In Tyndale’s Words

By Heath Jarrett

Last week, I wrote about Paul’s relationship with Timothy and how he urgently desired Timothy to bring several things to him in prison: his warm coat, his books and his parchments. Paul, like anyone, wanted to sleep warm at night. He also wanted to keep studying and learning about God.

Tyndale’s last letter, reprinted below, was sent from prison while he too awaited execution. His words are a striking echo of Paul’s in 2 Timothy.

I believe, most excellent Sir, that you are not unacquainted with the decision reached concerning me. On which account, I beseech your lordship, even by the Lord Jesus, that if I am to pass the winter here, to urge upon the lord commissary, if he will deign, to send me from my goods in his keeping a warmer cap, for I suffer greatly from cold in the head, being troubled with a continual catarrh, which is aggravated in this prison vault. A warmer coat also, for that which I have is very thin. Also cloth for repairing my leggings. My overcoat is worn out; the shirts also are worn out. He has a woolen shirt of mine, if he will please send it. I have also with him leggings of heavier cloth for overwear. He likewise has warmer nightcaps: I also ask for leave to use a lamp in the evening, for it is tiresome to sit alone in the dark. But above all, I beg and entreat your clemency earnestly to intercede with the lord commissary, that he would deign to allow me the use of my Hebrew Bible, Hebrew Grammar, and Hebrew Lexicon, and that I might employ my time with that study. Thus likewise may you obtain what you most desire, saving that it further the salvation of your soul. But if, before the end of winter, a different decision be reached concerning me, I shall be patient, and submit to the will of God to the glory of the grace of Jesus Christ my Lord, whose spirit may ever direct your heart. Amen. 

W. Tyndale

May Christ enrich our hearts through the reading and study of his Word, even in the trials of our lives!