The execution of William Tyndale in 1536 delivered a significant blow to those Protestants who wished to distribute the Bible in England in a language that the common people could understand. If early editions of Tyndale’s New Testament translation sent shockwaves through the English establishment in the 1530s, then his death appeared a terminal moment for the Protestant cause. Yet this was not the case, for a man stepped out of the shadow of Tyndale’s martyrdom and assumed responsibility for the work begun by Tyndale. His name, John Rogers.1

The period was increasingly difficult for those laboring for the reform of the English Church. King Henry VIII continued to hesitate in his convictions: first encouraging the Protestant movement, then appearing to drift back to a more traditional form of religion. Sir Thomas More, and his many agents (responsible for the capture of Tyndale) continued to concentrate on stifling the spread of English Bible translations.

Born in 1500 and educated at Cambridge, John Rogers came into contact with Tyndale at Antwerp. Though not yet committed to the Protestant cause, Rogers was motivated to assist Tyndale by the opportunity to put to use his university studies in Greek and Hebrew. He began an intensive study of the Scripture, which led in time to his own conversion. He wrote to Tyndale, “I have found the true light in the Gospel.” From this point he assumed responsibility for the editing and publication of Tyndale’s translations.

After Tyndale’s martyrdom Rogers moved to Wittenberg, and it was not until the death of Henry VIII that he had an opportunity to return to England. He served two parishes in London during the reign of Edward VI. The death of the king brought his Catholic sister to the throne, and a vicious persecution of Protestants followed. In 1554, Rogers was held in prison and in 1555 declared a heretic. He was challenged to recant his Protestant faith and save his life: his response was emphatic, “That which I have preached I will seal with my blood.” Rogers was the first of many martyred under Queen Mary.

Rogers’ greatest legacy is the Matthew’s Bible,2 a completion of Tyndale’s translation project. Scholars are agreed that it was Rogers who finished the work, thus enabling the people of England to read the Bible in their own language. Late in his reign King Henry certified that the Matthew’s Bible could be used in all parish churches, and it was the basis for the more famous King James Version of 1611.

Most Christians have never heard of Rogers or contemplated his exploits, yet they enter into his legacy every time they read an English Bible. Rogers did what he could with all his heart, and he remained faithful to God. He could hardly have imagined the outcome of his work, but like all wise pastors, he knew that just as he was committed to the publication of Scripture and the spread of the gospel, so was his Lord. In earthly terms, Rogers paid a horrific price for his ministry; from a heavenly perspective, it was worth it all, and incalculably more.

Footnotes:
1
For a classic description of John Rogers’ life and martyrdom, see John Foxe, The Acts and Monuments of John Foxe, vol. 6 (London: R.B. Seeley and W. Burnside, 1838), 591-612.

article adapted from Kairos Journal

First Baptist Church of Perryville is located across from the Principio Health Center on Rt. 40 in Perryville, MD.