Biographies of Preachers
For other biographies, see:
Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice by David Teams
This book on William Tyndale is a fascinating look at the intense struggle to put the Bible into the hands of the common man, a struggle that resulted in Tyndale’s martyrdom. Tyndale’s translation was the first English Bible to draw directly from Hebrew and Greek texts. It has been estimated that 83% of the New Testament in the King James Version is based on Tyndale’s work, and 76% of the Old Testament. Amazon, John Piper’s sermon
Here I Stand – A Life Of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton
I was raised in the Lutheran church and read this biography as a teenager (and unbeliever). I reread it as an adult and found it to be a riveting, powerful, and well researched exploration of the life of man called to confront the heresies of the day, and who has had enormous influence on the life of the church and the extension of the kingdom of God. Amazon... John Piper’s sermon.
George Whitefield: God’s Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century by Arnold Dallimore
This is a shortened accessible version of a two-volume work on Whitefield by Arnold Dallimore. The story is clear and direct, the quotes powerful, and the glory is all God’s in how this man was used to bless and bring the fire of revival in England and America. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the Great Awakening. Amazon, John Piper’s sermon.
A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden
This is a second and shorter book by George Marsden on the life of Jonathan Edwards, intended to provide access to Edwards’ story for everyone. This volume presents Edwards’ life story, with a particular emphasis on how his personal story fits into the larger story of American history and the issues defining the birth of the nation. Amazon, John Piper’s sermon
Spurgeon: A New Biography by Arnold Dallimore
This is a great introduction to the life and impact of the “Prince of Preachers.” Here you will understand some of the legacy that produced a pastor at age 19 and the sorrows that made his words enduring and powerful. This book is brief and readable and will challenge your heart to follow and persevere as Spurgeon did. Amazon, John Piper’s sermon
Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon by Ray Roades Jr.
Susie isn’t exactly a preacher, but her quiet and faithful life spoke volumes, matching her famous husband’s volume of sermons. When she and Charles first met, Susie was an active and adventurous young woman. But after the birth of her twin sons, she became an almost housebound invalid. She used this secluded life to minister encouragement to pastors all over England by sending them books and small stipends to help them meet family needs. Amazon
John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken
We’ve all likely heard of John Newton’s conversion as a slave ship captain and as the author of one of the greatest hymns of the faith: “Amazing Grace.” These are just little bits of information: this book truly gives us “the rest of the story.” Not only does the book chronicle Newton’s colorful life, it shows him in the historical context of the 18th century so that you can better appreciate his impact and legacy. Amazon
Andrew Murray: Christ’s Anointed Minister to South Africa by Vance Christie
I have read many books by Andrew Murray, but his books are so entirely focused on Jesus that little of his life can be gleaned from them. I found this book to be very informative about his life and ministry in South Africa as a statesman and leader in the Dutch Reformed Church. The book also places each book he authored in his life context, giving a fresh perspective on how God worked through him. Amazon