Venetus, Georg

Venetus, Georg a Lutheran theologian of Germany, was born at Venedig, in Prussia, whence he is also called Venediger. He studied at Konigsberg and Wittenberg; was promoted in 1550 as doctor of theology; and appointed in 1552 professor of theology at Konigsberg. Being opposed to the doctrines of Osiander, he had to leave his professorship, and went to Rostock as professor of theology and pastor of St. Nicolaus. In 1558 he was made superintendent at Colberg, in Pomerania; returned again, in 1567, to Prussia; was appointed bishop of Pomezan; and died at his episcopal see in Liebenmuhl, Nov. 3,1574. He wrote an exposition on the Epistle to the Romans in sermons, and a paraphrase on the Lord's Prayer. See Arnold, Historie der kolnisbergischen Universidt; Freher, Theatrum Eruditorum; Rollins, Bibliotheca Nobilium Theologorum; Jiocher, Algenmeines Gelehrten-Lexikon, s.v. (B. P.)