This week in Christian history: Gregory of Tours dies, Unam Sanctum edict, missionary preacher arrested
Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg arrested for preaching – Nov. 19, 1708
This week marks the anniversary of when Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, a German Lutheran missionary best known for his work in the Indian subcontinent, was arrested for preaching.
A native of Pulsnitz, Germany, Ziegenbalg had traveled to India in 1706 to evangelize the Tamil and Portuguese-speaking communities in the Danish colony of Tranquebar.
Soon after arriving, he translated a catechism and several Lutheran hymns into Tamil, and even preached a sermon in the language, establishing a congregation known as New Jerusalem Church.
However, according to the Concordia Historical Institute, his efforts garnered much backlash from local authorities who believed his mission interfered with their business endeavors.
Due to his efforts, Ziegenbalg was arrested and imprisoned for about five months on the orders of the colonial governor. Nevertheless, after his release, he persisted in his evangelism.
“His God-given dedication to learning local culture and religious life as well as his skill in learning and documenting the Tamil language were honored in a week-long commemoration in Tranquebar in 2006,” Concordia added.
