John Gill: Defender of Grace

Welcome to the Wandering Pilgrims, where we dive deep into the lives of great theologians who have shaped the church. Today, we’re exploring the life of John Gill, a towering figure in Reformed theology whose dedication to God’s Word has left a lasting legacy.

John Gill stands as one of the most influential Reformed theologians in history. Known for his deep intellectual rigor and pastoral heart, Gill’s legacy continues to inspire and challenge Christians today.

John Gill was born on November 23, 1697, in Kettering, England, to a devout Baptist family. From a young age, Gill displayed an exceptional aptitude for learning. By the time he was 11, he had mastered Latin and Greek, and soon after, he taught himself Hebrew. His passion for the original languages of Scripture set him on a path to becoming one of the most respected theologians of his time.

Gill’s life took a significant turn when he heard a sermon by William Wallis. This marked his conversion and soon after, he joined the Kettering Baptist Church. At 19, Gill felt the call to ministry. He began preaching in small villages, captivating audiences with his deep understanding of the Bible.

In 1719, Gill became the pastor of the Strict Baptist Church in Horsleydown, Southwark. He would faithfully serve there for over 50 years. His sermons were known for their depth, clarity, and unwavering commitment to Reformed doctrine.

Gill’s most notable works include his verse-by-verse Commentary on the Bible and A Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity. These works provided a comprehensive exposition of Reformed theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, grace, and the covenant of redemption. His scholarship was unmatched, and his writings continue to influence theologians and pastors today.

Gill’s strong stance on Calvinist doctrines, particularly predestination and election, led some to accuse him of hyper-Calvinism. While this debate remains, his commitment to the authority of Scripture and his intellectual rigor are undeniable.

Gill’s influence extended to figures like Charles Spurgeon, who admired his scholarship while navigating the nuances of his theological positions. Today, John Gill’s works continue to be a rich resource for those passionate about Reformed theology.

Many of Gill’s associates and contemporaries helped shape the theological landscape of their time, interacting with and influencing his ministry and writings. Let’s take a look at a few:

1. John Brine – A fellow Reformed theologian and Baptist minister, Brine was a close friend and collaborator of Gill. Both shared similar theological views and defended Calvinist doctrines.

2. Hercules Collins – A Baptist pastor and author, Collins was a predecessor in the Reformed Baptist tradition, influencing Gill’s theological framework.

3. Benjamin Keach – A prominent Baptist minister known for his defense of believer’s baptism and contributions to hymnody. Keach’s works laid the groundwork for later Baptists like Gill.

4. William Wallis – The preacher whose sermon led to John Gill’s conversion. Wallis played a crucial role in Gill’s spiritual development.

5. Andrew Gifford – A fellow Baptist minister and antiquarian, Gifford was part of the same Baptist network and shared theological interests with Gill.

6. Robert Hall, Sr. – A Baptist minister and writer who admired Gill’s theological works and was influenced by his teachings.

7. Charles Spurgeon – Though not a direct contemporary, Spurgeon succeeded Gill as the pastor of the same church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, and frequently referenced Gill’s works in his own ministry.

8. John Skepp – A Baptist minister known for his writings on the doctrines of grace, Skepp was part of the theological milieu that shaped Gill’s perspectives.

9. James Foster – A Baptist minister and a contemporary of Gill, though they often found themselves on opposing sides of theological debates, particularly regarding free will and predestination.

During John Gill’s lifetime, from 1697–1771, there were many figures in the world shaping the political, philosophical, scientific, artistic, and religious landscapes of the 18th century, paralleling the theological contributions of John Gill. Let’s take a look at some of them so we can better understand him in his place in history.

1. George Washington, the Future first President of the United States and a key figure in the American Revolution.

2. Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia known for his military successes and enlightened absolutism.

3. Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia who expanded the empire and embraced Enlightenment ideas.

4. George II, King of Great Britain and Ireland, under whom the British Empire expanded significantly.

5. Louis XV, King of France, whose reign saw the decline of royal authority leading up to the French Revolution.

6. Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his advocacy of freedom of speech and religion.

7. Jean-Jacques Rousseau the philosopher whose ideas influenced the French Revolution and modern political thought.

8. Isaac Newton, the Mathematician and physicist. Though his death occurred early in Gill’s life, his influence persisted throughout his lifetime.

9. Benjamin Franklin, the American polymath, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and a key figure in the Enlightenment.

10. Immanuel Kant, the German philosopher whose work laid the groundwork for much of modern philosophy.

11. Alexander Pope, the English poet known for his satirical verse and for translating Homer’s works.

12. Jonathan Swift, the Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and poet, best known for Gulliver’s Travels.

13. Samuel Johnson, the English writer, poet, and lexicographer, known for his dictionary and literary criticism.

14. Johann Sebastian Bach, the German composer and musician, considered one of the greatest composers of all time.

15. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Child prodigy and composer, whose early career began during Gill’s lifetime.

16. James Cook, the British explorer, navigator, and cartographer known for his voyages to the Pacific, including the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands.

17. Jonathan Edwards, the American preacher, theologian, and key figure in the First Great Awakening, known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons.

18. John Wesley, the Founder of Methodism, whose evangelical revival movements spread across Britain and the American colonies. And

19. George Whitefield, An influential Anglican evangelist and a leader in the Great Awakening, known for his powerful sermons.

John Gill’s life and work remind us of the importance of grounding our faith in Scripture. His legacy challenges us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word and to live out our faith with unwavering conviction.