William Tyndale is a figure many Christians likely have never heard of. His influence is felt the world over today through his translation work on the Bible. The sixteenth century English Reformer William Tyndale was an author, theologian, and linguistic genius who longed to give his English countrymen the Scriptures in their own language. Part of the excellent Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, Dr. Lawson has written another excellent biography called The Daring Mission of William Tyndale.
England during the 16th century was in spiritual darkness. The Reformation caught fire on the European Continent, while the people of England suffered under spiritually ignorant and superstitious priests who read the Bible to them in Latin. The Reformer William Tyndale decided to do something about this an act that would label him a trader and translate the Bible into the common tongue. Tyndale worked on translating the Bible so as to give the average person the Bible. This act was considered heresy in his time. He spent twelve years of his life as a fugitive and wouldn’t give up on this mission, eventually giving his own life for the cause of spreading the Bible in the English language. Through his efforts Tyndale became the father of the Modern English language and birthed a legacy that lasts today.
Lawson’s book on Tyndale only has seven chapters. The first chapter details his life and studies. Chapter two outlines Tyndale’s position on the doctrines of grace. The rest of the book explains the work Tyndale did in translating the Bible and the process he took.
While I’ve read about the work of the Reformation quite a lot and knew some about William Tyndale, Lawson did an excellent job helping me to understand who William Tyndale was, how the doctrines of grace drove his ministry, and the process he took to translate the Bible. If you’re wondering who William Tyndale is or you’re already familiar with him, I highly recommend this biography. This book lays out the life of William Tyndale in easy to understand and helpful ways that will help readers to grasp his significance today.
As Lawson says we need again Tyndale’s. “We want again Tyndale’s to tenaciously face the insurmountable obstacles before them and overcome them with zealous resolve for the glory of God. We need Tyndale’s who translate the Bible into the languages of forgotten people groups around the world. We need Tyndale’s to proclaim the gospel through the written page in the face of imminent danger. We need Tyndale’s who passionate love the Word of God to fill every pulpit, every seminary, every Sunday School class, every lectern” (165). Go pick up this biography on Tyndale and learn from his life. As you do you’ll once again be reminded of the necessity and power of God’s Word, and begin once again to develop a passion for God’s Word.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Title: The Daring Mission of William Tyndale
Author: Steven J. Lawson
Publisher: Reformation Trust (2015)
I received this book for free from Reformation Trust for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
