Background
Johannes Gezelius was a Swede by birth, coming from the Gesala estate in the parish of Romfartuna in Vastmanland
Johannes Gezelius was a Swede by birth, coming from the Gesala estate in the parish of Romfartuna in Vastmanland
Gezelius' history preceding his period as a bishop indicates that he adhered to the irenical wing of Lutheran theologians. It was not without reason that he enjoyed the patronage of Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie, Chancellor of the Realm and a man known for his irenical Lutheranism. However, Gezelius' doctrinal moderation also made him flexible towards the opposing trend, so that he preserved a credible Lutheran reputation even during the period of stricter denominationalism. As bishop, he oriented himself more towards practical activities than doctrinal analysis. Thus - at a time when the Church's policy was hardening in the direction of full orthodoxy - a middle-of -the-road man became bishop of Turku.
In the early years of his episcopacy, Gezelius held frequent synods and himself wrote the dissertations discussed at them. In line with his theological policy, he strove in these writings for practicality, avoiding doctrinarism and especially polemics. In later years, both age and an increase in other duties lengthened the intervals between such meetings.
Gezelius was known both as an expert on matters of ecclesiastical law and as a person thoroughly familiar with the Baltic lands because of his previous office. The government therefore gave him the task of producing an ecclesiastical code for Livonia. He had this ready in 1668, but it remained unprinted and unauthorised. An especially interesting feature of the parts of this document dealing with divine worship is the emphasis that Gezelius places on prayer and devotions with "their pious gestures" and customs. The same sections demonstrate his fondness for church music.
In his capacity as bishop, Gezelius was also vice-chancellor of the University, and as such, his tasks included supervising the work and way of living of teachers and students.
Lutheran
