And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6b-7a
Antonius Hambroeck (1661)
Mediator Murdered
Antonius was a pastor in Delft, Holland, in the 17th century, who was sent to take the Gospel to Formosa (now called Taiwan). There he was killed while trying to mediate between warring military leaders. He had firstly gone to the church in Batavia (Jakarta), Indonesia, which asked him to preach Christ in Formosa. He joined an established team of indigenous Christians and, in 1657, set up a teachers’ college there. He also translated the Gospels of Matthew and John into the local language.
Sadly, Antonius’ mission to Formosa was brought to an untimely and brutal end as a result of the war between the Dutch and the Chinese. As a community figure, he tried to mediate between the rival military leaders. This led to his and his family’s capture and subsequent decapitation.
When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were an offering far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Isaac Watts (1674-1748)