Wycliffe was known as the MORNING STAR of the Reformation; a star rising upon a new day. Wickliffe (or Wycliffe) was born in 1330 AD and died in 1384. He attended Oxford University, receiving his doctorate in 1372. Most of his life was spent teaching at Oxford, and studying God’s Word in Oxford’s extensive library. He was a brilliant scholar who mastered the late medieval scholastic tradition, and was recognized by John of Guant (The Duke of Lancaster) as one who was extraordinarily gifted in theology and preaching. Not only was he an able clergyman, but he was also involved in state affairs. Wickliffe performed diplomatic duties for the crown, and wrote extensively on supporting civil government. This is one of the few biographies that exist on the life of Wickliffe.

John Wycliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation, gave us the first English translation of the Bible. A noted scholar and teacher at Oxford, his reliance on the Bible as the sole source of truth stood in stark contrast to the teachings of the Catholic church. His followers went out, teaching and preaching to the common man throughout England. Bowing himself to the authority of the Bible, his great aim was to bring men to the Word. He saw it as the one great authority, the Law that exceeded all other laws. His life’s work continued through men like John Hus and laid the groundwork for Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and the other great men of the Reformation.

In a generation when Western Christendom was convulsed by crisis in its religious leadership and its kingdoms were divided in political rivalries, John Wycliffe stood out with his torrid denunciation of abuses in the Christian Church. More works have been written about him than any other medieval Englishman, and yet to explain what he sought to do or achieved paradoxically remains difficult. The greater part of his life was spent in a university career and academic disputation, and very little is known of the details of this period before he emerged into public affairs. For the last dozen years or so before his death, he became entangled in English ecclesiastical and secular politics, and in this career eventually gave his attention more exclusively to demands for the reform of doctrines and abuses. --from chapter 2

From the day Christ began His earthly ministry, He has used men and women, common and great, to spread the priceless story of His saving grace. Most of these received no earthly rewards. Many have been forgotten. But there were a few whose influence and commitment were so great that they left an indelible mark on the church and Christian thinking. Great Leaders of the Christian Church is an inspiring resource for pastors, teachers, and others who would like to learn more about their Christian heritage.