Frederick the Wise, 1463-1525

Frederick the Wise (1463–1525; after 1486 one of the seven electors of the Holy Roman Empire) was a member of the Ernestine branch of the ruling family in Saxony and one of the most outstanding and capable rulers of the first quarter of the sixteenth century. He reorganized the government of his territory and promoted the Reichsreform, which was intended to provide a new order for the administration of the Empire. He was a pious man, who was more sincere in this regard than many of his contemporaries. Although he was quite thrifty, he was willing to spend great sums of money to add to the collection of relics at the Wittenberg Castle Church.

In his attitude toward Luther, Elector Frederick was guided by his piety, a responsible conscience, and a feeling for justice; contrary to the opinion of many scholars, he was not influenced by political reasons (such as territorial antagonism to the Emperor) or by any economic considerations (such as confiscation of the property of churches that had gone over to the evangelical party). He supported Luther in a careful yet effective way, and on the basis of his key role in Imperial politics he was in a very good position to protect the Reformer. Elector Frederick deliberated over every move he made, but once he had come to a decision, he proceeded with determination.

He was probably the last of the men around Luther (whom, incidentally, he apparently never met, and with whom he usually communicated through Spalatin) to gain an insight into and understanding of the Reformers thought. Finally, in his dying hour, he publicly professed his adherence to the Reformation by receiving the Lord's Supper with bread and wine. This was the deed of a man who was slow to decide and act, but once convinced of the right of what he undertook, was willing to assume full responsibility for his action.


(1999, c1963). Vol. 48: Luther's works, vol. 48 : Letters I (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther's Works (Vol. 48, Page 49-50). Philadelphia: Fortress Press.