From Catholic Priest to Bible Translator
I was raised a Catholic priest, educated at Cambridge, and serving as a chaplain to English merchants in Antwerp. There I met William Tyndale, the great Bible translator, and everything changed. As I helped Tyndale and later Miles Coverdale in their work of translating Scripture, the Word of God transformed my own heart. I saw that the practices I had been taught as a priest were not found in Scripture, and I embraced the Reformed faith.
After Tyndale's martyrdom, I completed his translation work, producing the Matthew's Bible in 1537—the first complete English Bible printed with royal authorization. Millions would read God's Word in their own language because of this labor. I also produced commentaries and theological works, all aimed at making the Gospel accessible to ordinary people.
Preaching Under King Edward VI
Under King Edward VI, I became a powerful preacher in London, warning the people of God's judgment on sin while proclaiming His mercy in Christ. But when Queen Mary restored Catholicism, I was among the first arrested. For over a year I languished in Newgate Prison, separated from my wife and eleven children.
First Protestant Martyr Under Mary
On February 4, 1555, I became the first Protestant martyr under Queen Mary—the first of nearly 300 who would die. As I was led to Smithfield to be burned, my wife and children stood by the road, the youngest a baby at her breast. I could not speak to them, but our eyes met. I showed no fear, but walked steadily to my death.
The Final Sacrifice at Smithfield
At the stake, the pardon was offered if I would recant. I refused. When the fire was lit, I washed my hands in the flames as if they were cold water, then lifted those burning hands to heaven. A witness said I died "as if he had felt no pain."
I had given England the Bible in her own tongue. Now I gave my life that she might never lose it.
