How we got the Bible

Teacher

Lesson Summary

The class reviewed the tumultuous history of English Bible translations from the 14th through the 16th centuries. Beginning with the early persecution of translators like John Wycliffe, the teacher highlighted William Tyndale’s groundbreaking Greek‑and‑Hebrew based translation, his martyrdom, and the subsequent efforts of Miles Coverdale and John Rogers, whose work culminated in the Matthew Bible. The discussion then shifted to the political climate under King Henry VIII, whose break with Rome briefly permitted English Bibles, leading to the Great Bible, and later to the dramatic reversals under Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I that dictated which versions could be read. Through the reigns of these monarchs, the class illustrated how Protestant reformers embraced the Geneva Bible while the Church of England produced the Bishop’s Bible, each reflecting the theological tensions of the era. The narrative concluded with the recognition that these historical struggles paved the way for later standardized translations, underscoring the resilience of God’s Word amid persecution. The lesson emphasized appreciation for the Scriptures we have today and the importance of understanding their journey. Overall, the session taught that the Bible’s availability in English was a hard‑won gift, shaped by brave scholars, shifting royal edicts, and enduring faith, reminding believers of the lasting power of Scripture.