John Hancock: Faith, Freedom, & the Founding of a Nation

Welcome to the Wandering Pilgrims and our history series where we explore the lives of key figures from our the past through a Biblical lens. Today, we're diving into the fascinating life of one of America's most famous founding fathers—John Hancock. You may know him as the man with the bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, but his life and legacy go much deeper than that. Join us as we explore the story of a man whose faith, character, and actions helped shape the foundation of the United States.

John Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Braintree, Massachusetts—a town later renamed Quincy after the prominent Quincy family who settled there. Interestingly, Braintree was also the hometown of John Adams, another pivotal figure in American history.

Hancock's family had deep roots in New England. His great-great-grandfather, Nathaniel Hancock, emigrated from England in 1634, settling in the Cambridge area as a Puritan farmer. His grandfather, also named John Hancock, was a well-respected Puritan pastor, known by some as "Bishop Hancock" for his commanding presence and leadership within the church. Now, as with any historical figure, especially the Puritans, modern secular sources tend to paint them as stern and rigid. But as we dive deeper into John Hancock’s own story, we’ll see that the Puritan influence on his life was not one of harsh legalism, but rather, a foundation of piety and reverence for God.

Hancock’s father, John Hancock Sr., was also a minister, highly regarded for his faithfulness. Tragically, he passed away when John was only seven years old. After his father's death, young John was raised by his wealthy, successful uncle, Thomas Hancock, who was a prominent merchant. God’s providence is clear here. Had his father lived, John might have followed in his footsteps as a pastor. But instead, he was raised by his uncle to be a businessman.

This shift in his upbringing may seem like a detour, but God had a greater plan for him. Through his uncle, John Hancock became not only one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts but also a leader who would play a central role in the founding of the United States. His story reminds us that God's providence often works in ways we don’t fully understand, but always for His purposes.

John was educated at Harvard College, graduating at the age of 17. His uncle took him under his wing, training him in the world of commerce. By 27, Hancock inherited his uncle’s estate, worth 80,000 pounds—a fortune that set him up as one of the wealthiest and most influential men in Massachusetts. But as we’ll see, Hancock's wealth didn’t define him. What defined him was his commitment to his principles, and most importantly, to the cause of liberty and freedom.

By the mid-1760s, the tensions between the colonies and Britain were reaching a boiling point. Hancock’s wealth and position gave him significant influence, and he became an outspoken critic of the British government, particularly their unjust taxation without representation.

In 1768, Hancock's ship, the Liberty, arrived in port with a shipment of wine. However, when British customs officers tried to impose taxes on the cargo, Hancock refused to comply. The British seized his ship, which only fueled the growing unrest. To the people of Boston, Hancock became a hero—a symbol of resistance against British tyranny. Yet, as we’ll see in the coming years, these acts of defiance would have serious consequences.

The tensions escalated when British soldiers were stationed in Boston, and eventually, these circumstances led to the infamous Boston Massacre in 1770. Hancock, ever the voice of the people, denounced the massacre.

Hancock’s rhetoric stirred the hearts of the people, and soon, he was elected to lead a committee to remove British troops from Boston. His popularity continued to rise as he became a prominent leader in Massachusetts and in the larger American struggle for independence.

In 1774, Hancock was appointed President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. The following year, he was sent as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he was unanimously elected its President. And it was in this role, in 1776, that Hancock became one of the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, famously adding his signature in bold, large letters so that “John Bull”—a nickname for England—could read it without spectacles.

At the time, signing that document was a death sentence. To sign it was to declare yourself a traitor to the crown, hunted by the British for the rest of your life. And yet, Hancock did it anyway. He stood firm, not just in his belief in the cause of liberty, but in the principles that guided him. His faith in God’s providence and his commitment to the Christian values that underpinned the American Revolution were evident in every step of his journey.

As the Revolutionary War began, Hancock played a key role. He was nearly captured by the British during the battles at Lexington and Concord, but by God's providence, he escaped and continued to serve the cause. By 1777, Hancock had become one of the most powerful figures in America. Yet, despite his wealth, influence, and position, he remained humble, always focused on what was best for the nation—not for himself.

In 1780, Hancock was elected the first governor of Massachusetts, and he continued to serve the people until his death in 1793. His life wasn’t without controversy, and he certainly had his flaws, but the evidence of his Christian faith is clear. His speeches and writings often referenced God’s sovereignty, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the new nation would be one that honored Christian principles.

As we reflect on Hancock’s life, one thing stands out: his unwavering commitment to principle, to faith, and to freedom. He was willing to sacrifice his wealth, his comfort, and even his life for the cause of liberty. And, at the end of his life, when he was asked to sign the U.S. Constitution, he did so not for personal gain, but out of a deep sense of duty to his country and to the God who had guided him throughout his life.

Before we wrap up, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the lessons we can learn from Hancock’s life:

• Principle Over Personal Gain: Hancock could have easily used his wealth and position for personal gain, but instead, he placed principle above all else.

• Faith in God’s Providence: From his humble beginnings to his role in the Revolution, Hancock’s life was shaped by a deep trust in God's sovereign plan.

• The Role of Christians in Politics: Hancock’s life reminds us that Christians can and should be active in shaping the laws and culture around them, always guided by a Biblical worldview.

Hancock's legacy is one of courage, faith, and service to others. He wasn’t perfect, but his commitment to Christian principles and the cause of freedom left an indelible mark on the birth of our nation. We would do well to remember him not just as the man who signed the Declaration of Independence, but as a man whose faith and convictions helped shape the United States of America.

We hope this has been inspiring and insightful for you. If you would like to learn more about John Hancock and the founding of our nation, check out these books and resources. Some links may be affiliate links, which means if you choose to purchase something via that link, we may receive a commission at no cost to you. This is a great way to help support our efforts and work here :)

Lives of the Signers: https://amzn.to/3W1uBjG

Able and Mighty Men: https://amzn.to/4fFaeQk

The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States: https://amzn.to/4gZx1XU

For You They Signed: https://amzn.to/3DAc4EP