Who was Adoniram Judson, the missionary to Burma?

Early Life and Education

Adoniram Judson was born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional intellect and a deep interest in studies. He enrolled at Brown University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1807. During this period, he wrestled with questions of faith and, for a time, adopted skeptical views under the influence of a close friend. His spiritual journey, however, would become central to the rest of his life once he encountered decisive convictions about God’s truth.

Conversion and Call to Missions

In the months following his graduation, Judson experienced a powerful spiritual awakening. This turning point came soon after the death of the friend who had introduced him to skepticism. Deeply moved by his friend’s final moments, Judson felt the reality of eternity pressing upon him. Shortly thereafter, he committed himself fully to Christ, resonating deeply with the words: “How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:14).

Eager to take part in the Great Commission—“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)—Judson joined the newly formed American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). He sought to become one of the first overseas missionaries sent out from the United States, convinced that the gospel should reach every corner of the world.

Journey to Asia

In 1812, Judson married Ann Hasseltine, who shared his commitment to cross-cultural evangelism. Almost immediately after their wedding, they sailed for Asia. Initially bound for India, they faced obstacles from the East India Company, which opposed missionary presence because of political tensions of that era. Undeterred, the couple eventually redirected their course to Burma (present-day Myanmar).

Upon their arrival in Rangoon in 1813, they confronted significant linguistic, cultural, and political challenges. The Burmese language was famously difficult for Westerners. Judson, however, proved gifted in languages. Amid these hardships, including the tropical climate and repeated bouts of illness, the Judsons persevered, trusting in God’s sovereignty and frequently meditating on passages like, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8).

Linguistic Mastery and Bible Translation

Recognizing that the Burmese people needed God’s Word in their own language, Judson devoted himself to mastering Burmese. He painstakingly crafted a Burmese grammar and dictionary, which would serve as foundational works for future missionaries and scholars. Eventually, he completed a full translation of the Bible into Burmese. This monumental effort, finished around 1834, distinguished Judson as a pioneer in Bible translation, embodying the command to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13).

Trials and Imprisonment

During the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826), Judson was falsely accused of being a British spy. He endured a harrowing imprisonment in Ava and Oungpenla, where conditions were deplorable. Despite chains and life-threatening illnesses, he maintained unwavering faith. Ann Judson regularly risked her own safety to bring him food and to advocate for his release. Eventually, he was freed by Burmese officials who recognized his innocence. These prison experiences forged Judson’s remarkable perseverance, reminding him of the apostle Paul’s words: “We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Missionary Fruitfulness and Church Planting

Once the war subsided, Judson was able to return to his ministry with greater liberty. He saw the seeds he had sown begin to bear fruit. Burmese converts grew in number, and Judson took great care to instruct these new believers. Faith communities and churches were established, each taking firm root in Burmese soil despite official suspicions of the Christian faith. Judson’s lifelong devotion to systematic teaching of Scripture and discipling new believers followed the apostolic pattern: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions we taught you…” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Personal Losses and Further Service

Judson’s life was marked not only by spiritual victories but also by profound sorrow. Ann, his first wife, died in 1826. Later, his second wife, Sarah Boardman, also passed away. These losses made him intimately acquainted with grief, yet he clung to the promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Despite these tragedies, Judson’s resolve never wavered—he continued his translation work, preaching, and church planting. He remarried a third time, to Emily Chubbuck, who supported his ministry until his death.

Last Days and Legacy

Adoniram Judson died on April 12, 1850, at sea, while en route to recover from illness. In final years marked by fervent prayer and ongoing contributions to missionary enterprises, Judson’s life stood as a testament to the call to “proclaim His salvation day after day” (1 Chronicles 16:23).

His legacy includes the enduring Burmese Bible translation—still widely recognized as a literary and spiritual landmark among Burmese-speaking believers. Moreover, the missionary societies that Judson helped inspire spurred countless others to follow the command of Christ to go into all the world. Today, Judson is remembered for his steadfast devotion to Christ, his unwavering commitment to cross-cultural evangelism under extremely adverse conditions, and his linguistic achievements that opened the Scriptures to people who had never before encountered them in their own tongue.

Influence on Missions and Modern Application

Judson’s story has sparked a global interest in missions, serving as a guiding example for those who share the gospel in challenging contexts. His approach—immersing himself in local culture, committing to long-term presence, and prioritizing Bible translation—has shaped countless evangelistic strategies.

Mission agencies also draw from Judson’s model of perseverance through calamity. When conflicts arise or life-threatening conditions impede progress, Judson’s testimony illustrates that the Lord can use steadfast servants to accomplish His purposes even in the darkest places. As Scripture declares, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Judson’s life also offers practical lessons for local congregations outside the missionary field. His singular devotion to Scripture encourages believers to value the Bible as God’s authoritative Word. His resilience in sorrow reveals the sustaining strength of faith in God’s promises. Above all, Judson’s example points toward a life poured out for God’s glory, aligning with the command to “commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved” (Proverbs 16:3).

Conclusion

Adoniram Judson, the missionary to Burma, stands as an emblem of faithful endurance, scholarship in service of the gospel, and obedience to the Great Commission. His monumental contributions to translation work and church planting continue to shape evangelism and inspire believers worldwide. Through unwavering devotion and sacrifice, he revealed the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of Burmese men and women—an ongoing testimony to God’s grace and to the abiding truth of His Word.