In the mid 1800s, Thomas Carlyle said, "The history of the world is but the biography of great men."* This has sparked an entire theory of history—namely, that is continually directed and shaped by great men. Of course, historians have quibbled with this idea and others, especially today, have rejected it in favor of a more egalitarian approach that focuses on the common man. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
And how should the Christian think about such things? If we were to take Carlyle back to his calvinistic roots, we might say "The history of the world is but the biography of great men directed by the sovereign hand of God." In the course of church history, what makes men—and women—great is their faith in Christ and willingness to trust him while striving for the kingdom.
Why all of this talk about history? We're currently in the middle of an adult Sunday School class on Global Christian History. And one of the question I often receive is, "Can you recommend a good biography?" We can hear about Christians who serve at key moments of history in a passing reference in a sermon or class, but wonder, "Who was that again?" Even looking for a good biography can be difficult if the person is well-known and your google search brings up five or ten different books!
Here is a list of what I believe are good biographies. That is, biographies that highlight the most important aspects of Christians in history who served God well and remain models for our own encouragement and faithfulness. This is not in any way a definitive list of biographies to read! But it's a good start if you're looking to dive into reading about the saints who have gone on before us. I've mostly listed non-academic books aimed a wide readership and presented them in a rough chronological order of their lives.
I hope you find something here that is both enjoyable and edifying!
What happened to the Twelve who followed Christ and were commissioned as his apostles to lead in advancing the gospel? Sifting through historical data, church tradition, and outright myths, Liftin gives us some guidance and how to be encouraged by the time and labors of the Twelve beyond what is recorded in the New Testament. Amazon Link
This is a quick introduction to several important early figures in the Christian church. Haykin is a master historian and readable author (a rare combination!). This is a great read to get your toe wet in the early years of the church. Amazon Link
Athanasius is most known for his ardent defense of the deity of Christ against the Arian heresy of his time. Though Athanasius himself never moved from biblical orthodoxy, those in leadership, blew hot and cold against him. Exiled more than five times, he remained steadfast in the truth, though we world might stand against him. Heroic and insightful, Athanasius is an essential figure in church history. Amazon Link
Raised in church, wayward for years searching for satisfaction, he only found sex, stoicism, and religious philosophy unsatisfying. Then he found that it was Christ who brought rest to his soul. Going on to become a pastor theologian, Augustine has had a profound impact on the church, even as one who was not right about everything. Nevertheless, he is the church father most quoted by the Reformers as they tried to move the church at that time back to an apostolic understanding of the gospel. Amazon Link
Kidnapped as a youth and forced into slavery, Patrick found God who sustained him and eventually helped him find physical freedom. Yet as he grew into adulthood, the spiritual bondage of those who enslaved him, weighed on his conscience. He returned to his captors with a message of freedom in Christ. And the rest is history... or legend. The facts are far more encouraging! Amazon Link
Luther is larger than life! Through this imperfect German monk, God shown the light of the gospel and sparked the Reformation of his church. At times bombastic and at others, deeply theological, Luther was full of pastoral care for his flock and the wider church. Amazon Link
This brief work is a great introduction to John Calvin. Following the reformation path opened up Luther, Calvin fled persecution in France to Switzerland where he planned to move on and become a theologian. Yet, God had other plans! Becoming a pastor, Calvin not only led the flock in Genevan, but trained other pastor for churches in the city and beyond--some going back to persecution in France others to Scotland and more. He left behind a legacy of faithful teaching and is worth reading today. The ebook is free from Desiring God. Or, used paperback copies here: Amazon Link
If you read an English Bible, you own Tyndale a great debt. unsatisfied with the church's prohibition on a Bible in the language of the people, he left England for continental Europe where it was not illegal to publish an English Bible. Tyndale was the first to back to the Greek and Hebrew for a fresh translation in English. Not only was his work the basis for the KJV and ESV, but some commonly used phrases came into the English as his creation. Yet, he was betrayed and martyred for his work. Read about his labors and treasure your Bible. Amazon Link
A devout woman who was placed on an English throne he wasn't seeking, Lady Jane Grey was a protestant queen for nine days after which time, he was deposed by catholics and martyred for her faith in a biblical gospel. Compelling faith in terrible times! Amazon Link
John Bunyan is famous for the Pilgrim's Progress but there was so much more to him! Devoted family man, pastor, and a preacher of whom John Owen said he would give up all his learning to preach like. Explore the work of God in simple man who could teach profound, biblical truths. Amazon Link
