How was the gospel preserved during the Middle Ages?
The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. This was a time of great upheaval in Europe, as the Roman Empire collapsed and new kingdoms were formed. Yet even amidst this turmoil, God preserved His Word and the message of the gospel. Here are some of the key ways the gospel was preserved during the Middle Ages:
1. Monasticism
Monasteries became centers of learning during the Middle Ages, meticulously copying Scripture by hand. Monks saw it as their sacred duty to preserve God’s Word for future generations. Some of the oldest and most reliable Biblical manuscripts we have today were copied in monasteries. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Monks also taught Scriptural truths to the common people through illuminated manuscripts, art, and music. Biblical scenes decorated cathedrals to teach the gospel visually to largely illiterate populations. Gregorian chants set Scripture to music to aid memorization. The labors of generations of unknown monks preserved the message of salvation in Christ.
2. Missionaries
While Europe struggled with invasions and unstable kingdoms, missionaries brought the gospel to new lands. Patrick evangelized Ireland, converting pagan tribes to Christianity. Ulfilas translated the Bible into Gothic and taught the barbarian Goths about Jesus. Boniface took the gospel message to Germany. Cyril and Methodius developed an alphabet for the Slavic peoples and translated the Bible so they could hear the good news in their own language.
God raised up many faithful missionaries who risked their lives to spread the message of Christ. They translated Scripture and taught the gospel even in the face of persecution. “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15).
3. Preaching
Preaching was essential during the Middle Ages because most people could not read. Skilled preachers traveled from town to town proclaiming the Word of God. Peter Waldo began sending his followers, called the Waldensians, out two by two to preach the gospel throughout Europe. John Wycliffe and his followers, the Lollards, also traveled England sharing Scripture.
Preachers taught directly from Latin translations of the Bible, especially the Gospels. They recited lengthy passages from memory, explaining their meaning to the common people. Though banned by the Church, these early preachers kept the message of salvation by faith alive through their bold proclamation of Scripture. “For the word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12).
4. Vernacular Translations
As literacy spread, the Bible was translated into local languages so more people could read God’s Word. John Wycliffe and his associates translated the Latin Vulgate into English in 1382. Before he was martyred, Wycliffe sent out poor preachers to share this English Bible throughout the countryside.
In Germany, Luther translated the New Testament into German in 1522. Luther used Gutenberg’s recently invented printing press to mass produce copies of the German New Testament. For the first time, ordinary Germans could read the Bible for themselves. Similar vernacular translations were later made in other languages like French, Spanish and Czech.
Despite the Church’s prohibition, brave reformers made Scripture accessible to the common man. In doing so, they allowed the gospel to ring out clearly in the hearts and minds of the people.
5. Hermits and Mystics
Though some sought isolation from the world, medieval hermits and mystics helped keep the gospel alive through their spiritual writings. Anchoress Julian of Norwich recorded beautiful mystical reflections on God’s love seen in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote passionately about loving Jesus. Hermit Richard Rolle called people to repentance and living completely for God.
These hermits and mystics reflected deeply on Biblical truths in their meditations and letters. While cut off physically from the world, their writings taught about closeness with Christ and the hope of the gospel. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16).
6. Reform Movements
By the late Middle Ages, corruption and false teaching threatened to obscure the gospel of grace. But God raised up reform movements to call the Church back to Biblical truths. Peter Waldo led his followers in evangelical poverty, preaching the pure gospel from town to town in the 12th century.
In the 14th century, John Wycliffe denounced Church abuses and translated the Bible into English to empower the common man. Jan Hus, influenced by Wycliffe, began leading a reform movement in Czechoslovakia emphasizing Scripture as authority and salvation by grace. Though persecuted for questioning Church practices, these reformers proclaimed the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Throughout the Middle Ages, God preserved His Word and raised up faithful men and women to proclaim the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Through their labors in translating Scripture, teaching, preaching, writing, mission work, and calling for reform, the good news of Jesus was maintained even through difficult times. God ensured that the lamp of His Word was never extinguished, so that its saving message would continue shining.