William Tyndale
“Almighty God, you planted in the heart of your servant William Tyndale a consuming passion to bring the Scriptures in their native tongue, and endowed him with the gift of powerful and graceful expression and with strength to persevere against all obstacles...”
Collect for William Tyndale
Today, in the Church calendar, we remember William Tyndale. Born in Gloucestershire, England in 1494, Tyndale was a gifted linguist who believed that everyone should have the right to read the Bible in their own language. A precocious student, Tyndale was admitted to Oxford at 12 years old. While at Oxford, Tyndale was introduced to Erasmus’ Greek New Testament and developed a passion for the Bible. After graduating from Oxford, Tyndale entered the priesthood and asked the Bishop of London for permission to translate the Bible into English. However, this request was denied. So, in 1524, Tyndale left England for Germany to begin translating the Bible into English. Two years later, in 1526, Tyndale completed the first English Bible directly from Hebrew and Greek texts.
Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English ignited the Reformation in England. What’s more, his translation became the basis for most English translations that would follow. The King James Version, for example, contains 90-percent of Tyndale’s phraseology. Yet, despite Tyndale’s important contribution, things didn’t end well for him. In Tyndale’s day, it was considered a heresy — punishable by death — to print, sell or own an English translation of the Bible. On Oct. 6, 1536, Tyndale was burned at the stake. Reportedly, his last words were, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes!"
Tyndale is important for us today for at least two reasons. First, Tyndale had a passion for God’s Word. He realized that the study of Scripture was important for Christian growth and maturity. So strong was this conviction that he was willing to sacrifice his own life for it. Second, Tyndale boldly took an unpopular stance, risking his own life, to be faithful to Christ and His word.
As we remember Tyndale today, I encourage each of us to think creatively about how we might honor his legacy. Tyndale died in order that English speakers might have access to Bibles in their vernacular. How might we take advantage of this wonderful privilege? Perhaps join a Bible study? Begin using a Bible app? Or, simply crack open our Bible on a daily basis? Tyndale’s unwavering faith is also encouraging. What are some ways that we might stand firm in our faith? How might we bolster our commitment and devotion to Christ and His Church? Tyndale serves as a wonderful example of what faithful discipleship looks like, and his legacy lives on every time we open our Bible.
