Peter Waldo

A Pioneer of Gospel Reform Article by M. V. Pereira

Peter Waldo (c. 1140 - c. 1217) a man once rich in the world’s goods was awakened to his spiritual poverty through a tragic providence. Moved by the sovereign grace of God he embraced the true riches of Christ. In the latter part of the twelfth century, stirred by the words of Scripture and stricken by the vanity of earthly treasures, he gave all he had to the poor and began to preach the gospel in simplicity and truth. Waldo held fast to the authority of the sacred Scripture, believing that they alone must guide the soul in matters of faith and life. Having his heart was set aflame by the Word of God, he sought to restore the primacy of Scripture, advocate personal faith, and denounce the corruptions in the Church. He gathered around him a band of followers, becoming known as the Waldensians, who proclaimed the Word of God in the common tongue, declaring repentance and faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. Though the powers of Rome sought to silence them with fire and sword, the light of Waldo’s testimony endured, pointing the way to the reformation of the church that would break forth in future generations.

In the heart of the 12th century, a wealthy merchant from Lyon, France would become a pivotal figure in church history. Peter Waldo* (c. 1140 - c. 1217) was a pioneer of gospel reform. He is remembered as one of the earliest forerunners of the Reformation.

Crisis

Waldo emerged on the scene of church history around 1170 a.d. after experiencing a spiritual crisis. It was precipitated by a tragic event. While visiting a friend, he witnessed his sudden death after supper. The grim reality of death deeply affected him. His awareness and sensitivity to sin was heightened. He knew he was a sinner and was not ready to die. Thus began his quest for spiritual truth and assurance. He gave himself to works of penance but found no peace. Penance was a form of working off your sense of guilt. But it was not enough. Seeking counsel from a priest, he asked how he could become righteous before God. When the priest could not answer his question, Waldo turned to books to seek the truth.

Scripture

Bibles were very costly and rare in those days. They were generally only available in libraries designated for clergy, and therefore access to them was exceedingly limited. Even if one could arrange to look upon the pages of a Bible, they were only available in Latin, a language that few at this time could read.

Beginning with books written by early Christians, Waldo discovered a wealth of Bible quotations in their writings. Above anything else he pursued it was in the words quoted from sacred Scripture that he found comfort. Before long he was resolved to acquire a Bible for himself, whatever the cost.

Awakening

A profound spiritual awakening followed. Waldo discovered that he could be right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures presented Christ as the Mediator between the holy God and guilty man. Forgiveness and redemption were not based on his work.

As he reevaluated his heart, he felt compelled to renounce his material wealth and dedicate his life to the teachings of Christ. His journey began with a simple desire to understand the Scriptures, which he pursued with fervor, leading him to a radical conclusion: the Church's practices were often at odds with the teaching of the Bible. Waldo had an insatiable appetite for sacred Scripture, leading him to do what very few people, including clergy, at that time ever did: read the entire Bible.

Ministry

Waldo's commitment to the gospel inspired him to preach in the vernacular, making the teachings of Christ accessible to the common people. This was a revolutionary act at a time when the Church maintained strict control over religious texts and teachings, delivered only in Latin. In 1179, Waldo requested permission from the pope to preach. But the archbishop strongly opposed the idea saying, “If you continue to preach, I will have you condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake.”

Waldo continued preaching, though he was now forced to go into hiding. He also went to great lengths and great personal expense to translate the Bible into the language of his people. It was the first translation of the Bible into a modern language. By 1184, Pope Lucius III excommunicated Peter Waldo and decreed a curse on him and his followers. He was ordered to stop preaching and distributing Bibles by pain of death.

Persecution

He and his followers were forced to leave Lyon. They were quite the outcasts in society. They were not well received anywhere. Often, they had to lodge in the forests, being exposed to the elements. “Poor men of Lyons” or “tur-lupines” (people who live with wolves) are just a couple of the pejorative labels given to them. In 1194, another proclamation against Waldo and his followers was issued. Pope Alfonso II decreed that anyone who protected, fed, or even listened to them would be punished. Despite facing severe persecution from the Roman Catholic authorities, which viewed this movement as a threat to their authority, Waldo and his followers stood firm in their faith and their commitment to the sacred Scriptures.

Legacy

Peter Waldo’s teachings laid the groundwork for later reformers, echoing the call for a return to biblical foundations and a rejection of ecclesiastical corruption. He taught with an emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers. He challenged the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, rejecting the authority of the pope, certain sacraments, clerical celibacy, and purgatory.

Waldo’s followers, known as the Waldensians, embraced a lifestyle of poverty, simplicity, and a deep commitment to Scripture, emphasizing personal faith and direct access to God. Their influence spread across Europe. By 1217, Waldo had settled in Bohemia, dying there in peace. The Waldensians continued to shine the light of sacred Scripture, being one of the key influences on Anne of Bohemia.

Resources

For more on Peter Waldo and the Waldensians, consider the following resources:

Forerunners of Reformation