The Life of Arthur W. Pink

Weight 1.3 lbs
Dimensions 8.8 × 5.75 × 1 in
ISBN 9780851518831
Binding

Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Kindle), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Kindle)

Topic

20th century, Pastoral Biography

Original Pub Date

1981

Banner Pub Date

Nov 1, 2004

Page Count

368

Format

Book

ENDORSEMENTS

‘We do not idolize him. But we do recognize him as a very unique man of God who can teach us through his pen and through his life. He was truly “born to write and all the circumstances of his life, even the negative ones he did not understand, propelled him to the fulfilment of that God-ordained purpose.’ — RICHARD P. BELCHER

Book Description

Pink’s biography, first written by Iain Murray in 1981, is here revised and enlarged with the benefit of new material, including some of Pink’s own re-discovered manuscripts. It is the heart-stirring and compelling story of a strong, complex character — a ‘Mr Valiant-for-truth’ who was also a humble Christian.

In 1922 a small magazine — Studies in the Scriptures — began to circulate among Christians in the English-speaking world. It pointed its readership back to an understanding of the gospel that had rarely been heard since the days of C. H. Spurgeon. At the time it seemed as inconsequential as its author, but subsequently Arthur Pink’s writings became a major element in the recovery of expository preaching and biblical living.

Born in England in 1886, A. W. Pink was the little-known pastor of churches in the United States and Australia before he finally returned to his homeland in 1934. There he died almost unnoticed in 1952. By that date, however, his magazine was feeding several of the men who were leading a return to doctrinal Christianity, including Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Douglas Johnson (founder of Inter-Varsity) and, in book form after his death, his writing became very widely read across the world.

Book Review

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  1. Marilyn Beede

    I am presently finding the third volume of his exposition on John so rich that each evening I find just a few paragraphs that search me out in a way it is impossible to describe. It so focuses attention on the incomparable glories of our Lord Jesus. and He refused to ever disassociate that glory from the glory of the Father.

    It is, it seems to me, impossible for such exposition of such depth to come from a person who has not walked humbly with God. This is my first exposure to his life and just what I’ve read here causes thanksgiving

  2. Colin Oswald

    2018 is the 100 year anniversary of the first publication of Arthur Pink’s The Sovereignty of God, my first, and possibly many Christians introduction to AW Pink.
    I requested Iain Murray’s Life of Arthur Pink as a Fathers Day Gift to find out more about this well known and sometimes controversial man of God. The book is a fascinating read, a real page turner, as Pink had such an extraordinary ministry. Born in Nottingham, his life is a remarkable Christian journey. Including pastoring churches in the USA and Sydney Australia, writing 20,000 letters, conducting evangelistic tent meetings in Southern California and eventually his last years spent in virtual anonymity in a cottage in Stornaway Scotland, with his beloved Kentucky born wife Vera.
    His conversion story alone is worth the price of the book. Brought up in a Christian home, as a young man Pink was heavily involved in Spiritism. Coming home late one evening to the family home after attending a Spiritist meeting, anxious to avoid his waiting father he quickly went upstairs. His father quoted Proverbs 14 verse 12 as his son went up the stairs to his bedroom. The Holy Spirit used this scripture to convict Pink of his sin and his need for a saviour. A few days later he was wonderfully saved and his Christian journey began. Pink was living proof that the sword of the spirit is the word of God.
    A wonderful biography, heartily recommended to anyone who wants to know more about this complex, controversial, yet mightily used of man of God.

  3. laurie bernardini

    The first 8 chapters were a blessing to read. However, the ninth chapter seems to turn on Pink and uses quotes from the likes of MLJ to shore up the accusation that Pink’s isolation was ‘self-inflicted’. The book gives a testimonial from a woman who used to walk for miles just to hear Pink preach – with that said, I don’t think Arthur Pink deserves to be accused of self-inflicted isolation. I would take one A.W. Pink over a hundred Martyn Lloyd Jones’ any day.
    It’s easy to give an opinion when someone is dead and cannot defend themselves isn’t it?

  4. Adam

    This book portrays Arthur Pink as a very complicated man, yet very useful and faithful to his own ministry. While most of the book is an overview of his life and work, much of his life seems to be viewed critically by Murray in certain respects – albeit, probably fairly. If anything, this book helped and challenged me to think through my own process of theological understanding as Murray traced Pink’s journey from Hyper-Calvinism to a more biblical Reformed position.

  5. Robert Norman

    Pink had a mainly sad and lonely life. Seeing how his life was lived, suck between post-Spurgeon and pre-Martyn Lloyd-Jones, you will see how this man stood mainly on his own and died mainly on his own.

  6. marcdanielrivera

    In The Life of Arthur W. Pink, Iain Murray presents a portrait of a man dedicated to reclaiming the essence of doctrinal Christianity. Originally published in 1981 by Banner of Truth, this biography of Pink has been revised and expanded with enlarged text and new material, including previously rediscovered manuscripts by Pink himself. The book offers a fresh perspective on a man whose writings have profoundly influenced the resurgence of expository preaching.

    Murray’s biography delves into Pink’s complex personality. Raised in a Christian home, Pink was once involved in Spiritism. His conversion, marked by a moment of divine conviction, led him on a lifelong quest to expound the truths of God’s word, shaping his ministry and writings.

    This biography also thoroughly charts Pink’s theological journey, particularly his transition from Hyper-Calvinism to a more balanced Reformed stance. This evolution is thoughtfully examined. Murray’s treatment of Pink’s theological shifts is insightful and offers a comprehensive view of Pink’s development as a thinker and writer.

    Murray presents a balanced portrait of Pink’s strengths and struggles. While the biography captures Pink’s relentless commitment to truth, it also reveals his life marked by solitude and sorrow. It highlights Pink’s dedication to ministry and his willingness to risk everything for the gospel truth, while also exploring his isolation and individualism.

    In the latter chapters, Murray examines Pink’s role as a teacher and surveys the final 16 years of his life, which were wholly devoted to his magazine ministry. Additionally, Murray explores Pink’s remarkable letter-writing, noting that by 1946, he may have penned over 20,000 letters full of thought and consideration.

    Final thoughts:

    While many first encountered Arthur Pink through his book on the “Sovereignty of God,” my introduction to his work came through “The Attributes of God.” Since reading that exceptional book, I have developed a deep appreciation for his writings. This biography has allowed me to understand this flawed yet faithful follower of God more profoundly and to appreciate him even more. The Life of Arthur W. Pink by Iain Murray is an inspiring, well-rounded, and informative account that brings to life the story of a man whose legacy continues to shape the landscape of Christian thought.

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