What did the Reformer being burned at the stake want to happen with the Bible?
The Reformer wanted the printed Scriptures placed in the hands of everybody in England, especially every plowboy, the least educated part of society, because if they could understand Scripture, then anyone could. His aim was to make God's Word accessible to the common man, not confined to monasteries or scholars.
Les explains that this Reformer's whole reason for living was to get the printed Scriptures into the hands of everybody in England. He made the statement that he wanted the Word of God in the hands of every plowboy in England. Les points out that plowboys were probably the least educated part of English society, so if they could comprehend the Scriptures, then anybody can. That reflects the truth that Scripture is not gobbledygook but is written by the hand of God so that anybody can understand. Les contrasts this with the Dark Ages, when the church had become so powerful that it pulled the Scriptures away from the common man and brought them into the monasteries, because it felt only monks and the educated could discern the Word of God. But God does not intend that; He wants every one of us to become students and to study, not just read, and to learn how to study this Book. Les connects this to Paul writing to Timothy that we are to study, to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.