John Charles Ryle (1816-1900): A Life and Legacy of Evangelicalism

John Charles Ryle was a prominent evangelical Anglican bishop and author who lived during the Victorian era. He was born in 1816 in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, and was educated at Eton and the University of Oxford. Ryle served as a pastor for several years before being appointed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880, a position he held until his retirement in 1900.

Ryle was known for his clear and direct preaching style, his emphasis on personal holiness, and his commitment to practical Christian living. He wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, including biblical commentary, Christian living, and church history. His works are still read and studied today, and his legacy continues to influence evangelical Christians around the world.

Early Life and Education

John Charles Ryle was born into a wealthy family in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, on May 10, 1816. His father, John Ryle, was a wealthy businessman and Member of Parliament, while his mother, Susanna Ryle, was a devout Christian. Ryle was the youngest of four sons and was educated at Eton College before attending Christ Church, Oxford.

During his time at Oxford, Ryle was influenced by the Oxford Movement, a group of Anglican theologians who sought to reassert the Catholic nature of the Church of England. However, Ryle eventually became disenchanted with the movement and turned to evangelicalism. He was ordained as a deacon in 1842 and as a priest in 1844.

Ministry and Writing Career

Ryle served as a pastor in several parishes before being appointed as the first Bishop of Liverpool in 1880. He was known for his clear and direct preaching style, which emphasized the importance of personal holiness and practical Christian living. He was also a prolific writer, producing works on a wide range of topics.

Ryle’s most famous work is “Holiness”, which was first published in 1877. The book is a classic of evangelical literature and remains popular among Christians today. In it, Ryle argues that the pursuit of holiness is essential for every Christian and outlines practical steps for achieving it. The book has been described as “a call to arms for all Christians who desire to live a holy life.”

In addition to “Holiness”, Ryle also wrote a series of commentaries on the Gospels, which are still widely read and studied today. His “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels” series is considered a classic of evangelical biblical commentary and has been praised for its clarity and practical application.

Ryle also wrote extensively on church history and was a strong defender of orthodox Christian doctrine. He was opposed to the “Higher Criticism” movement, which sought to apply modern critical methods to the study of the Bible. Ryle believed that the Bible was the inspired and infallible word of God and should be taken at face value.

Legacy and Influence

John Charles Ryle died on June 10, 1900, at the age of 84. He is remembered as a significant figure in the evangelical movement of the 19th century and as a powerful and influential preacher and writer. His works are still read and studied today, and his legacy continues to influence evangelical Christians around the world.

Ryle’s emphasis on personal holiness and practical Christian living has had a lasting impact on evangelicalism. His call to pursue holiness and his practical advice for doing so have inspired countless Christians to live more faithful and obedient lives. His emphasis on the importance of the Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God has also been influential in evangelical circles.

One of Ryle’s most significant contributions to Christian literature is his book “Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots.” The book, which was published in 1877, is a classic work on the subject of sanctification and has been widely read and studied by Christians ever since. In “Holiness,” Ryle emphasizes the importance of personal holiness and provides practical advice for Christians seeking to grow in their faith. The book remains a valuable resource for Christians today who are looking for guidance on how to live a holy life.

Another important aspect of Ryle’s ministry was his emphasis on evangelism. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to share the gospel with others and that this should be a top priority for every believer. Ryle was a passionate preacher and evangelist, and his sermons and writings reflect his deep concern for the lost. He believed that the message of the gospel was the most important message that Christians could share with the world, and he worked tirelessly to spread that message throughout his ministry.

Ryle’s commitment to evangelism is evident in many of his writings, including his book “Knots Untied,” which is a collection of essays on various topics related to Christianity. In one of the essays, Ryle writes: “It is the business of every Christian to try to win others to Christ. It is the duty of every Christian to be a soul-winner.” This quote reflects Ryle’s belief that evangelism should be a priority for every Christian, and that every believer has a responsibility to share the gospel with others.

Ryle’s emphasis on evangelism has had a significant impact on the history of evangelicalism. His belief that Christians should be actively engaged in spreading the gospel has been a driving force behind many evangelistic movements throughout the centuries. Today, many Christian organizations continue to be inspired by Ryle’s emphasis on evangelism and his commitment to sharing the message of the gospel with the world.

In addition to his emphasis on personal holiness and evangelism, Ryle was also known for his commitment to practical Christian living. He believed that Christianity should be a way of life, and that Christians should strive to apply the teachings of the Bible to every area of their lives. Ryle’s practical approach to Christian living is evident in many of his writings, including his commentary on the Gospels, “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.”

In “Expository Thoughts,” Ryle provides detailed commentary on the four Gospels, emphasizing the practical application of the Bible’s teachings to everyday life. He believed that the Gospels were not just historical accounts of Jesus’ life, but were also a guidebook for Christian living. Ryle’s commentary has been widely read and studied by Christians over the years, and continues to be a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the Gospels and apply their teachings to their own lives.

Ryle’s commitment to practical Christian living is perhaps best summed up in one of his most famous quotes: “The gospel is not a way of life, it is life itself.” This quote reflects Ryle’s belief that Christianity is not just a set of rules or principles to be followed, but is a way of life that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Ryle believed that the gospel had the power to transform lives, and that Christians should strive to live out their faith in every aspect of their lives.

Ryle’s legacy can be seen in the continued popularity of his books and in the many evangelical churches and organizations that continue to be influenced by his teachings. The Evangelical Alliance, of which Ryle was a member, continues to promote the values of evangelicalism and to advocate for social justice and the spread of the gospel.

Conclusion

John Charles Ryle was a significant figure in the evangelical movement of the 19th century. His clear and direct preaching style, his emphasis on personal holiness, and his commitment to practical Christian living continue to inspire and challenge Christians today. His works are still read and studied, and his

legacy continues to influence evangelicalism around the world. Ryle’s influence can be seen in the many churches and organizations that continue to be influenced by his teachings, as well as in the ongoing popularity of his books.

Ryle’s commitment to the authority of the Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God has been especially influential in evangelical circles. He believed that the Bible was the foundation of Christian faith and that its teachings should be taken seriously and applied to every aspect of life. This emphasis on the Bible’s authority has been a hallmark of evangelicalism ever since, and continues to be a key part of its identity today.

One of Ryle’s most famous quotes sums up his emphasis on the importance of the Bible: “What the world needs above all else today is the message of the Bible – the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” This quote reflects Ryle’s belief that the gospel message is the most important message that Christians can share with the world, and that the Bible is the primary means by which that message is conveyed.

In conclusion, John Charles Ryle was a significant figure in the history of evangelicalism. His clear and direct preaching style, his emphasis on personal holiness, and his commitment to practical Christian living continue to inspire and challenge Christians today. His legacy can be seen in the ongoing popularity of his books and in the many churches and organizations that continue to be influenced by his teachings. Ryle’s emphasis on the authority of the Bible as the inspired and infallible word of God remains a hallmark of evangelicalism, and continues to shape the movement to this day.

Read J. C. Ryle’s sermons and snippets here.

References:

1. Ryle, J. C. (1877). Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. Banner of Truth.
2. Ryle, J. C. (n.d.). Expository Thoughts on the Gospels. Baker Books.
3. Murray, I. H. (1954). J. C. Ryle: The man and his ministry. The Banner of Truth Trust.
4. Ryle, J. C. (n.d.). Knots Untied. Banner of Truth.
5. Bebbington, D. W. (1989). Evangelicalism in modern Britain: A history from the 1730s to the 1980s. Routledge.