What would it be like if you couldn’t read the Bible in your native language? William Tyndale, a priest born in the 1490s in England, lived in a time when this was true for his country.
William had a deep knowledge and love of the Scriptures, and he wanted everyone to be able to study the Word for themselves so that they could know the deep truths of the gospel just as well as priests did.
William fought tirelessly to make God’s Word available to all—through providing the Scriptures in the language of the people. His translation of the New Testament into English was completed in 1525.
Some church and political leaders took issue with an English translation of the Bible. Unfortunately, some in authority became so afraid of William’s work that steps were put into place to trap, catch, and kill him.
Through a series of hurtful events, William Tyndale was betrayed by a friend to the authorities. He was placed in prison and eventually sentenced to burn at the stake. At his execution, he cried out, “Lord! Open the King of England’s eyes.â€
William Tyndale’s death was not the end though. Not long after his death, the Bible in English became much more readily available and legally acceptable. And though he died in his efforts, William’s hope was in Jesus, the God who promises to raise His people from the grave.
As we seek to share the gospel, we may face opposition or even death, but we are not a people without hope: we have the good news of Jesus. Translation efforts help people hear the good news in their own language (Romans 10). Whatever work God calls us to do, we can share the love God has shared with us, resting in the hope of Jesus’ death and resurrection. • Deborah del Villar
• Why can we have hope in Jesus, even in the face of death and persecution?
• Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. Why is Scripture so important?
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Read Verses:
Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2
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