The Martyrdom and Legacy of John Rogers
John Rogers, born around 1500, is remembered as one of the key figures of the English Reformation. His life, while not as well-known as some of the other Reformation martyrs, offers a profound story of conversion, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to God’s Word. Rogers’ journey from Catholic priesthood to martyrdom was marked by God’s providence, the influence of key figures like William Tyndale, and his deep passion for translating and spreading the Bible in English.
The Early Life of John Rogers
John Rogers was born into a time of religious and political upheaval. He grew up in a period when the Roman Catholic Church held immense power over both spiritual and secular life. After his education at Cambridge, Rogers became a Catholic priest. However, it was not until he encountered William Tyndale’s teachings and the broader Reformation movement that his life and faith would be completely transformed.
Rogers’ education at Cambridge exposed him to the theological debates of the time, but it was his encounter with Tyndale’s work that set him on a new spiritual path. In the early 1520s, Rogers traveled to Antwerp, where he met Tyndale. It was here, in the company of other Reformers, that Rogers was introduced to the idea of translating the Bible into English directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts—something that had not been done before.
Tyndale's influence on Rogers was profound. Through Tyndale, Rogers learned the importance of accessing the Bible in its original languages and began to see the errors of the Catholic Church’s teachings. Inspired by Tyndale’s steadfast commitment to the gospel and the truth of Scripture, Rogers renounced Catholicism and placed his faith in Christ alone for salvation.
The Conversion of John Rogers
The conversion of John Rogers was not an easy or immediate process. Though he had come to embrace the gospel and reject Catholic practices, Rogers did not completely sever his ties with Catholicism until after Tyndale’s martyrdom in 1536. The death of his friend and mentor, Tyndale, was a pivotal moment for Rogers. Witnessing Tyndale’s unwavering commitment to the truth—even in the face of death—strengthened Rogers’ own faith and resolve.
Tyndale’s death at the hands of the Catholic Church only increased Rogers’ desire to complete the work that Tyndale had started: the translation of the Bible into English. Shortly after Tyndale’s death, Rogers married Adriana de Weyden, and together they moved to Wittenberg in Germany. It was here, away from the increasing pressures of Catholic persecution in England, that Rogers would begin to focus on translating the Bible in earnest.
The Sacrifice of John Rogers
In God’s providence, after Tyndale was arrested and executed, much of his work, including his translations of the Old Testament, fell into the hands of John Rogers. The exact circumstances of how Rogers obtained Tyndale’s translations are unclear, but it is believed that it was through God’s careful planning that Rogers was able to acquire these vital pieces of Tyndale’s work. This was a providential moment in history, as it enabled Rogers to complete the Bible translation that Tyndale had started.
Rogers, working under the pseudonym "Thomas Matthew," dedicated himself to completing the translation. In 1537, after years of hard work and determination, Rogers completed the Matthew Bible—the first complete English Bible translated directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. While the Coverdale Bible, completed in 1535 by Miles Coverdale, was the first English Bible printed, it had relied heavily on the Latin Vulgate and the German translations of Martin Luther. The Matthew Bible, however, was groundbreaking because it was the first to be translated directly from the original biblical languages—Hebrew and Greek—giving it a unique authority and historical significance.
Rogers’ work was pivotal in the development of the English Bible. He did not simply translate the text; he worked with precision and care, drawing from Tyndale’s work and the available manuscripts to produce a version of the Bible that was both accurate and accessible to English-speaking Christians. He included Tyndale’s Old Testament translations, which had not been printed until that point, and ensured that the translation was true to the original texts.
Rogers sought to have the Matthew Bible recognized and approved by the church authorities. He managed to get a copy of the Bible into the hands of Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was sympathetic to the Reformation cause. Cranmer saw the value of Rogers’ work and presented it to Thomas Cromwell, who in turn presented it to King Henry VIII. After careful consideration, King Henry VIII authorized the publication of the Matthew Bible, marking the first time an English Bible was officially licensed in England.
The publication of the Matthew Bible was a historic moment. It fulfilled William Tyndale’s dying prayer: "Lord, open the king of England’s eyes." By God's grace, Rogers was able to see Tyndale’s dream realized—the English Bible was now officially available in England, and the doors were opened for future translations.
The Arrest and Martyrdom of John Rogers
Despite the success of the Matthew Bible, John Rogers’ involvement in the Reformation did not go unnoticed by the Catholic Church. His boldness in preaching the gospel, his commitment to the Reformation ideals, and his association with figures like Tyndale made him a target. After Queen Mary I ascended to the throne in 1553, the Reformation movement in England came under intense scrutiny, and many Protestant leaders were arrested, tried, and executed for their faith.
Rogers was arrested in 1555. He was offered freedom if he recanted his beliefs, but he stood firm in his faith. On February 4, 1555, John Rogers was led to the stake in Smithfield, London, where he was burned alive for his unwavering commitment to the gospel. As he was led to his death, he passed by his wife and eleven children, including his youngest child, whom he had not yet seen.
According to John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, when asked to recant his beliefs, Rogers replied, "That which I have preached I will seal with my blood." As the flames were kindled, Rogers did not shrink back. It is said that he even washed his hands in the flames before he perished. His death was a significant moment in the history of the Reformation, as he became the first Protestant martyr under Queen Mary I, who earned the nickname "Bloody Mary" for her brutal persecution of Protestants.
The Legacy of John Rogers
John Rogers’ martyrdom left a lasting legacy, though his name has not been as widely recognized as some other Reformation figures. His role in completing the Matthew Bible, the first complete English Bible translated from the original biblical languages, was monumental. It paved the way for subsequent English translations of the Bible, including the King James Version, which would become the standard English Bible for generations.
In London, a small plaque outside St. Bartholomew’s Hospital commemorates the place where Rogers and other Reformation martyrs, such as John Bradford and John Philpot, were executed for their faith. The plaque reads, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. The noble army of martyrs praise thee!” As a believer in Christ, John Rogers remains part of that “noble army of martyrs.”
Though John Rogers did not live to see the full fruits of his labor, his contributions to the English Reformation and the availability of the Bible in English have had a lasting impact on Christian history. His story is a testament to the power of the Word of God to transform lives, the courage required to stand firm in one’s convictions, and the ultimate sacrifice that some are called to make for their faith.
As we reflect on John Rogers' life, we are reminded of the cost of discipleship and the importance of standing firm in our faith, no matter the cost. His example challenges us to ask ourselves: Will we remain faithful in the face of trials? Will we have the courage to stand for truth, as Rogers did, even when it is costly?
Rogers’ words, "That which I have preached I will seal with my blood," echo down the corridors of history, calling us to stand firm in our faith, to value the Word of God above all else, and to be willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Christ. In the end, it is God’s Word that endures, and it is the legacy of men like John Rogers that continues to inspire us today.
Reference
Legacy of Faithfulness: John Rogers - Josh Buice
