4. The Word of God for the People of God: Bible Translation Efforts in the Pre-Reformation (1300 – 1540)

In the Late Middle Ages, many began protesting the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, calling for both moral and theological reform. During this time, the Bible was inaccessible to the vast majority of Christians and only read at the mass in Latin. The church actively discouraged Bible translation and persecuted those who attempted to do so, and yet many gave their lives for this cause.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-8; Romans 10:12-17

People: John Wycliffe (c. 1328-1384), Jan Hus (c. 1369-1415), William Tyndale (c. 1494-1536)

“The truth of God standeth not in one language more than in another…[An English Bible] may edify the lewd people as it doth clerks in Latin…Why man we not write in English the gospel and other things dedicating the gospel to the edification of men’s souls?”[1] – John Wycliffe

John Wycliffe, “Morning star of the Reformation”

“Truth conquers.”[2] – Jan Hus

“If God spares my life, ere many years, I will cause the boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scriptures than thou dost!” -William Tyndale, responding to the criticisms of an educated clergyman

Application:

We are so blessed to have access to the Bible in our own language. Read it! Also, consider supporting translation efforts through organizations like Wycliffe Bible Translators, so that all people can have the Bible in their mother tongue.

[1] Quoted in video, “William Tyndale’s Death is Not What You’ve been Told” by Gavin Ortlund. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DetuTE_XCo&t=798s> Accessed 4/24/25.

[2] Quoted from <https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/the-tragic-trial-and-death-of-jan-hus-11633059.html> Accessed 5/27/25.