With excitement we present to you this year’s Fall Reformation special issue commemorating the 500th anniversary of two very significant works produced in 1525 (see cover): The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther and an English translation of the New Testament by William Tyndale. Tyndale’s Bible, which consists of the New Testament and some Old Testament books, was published in 1526 with a revision in 1534. However, he completed his masterful translation in 1525 and was planning to print several thousand copies in Cologne, Germany and convey them secretly back into his homeland of England from which he had fled. However, before the printing was completed it was disrupted by the authorities so that Tyndale seized his printed sheets and fled up the Rhine River to Worms where the Bible would be printed a year later. 1525 is, therefore, the date we are commemorating in this special issue of the SB.

This issue is divided into two parts, giving equal treatment to each Luther and Tyndale. We cover Luther first since Tyndale was inspired by Luther in various ways. Serving as our meditation is a selection from Tyndale’s preface to his largest and most famous book, The Obedience of a Christian Man (1528). In this polemical treatise Tyndale defended the reformers against the oft-repeated charge of insurrection and sedition as if they taught God’s people to overthrow authority. Above, you can read Tyndale’s powerful encouragement to his brethren who were persecuted for their loyalty to Christ during the Reformation.

We thank all the writers for their diligent work and excellent contributions. One article came from a new writer, Rev. Matthew Koerner. Two articles came all the way from Europe! We extend a special word of thanks to Rev. Angus Stewart, pastor of the sister church of the PRC in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and Rev. Jochen Klautke, pastor of the BERG, a Reformed church in Germany with whom the PRC has a corresponding relationship.

B. Huizinga