While John Rogers is notable for his Bible translation skills, his sermons and Christian theological commentary, he is mostly remembered for the unfortunate fact that he was the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I ("Bloody Mary") of England.

Rogers came from a humble background, born in Birmingham, England, to a maker of bits and spurs. His mother was from a family of tanners. Rogers received an education at the Guild School of St. John the Baptist in Deritend. Later he graduated from Cambridge University with a B.A. Following his graduation he began to preach, securing regular employment as rector at Holy Trinity the Less, in the City of London. After two years in that position, he traveled to Antwerp to serve as a chaplain to the English merchants living there. It was time spent in the Netherlands that led to his conversion to Protestantism. While there, he met William Tyndale, the scholar who provided the first nearly comprehensive translation of the Bible to the English language.

When Tyndale died, Rogers continued his work, promoting the English Bible and continuing the translations, even of the Christian Apocrypha. In 1540, Rogers took up study at the University of Wittenberg, remaining there for three years and developing friendships with leaders of the early Protestant Reformation. In 1550 he was appointed divinity lecturer, though he refused to wear the expected vestments, favoring instead his regular clothing with a simple round cap. When Mary Tudor came to the throne with her plans to return England to Catholicism, Rogers struck back with a fiery sermon against her, encouraging listeners to heed "the true doctrine taught in King Edward's days," and cautioning listeners against "pestilent Popery, idolatry and superstition."

In less than two weeks he was called to appear before the council and warned to stay in his house and cease preaching.Several months later he was sent to Newgate Prison, where he was held with other Protestant offenders for one year. In January 1555 he was called to defend himself against the charges before a committee appointed by Cardinal Pole. He was sentenced to death for heresy against transubstantiation and other offenses. He was burned at the stake the following month. The French ambassador commented on Rogers' walk to the stake, saying, "even his children assisted at it, comforting him in such a manner that it seemed as if he had been led to a wedding."