangelist
The fiery Reformer who convinced Calvin to stay in Geneva
Biography
French Reformer and evangelist who brought the Reformation to French-speaking Switzerland. He is best known for dramatically persuading the young John Calvin to stay in Geneva in 1536, threatening him with God's judgment if he refused. Without Farel's intervention, Calvin might never have become the pastor-theologian of Geneva.
Faith & Testimony
Farel was a fiery, passionate evangelist whose boldness bordered on recklessness. He preached openly in hostile Catholic cities, was beaten and driven out repeatedly, yet kept returning. His greatest legacy may be his conviction that Calvin was called to Geneva — a decision that shaped the entire course of Reformed Christianity.