God’s Outlaw: The Story Of William Tyndale (1986) | Full Movie

A true story, God’s Outlaw is about international politics, church intrigue, cold-blooded betrayal, and false justice ending in a criminal’s death. But it’s also about victorious faith and spiritual triumph over some of the greatest political and religious forces known in the 16th century.

A simple God-seeking man, William Tyndale somehow became one of the most wanted men in England and all of Europe. Pursued by King Henry VIII, Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More, and the Pope’s personal legate Cardinal Wolsey, Tyndale darted across Europe to avoid capture — always pushing to complete the task that obsessed him.

Director: Tony Tew
Starring: Roger Rees, Bernard Archard, Keith Barron, Kenneth Gilbert, Willoughby Goddard, Terrence Hardiman

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William Tyndale was a 16th-century English scholar and translator who played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation by translating the Bible into English. Driven by the belief that everyone should have access to God’s word, he faced fierce opposition from church authorities who deemed it illegal to translate the Bible into English. Despite facing persecution, exile, and ultimately execution, Tyndale’s work profoundly impacted the English language and the course of the Reformation, with his translations influencing later versions of the Bible, including the King James Version.

Here’s a more detailed look at his story:

• Early Life and Education:
• Born around 1494 near the Welsh-English border, Tyndale received a strong education, attending Oxford and later Cambridge.
• He became a priest and developed a strong conviction that the Bible should be available to everyone in their own language.

Translation Efforts:

• Tyndale’s translation work began in England, but faced opposition from church leaders who prohibited translating the Bible into English.
• He moved to Germany in 1524 to continue his work, eventually producing the first English translation of the New Testament directly from the Greek.
• He also translated parts of the Old Testament, including the Pentateuch.

Challenges and Persecution:

• Tyndale’s translations were smuggled into England and widely circulated, despite being condemned by church authorities.
• He faced intense opposition from figures like Sir Thomas More, who criticized his work and writings.
• Tyndale was eventually betrayed, arrested in Antwerp, imprisoned in Vilvoorde Castle, and executed in 1536.

Legacy:

• Tyndale’s translation work was a major catalyst for the Reformation in England.
• His translations, though condemned at the time, became the foundation for later English Bibles, including the King James Version.
• He is remembered as a key figure in making the Bible accessible to the common people and for his significant contributions to the English language.
• His famous quote, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes,” spoken before his execution, highlights his unwavering commitment to his cause, according to a historical account from www.plough.com.