Born in
Trier, Olevian was the son of a baker and attended a course of humanist studies in Paris. He went on to study law at
Bourges and came under the influence of Reformation teaching. On his return to Trier his beliefs came into conflict with those of the local clergy. In 1560 he was invited by
Frederick III, Elector Palatine to teach at the
University of Heidelberg. After the Elector's death his son
Louis VI, Elector Palatine, who was strongly
Lutheran in conviction, attempted to turn the school away from the Reformed doctrine of the Heidelberg catechism. Olevianus was banned from teaching but he was able to move to
Berleburg. There, in 1578, he published a commentary on the
Epistle to the Galatians, with a preface by
Theodore Beza. Olevianus published several works on the
Covenant of Grace. In 1584 he moved to the County of
Nassau and became rector of
Herborn Academy. He died in 1587 surrounded by friends and supporters and was buried in Herborn. On his deathbed he was asked "Are you undoubtedly sure of your salvation, as you taught others constantly?" His reply was "Most certain!" == References ==