Edward Donnelly
Do you enjoy reading Christian biographies? I do, more often than not. There is something inspiring in accounts of lives committed to the Lord. As we read of surprising conversions, we are moved to pray more believingly for the salvation of those around us. Records of deep spiritual experience make us long for a similar transformation in our own hearts. Descriptions of high endeavor in the work of the kingdom broaden our vision and fill us with spiritual energy. Sufferings bravely borne for Jesus challenge us to carry our own crosses more cheerfully. To read the life of a George Whitefield or a Joni Eareckson is to be thrilled, rebuked, instructed and stimulated all at once. Biographies of God’s people can be a delightful means of grace. Since we learn by imitation, living illustrations of what discipleship means are valuable in enabling us to follow Christ.
Yet not all biographies are so helpful. What can be more depressing, for example, than to read of the ‘Christian superman’? He is someone who never fears, falters or fails. His life seems to be a catalogue of prayers answered and triumphs achieved. He is not in trouble as other men. No clouds darken his horizon and a tranquil smile never leaves his face. As we read of such a paragon, we feel more and more inadequate and discouraged. How could anyone hope to imitate such perfection? Or perhaps discouragement gives way to queasy irritation. The story is too sweet to swallow. He is simply too good to be true.
We do not, of course, want biographies which are destructive. The world is producing far too many of these already. The current fashion, dating from around the start of the twentieth century, is for what is called ‘debunking’. This horrible term means that the task of the biographer is to expose all the hidden faults and shameful secrets of his subject. The underlying presumption is that there are no heroes. Every idol has feet of clay. Every cupboard must contain a skeleton. No-one has ever acted from disinterested motives, since honour is a sham and idealism no more than a cloak for self-advancement. The effect of this approach has been to imprison people in a bleak cynicism and to destroy hope and aspiration. When no-one is admirable, when all have been pulled down to the same low level, there is nothing left but self-disgust and mutual contempt. May we never descend to such a warped view of our fellow-Christians!
What we are looking for is a portrait of discipleship which will be at the same time inspiring and realistic. We need to read of those who have advanced beyond us in their experience of the Saviour and whom, therefore, we can safely follow. Yet they should not be so far beyond us that we cannot reach them. We must be able to identify with them, to feel that they are human beings like ourselves. Above all, we are looking for people who demonstrate in a striking way the character-changing way of Christ.
Extract from Peter: Eyewitness of His Majesty by Edward Donnelly, published by Banner of Truth, Edinburgh. Used with permission.
Peter: Eyewitness of His Majesty
by Edward Donnelly
“Ted Donnelly’s handling of biblical teaching is always marked by faithfulness, insight, wisdom and warmth. All of these qualities abound in this splendid exposition of Simon Peter’s life and ministry. It provides the rare combination of helpful, and at times, searching, instruction with the genuine Christian pleasure of discovering more about the grace of Jesus Christ.” —Sinclair B. Ferguson
Peter: Eyewitness of His Majesty is available for purchase at Trinity Book Service. Click here to learn more.
Related Reading:
Simon Peter by Hugh Martin
“It has been customary, in writing of the character of Peter,” writes the author of this book, “to dwell on the features by which he stands out manifestly distinguished from other apostles. We shall rather keep in view however, —in trying to present a short biography—the great leading principles of the divine life common to Peter and all christian men.” This book presents not merely a thorough exposition of the relevant passages in the gospels, but also a study of the various phases of Christian faith and life.
Even though this book is out of print, you may be able to find it on Amazon.