Tyndale's Faithfulness

Currently, I am reading Filling up the Afflictions of Christ by Piper and have been struck by the life of William Tyndale. William suffered under the reign of King Henry VIII in England in the 1500’s for twelve years as he attempted to translate the Greek New Testament and Hebrew Scriptures into the common language of English. At that time, it was considered heresy and illegal to have a copy of the Scriptures in English for many reasons, albeit illegitimate.

William Tyndale was exiled from his home and his comforts to labor at translating the Scriptures into English so that “…a boy that driveth the plow, shall know more of the Scripture than thou dost.” William spoke these words to a man of great influence who was opposed to the Reformation and his efforts. William would eventually be murdered and burned for his relentless work and his convictions that the Bible was completely true and the common person should know the Words of God.

What an incredible example of perseverance and perspective in William Tyndale’s life! He suffered exile, jail, hunger, thirst, bitter cold and many other persecutions for many years, because he knew what had been promised to him in the Scriptures.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice, insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” - 1 Peter 4:12-14

Because of the faithfulness of Tyndale and so many others, we have the Scriptures in English and are able to know our Savior in an intimate way. What a challenge to us to have perspective in trials and know that God has ordained every situation for His glory and for the spreading of His gospel! What a striking reminder that we are called to suffer and to be joyful, even in pain! What a sweet reminder that ultimately we are saved by God’s grace through faith; not by any works of righteousness! What a challenge to us not to back down from resistance to our attempts at spreading the gospel but to be joyful always; in seeing people come to know our Jesus and in many persecutions, however small or large.

God, help us to love Your Word, know Your Word, treasure Your Word and spread Your Word.

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