The outstanding ecclesiastical figure of the Reformation in Finland is Mikael Agricola (1506-57), who exerts a great influence on the subsequent development of the country.

Agricola had studied under Luther at Wittenberg, and, recognizing the centrality of the Bible in the Reformation, he has undertaken to translate the Bible into Finnish.

Agricola' s translation of the New Testament is published in 1548.

He writes other religious works and translates parts of the Old Testament as well.

Because Finnish had not appeared previously in print, Agricola is regarded as the father of the Finnish literary language.

After 1554 he serves as the bishop of Turku, the highest office of the Finnish church.