While dates are somewhat obscure historical accounts state that Tyndale read Erasmus’ translation of the New Testament between 1516 and 1521. What he discovered there changed his life. When he first read the Bible, he regarded it as nothing more than an extremely useful self-help book that offered him valuable religious insights. However, the more he read the more he realized that the Bible was the omnipotent, creative word of God. He understood that Scripture not only convicted but was able to convert the sinful human heart as well. This discovery led to a seismic shift in his thinking. He saw that only God’s word could truly regenerate his heart.

Energized by these discoveries Tyndale began to preach the truth of salvation by faith at Oxford. However, Oxford, being a focal point of Catholic dogma, rejected Tyndale’s assertions regardless of how scripturally sound they were. When the opposition grew, forceful Tyndale was forced to move to the University of Cambridge.