Abstract

Tyndale's Pentateuch (1530) was published in between Obedience of a Christian Man (1528) and Answer to More (1531). Thus, his Prologue to Leviticus (PS 1.421-28) largely focuses on Roman Catholic sacraments and his Prologue to Numbers (PS 1.429-40) on monastic vows. Jewish circumcision anticipates Christian baptism, and the paschal lamb prefigures the crucified Christ. In turn, Christ's sacrifice on Calvary is commemorated in the Eucharist (cf. Obedience, PS 1.252-54; Answer 85/1-2).

For Tyndale, none of these rituals confers grace; only faith justifies. Tyndale is indignant at the abuse of the discipline of penance. He recognizes the biblical commandment that lepers should show themselves to a Levite priest (Lev. 13.1-46), but he firmly rejects this custom as a precedent for auricular confession (cf. Obedience; PS 1.264). Chapter 30 of Numbers addresses the validity of vows made by Hebrew women in a patriarchal society. Tyndale expands this topic to include true and false practices of poverty, pilgrimage, and chastity. He develops these criticisms in Answer to More: wealthy shrines at Canterbury and Walsingham (cf. 61/3-33), pilgrimages (cf. 62-63), and clerical celibacy (e.g., 38/20-39/4). When the Torah is "written on the heart" (Jer. 31.33) through faith, we will love it and follow it.
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PS 1 = William Tyndale. Doctrinal Treatises and Introduction to Different Portions of the Holy Scriptures. Ed. Henry Walter. Parker Society, vol. 42. Cambridge UP, 1848