In the early 1500’s, English law prohibited translating the Bible into common language. The Catholic church restricted Scripture to Latin, which ordinary people couldn’t understand. William Tyndale strongly believed that God’s voice belonged in every home and field rather than mediated or hidden by Catholic authorities. Tyndale wanted “the boy that driveth the plow” to know more of the Scriptures than the learned clergy of his day.
In pursuit of creating an accurate & readable translation, Tyndale fled to Europe and lived as a fugitive working in secret places while he translated the Bible from Greek & Hebrew to English. By 1526 he printed the 1st complete New Testament in English and smuggled approximately 6,000 copies of the New Testament to England.
After being betrayed and imprisoned, he was executed in 1536. His final prayer was “Lord! Open the King of England’s eyes.” Only 3 years later, King Henry VIII authorized the printing and distribution of William Tyndale’s English Bible throughout England.
In August, Keith & Kristyn Getty held their 10th Annual Sing! Conference. The theme was “Symphony of Scripture” celebrating 500 years of the English Bible and the 25th Anniversary of Crossway’s ESV. The focus of the conference is always connecting Biblical text with congregational singing, and this year included a full symphony orchestra. Many guest speakers gave special tributes to William Tyndale because his life’s work helped to shape our understanding of who God is.
A special audio project “Symphony of Scripture” had its world premiere. A pre-recorded narration by the late Jubilant Sykes was accompanied by the large symphony orchestra playing an original score written especially for this project. The composer, Grant Fonda, created this music to “exalt the creator, not the artist.” It is beautifully done!
The Gospel of John (released this week) is the start of a larger project featuring the complete ESV Bible, scheduled for release next year. But now …. You can read along while listening to the recording via a QR Code on the book. There is a limited quantity of this boxed set available in the lobby for a suggested donation of $6. Audio samples can also be found on-line on YouTube or on the “SymphonyOfScripture” website.
