John Rogers printed the second complete English Bible in 1537 under the pseudonym of Thomas Matthews. It became known as the “Matthews Bible.” In the early sixteenth century it was illegal to own an English Bible. Tyndale had earlier translated much of the Bible into English, and was ultimately put to death. Rogers took on Tyndale’s task, and he was later executed by Queen Mary of England—burned at the stake in 1555. For the Matthews Bible, Rogers used the translation work of Tyndale and Myles Coverdale, who had published the first complete English Bible in 1535.
When the Bible was published, the attribution read: “translated by Thomas Matthews.” Historians conclude that it was likely a pseudonym for William Tyndale—his name still too dangerous to use!
To learn more about the Protestant Reformation visit www.museumofthebible.org/reformation.
When the Bible was published, the attribution read: “translated by Thomas Matthews.” Historians conclude that it was likely a pseudonym for William Tyndale—his name still too dangerous to use!
To learn more about the Protestant Reformation visit www.museumofthebible.org/reformation.
Share
More Book Minute Features
September 21, 2020
Septembertestament
Martin Luther is best known for the 95 Theses written in 1517. But did you know he was the first to translate the Bible into an easy-to-read, everyday...
September 14, 2020
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is Utah’s first National Park. The official park tour guide explains how Zion Canyon got its name from the Bible, specifically Isai...
September 07, 2020
Ostrog Bible
Church Slavonic is the conservative Slavic liturgical language used by the Orthodox Church in Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Russia, S...