Tyndale was employed as a tutor to the children of Sir John Walsh at Sodbury Hall in Gloucestershire. It was here that Tyndale recognized the need for a vernacular Bible. While at Sodbury Hall, Tyndale was introduced to the local clergy who frequented Sir John’s open table. Here Tyndale was given unrestricted access into the minds of the spiritual leaders of the Shire. The discovery led him to realize that while the clergy were wealthy and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, they were by no means converted nor were they familiar with Scripture. 

One of the favorite topics of conversation at Sir John’s table was the new Protestant teachings that were spreading throughout Europe under the auspices of men like Luther. It was here that Tyndale first heard of Luther and his work. While Tyndale vehemently argued in favor of Luther and the truths of righteousness by faith the local clergy snarled against it. The clergy was taken aback by Tyndale’s defense of the new teachings. Some of them were so scandalized by his support of Scripture that they told him, “Your scriptures only serve to make heretics.”

During his time at Sodbury Hall Tyndale began preaching at the little church of St. Adeline which was located on the estate. He also traveled to many of the nearby hamlets and villages preaching the gospel. He met ploughmen and farmers beneath the shade of spreading trees in the fields when they paused their labour for lunch. Bit by bit he shared the truth with anyone willing to listen. Unfortunately, the local clergy were determined to stamp out his influence. They followed in his wake, crowding the ale houses, rubbing shoulders with the locals, and denigrating Tyndale to anybody who took the time to listen. 

Ultimately Tyndale realised that the clergy were like crows, plucking up all the seed he was sowing before it had a chance to sink into the soil and germinate. He also realised that the only way to make an impact in England was to place the Bible in the hands of Englishmen and women in their own language. This is where his lifelong devotion to translating the Scriptures into English was birthed.