This three-for-one book highlights the life and work of three early baptist "fathers." There is much confusion about the origins of baptists. This work will help correct those errors and encourage your faith at the same time. Amazon Link
Edwards has been called the greatest American theologian. His life and ministry had a global impact even during his lifetime and continues to resonate with the church today. Pastor, missionary, and university president, Edwards was a profound theological, thinker and proclaimer of Christ. Amazon Link
Widely considered the father of modern missions, William Carey had a profound impact, not only on his mission field in India, but it encouraging a movement of other men and women going out from England in the United States to the far reaches of the world. The fruit of his life and laborers is still felt in India today. This biography is written by his son and easily captures the ethos of the time. Amazon Link
A high contender for best missionary biography of all time, this work on the Judson’s continues to challenge and encourage believers today. The Judsons were some of the first Baptist missionaries to leave the United States and travel to the end of the side of the world. They first linked up with Carey, then went onto their own field of service. Their example of faith in God amidst times of suffering is a model of faithfulness to follow. Amazon Link
If you love politics, this one is for you. William Wilberforce faithfully served as a Christian in British parliament for decades. His main goal was the abolition of slavery. Pastored by John Newton, by God’s grace he saw success before the end of his life. Will force presents a great picture of one who continues to trust God, despite great opposition to promoting moral good. Amazon Link
"No other missionary since the Apostle Paul has had a wider vision and has carried out a more systematized plan of evangelizing a broad geographical area than Hudson Taylor." Taylor pioneered the idea of embracing non-sinful aspect of local culture (dress, hairstyles, diet, etc.) for the sake of building bridges for the gospel. He was a man of faith and fidelity. Amazon Link
Charles Haddon Spurgeon – the so-called Prince of preachers – was an extraordinary servant of the Lord in his time! God unusually blessed his ministry of the Word with a thriving church, book ministry, and more. Surgeon trained pastors, cared for orphans, lead a denomination, and encouraged believers around the world. People were saved just by reading his sermons which were printed in newspapers every week! Amazon Link
Spurgeon's wife was an incredible helpmate to her husband and had ministry influences all on her own. Perhaps most famous was her pastors book fund for poor clergy. She was a devoted wife and mother and a model of biblical womanhood. Amazon Link
A contemporary of Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle was the leader of evangelicals in the Church of England. His heroic stands on the gospel and orthodox faith was only matched by his tender heart in pastoral care. His clear biblical teaching remains in print and resonates with Christians today. Amazon Link
David Livingston was a rare man who will likely never be emulated in the same way again. Missionary doctor, abolitionist, and one who funded his gospel work through exploring the African continent, he bought gospel hope to the dark continent. Livingston died in Africa and when his body was sent back, his heart was removed and buried there—kept in the land whose people had captured it for so long. Amazon Link
Heroine of the Southern Baptists, Lottie Moon gave up fame and glory in denominational life to take the gospel to China. Beloved by many, her faithfulness inspired many others to go and preach Christ to the nations. Amazon Link
Five young men killed in South America, trying to bring the gospel to a violent indigenous people. These deaths shocked the world. They also opened up gospel opportunities among that people and ignited a missions fire in thousands of others in the United States. The wife of one of the slain missionaries recounts the difficult details on how God used all of it for his glory. Amazon Link
Francis Schaefer may not be a name you’re familiar with, but he has had a profound impact on contemporary Christianity. Schaefer was a biblical philosopher and theologian who understood how the great ideas and movements of culture connected and ought to be critiqued according to Scripture. The result was a profound apologist who set up a set up a study center – essentially a very large home – where anyone could come, live, and talk. Shaeffer not only led many to the Lord, but helped train and guide contemporary thinkers, adding to discussions of theology, culture, and apologetics in profound ways. Amazon Link
"Throughout her eight years in training for the mission field and her first twelve years in the Congo, Helen Roseveare had prayed that God would give her a mountain–top experience of his glory and power. God’s answers formed the basis of her best–selling autobiography, Give Me This Mountain. However, after enduring civil war, brutal mistreatment, and having to rebuild work from scratch, and later while caring for her elderly mother, she realized that God’s work is also done in the valleys." This new work combines all three of his autobiographical works. Profound and moving. Amazon Link
J.I. Packer's influence is felt in several ways: his help in restoring the Puritans to church, clarifying and preserving the gospel, writing books which helped encourage the church toward greater faithfulness, and bringing solid theology to everyday Christians. He also served as general editor of the ESV. Yet, beyond the well-known works is a life well-lived for God's glory. Amazon Link
*Thomas Carlyle, On Heroes, Hero-Worship, & the Heroic in History (London: James Fraser, 1841).
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