Brian H. Edwards

I have tended to read biographies about people in the 19th-21st century. This biography of William Tyndale takes us back to the 16th century when things were somewhat different in England, to say the least. The land was openly ruled by the Roman Catholic Church that was awash with vice and corruption. The people were controlled through the state ordered religion and Bibles were not available in the English language for the common man.

Tyndale, at the very start of the Reformation, set about changing this virtually single handedly and spent his life translating, copying, editing and printing portions of Scripture and other Christian literature. He carried out this work from various locations but was many times forced into hiding abroad to complete the work. The authorities attempted to track him down and bring him to justice for his 'heretical' teaching but he remained on the run for many years. Many of those involved in the work with him were arrested, then they were forced to recant or tortured and burned alive. Some of his friends betrayed him and others lived lives that damaged his reputation or stirred up trouble by speaking out rashly against those that opposed them. Tyndale himself seems to have been a single-minded and devoted man of God who was determined to complete his mission regardless of events taking place around him.

All efforts to stop the advance of the Gospel seemed to fail causing the authorities much fury;

Even Tunstall had learnt no better when, two years later, he arranged through a merchant to buy up a large stock of Testaments. By this grand purchase everyone was well satisfied; the bishop had his Testaments to burn, the merchant had his thanks and a reasonable consideration and Tyndale received the money to finance his next edition.

Sadly, in the end Tyndale was captured and imprisoned, but he even used this time to continue writing and eventually influenced many in powerful positions through his witness from his jail cell. His legacy must not be forgotten. Where would we be without copies of the Scripture in our own language? How often do we take it for granted?

This book is rich in historical content and gives a lot of contextual background information. Whilst I found this interesting it wasn't the easiest read. I would still recommend it as a good overview of the life and work of William Tyndale, God's Outlaw.… (mehr)