John Wyclif (c. 1329 - 1384)

A character sketch of John Wyclif

Attended Oxford University and received a Doctorate of Theology in 1372.

Was the first to translate the entire Bible from the Latin into English. (Old Testament in 1382 and New Testament in 1380)

Called the “Morning Star of the Reformation” because he questioned the Papal authority, criticized the sale of indulgences, denied the reality of transubstantiation and spoke against church heresies.

He felt that the only way to win the war with the church was to allow people of all languages the opportunity to read the scriptures in their own language.

He was both loved and hated by his peers. Some thought he was a heretic and some supported his desire to make the scriptures available to all.

Personal Application

In my opinion, this was a man who saw the need for a Bible based “Body of Christ.” He used his knowledge as a theologian to translate the Bible into the language that I speak and read. Definitely, he is a man who can be credited for promoting the spread of the gospel.

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