Zwickau Prophets

The Zwickauer Propheten ( German: Zwickauer Propheten ) are the first preachers of Anabaptism in Germany : Zwickau’s drafters Nikolaus Storch , Thomas Drechsel and former Wittenberg student Markus Tome (Stübner). The nickname was given by Martin Luther in December 1521 . In Zwickau, Storch, famous for his spiritualistic visions, made a great impression on Thomas Münzer . Expelled from Zwickau , the "prophets" arrived in Wittenberg, gripped by a religious ascent. Referring to visions and conversations with God, the "prophets from Zwickau" opposed the baptism of children, heralded the death of the atheists and the birth of a new holy kind of people, condemned science and secular entertainment, which contributed to the outbreak of fanaticism among local residents.

Even local theologians were fascinated by the “prophets from Zwickau” - Karlstadt recognized and approved their activities, Melanchthon was very impressed with their preaching. In the absence of Luther, no rebuff was given to them. However, on his return to the city, Luther noticeably tempered the fervor of his fellow citizens, condemned their views in the sermons, and achieved expulsion from the city. Subsequently, Storch participated in the preparation of the peasant war in Thuringia .