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Andrew Fuller: Holy Faith, Worthy Gospel, World Mission
Although he never went abroad, Andrew Fuller was a zealous promoter of world missions, influencing countless missionaries, such as William Carey, and championing the importance of sound doctrine for the perseverance and fruitfulness of world evangelism. In this short biography, John Piper puts Fuller’s movement-inspiring life and theology on display, calling all Christians to devote themselves to knowing, guarding, and spreading the true gospel—even to the very ends of the earth.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2016
7 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,638 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 23, 2020
This is extremely short, and beyond the bare bones of a biography doesn’t discuss Fuller's life very much. The majority of this book discusses the theological topics that Fuller focused on in his ministry. It explains his view of hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism in some detail.
For someone, such as myself, who had never read anything about him. It has just enough to make you want to read some more.
For someone, such as myself, who had never read anything about him. It has just enough to make you want to read some more.
June 15, 2019
In the body of Christ, some people function as kidneys. It's not a very glamorous job, but there's a good reason we call such organs vital—necessary to the continuance of life. Andrew Fuller, though he had a passion for the unreached peoples of the world to hear the gospel, was not himself called to be the feet that carried it to them or the mouth that spoke it. Rather, he labored ceaselessly to rid the church of errors that hindered the fledgling missions movement. I confess that I did not feel a strong connection with Fuller, as I might if he'd been a heart or at a brain, but I am grateful for him and respect the faithful diligence with which he accomplished his calling. Countless millions owe some part of their salvation to Fuller's work. The Lord used him modestly but mightily.
Reader was fine.
Reader was fine.
August 21, 2025
What can I say, short and sweet and over the plate waist high. It is a concise and informative overview of Andrew Fuller. Piper did a great job, in my opinion, in summarizing the key points of this man's life and ministry, namely his zeal for missions
With just six chapters and 57 pages, Piper covers Fuller's impact on missions, which is an underlying theme seen in much of the book, with some references to Hyper-Calvinism and the "Link Between Doctrine and World Missions." Sound doctrine!
A worthy and quick read.
That's all for now!
With just six chapters and 57 pages, Piper covers Fuller's impact on missions, which is an underlying theme seen in much of the book, with some references to Hyper-Calvinism and the "Link Between Doctrine and World Missions." Sound doctrine!
A worthy and quick read.
That's all for now!
September 19, 2018
Although I received this book as a gift, it actually really wasn't like a gift should be. Instead of fancy words and experienced language, I prefer Biblical truths and verses to back up ideas and doctrines. I felt this book came short of even a short biography.
Nothing was really clear in this book; it was really a book about doctrines they believed I should've already known. I put the book down with less understanding about Andrew Fuller than I began with. Who was he? I have no idea. I only know that John Piper says he believed the same as he. What does he believe? I'm not quite sure of that either.
The Word of God is perfect, and that's what we all should go by, instead of stating our beliefs as facts. I hope to read another biography on Fuller, as I felt this one was insufficient to gain an understanding of his ideas and life.
John 17:17 - Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus loves you!
~M.K.
www.forJesusfirstlovedme.wordpress.com
Nothing was really clear in this book; it was really a book about doctrines they believed I should've already known. I put the book down with less understanding about Andrew Fuller than I began with. Who was he? I have no idea. I only know that John Piper says he believed the same as he. What does he believe? I'm not quite sure of that either.
The Word of God is perfect, and that's what we all should go by, instead of stating our beliefs as facts. I hope to read another biography on Fuller, as I felt this one was insufficient to gain an understanding of his ideas and life.
John 17:17 - Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus loves you!
~M.K.
www.forJesusfirstlovedme.wordpress.com
January 26, 2026
If you are reading this review you should probably go and order this book. It is 3 dollars and 64pgs. It would take you an hour to read and you would be edified.
Often times our missionary biographies are geared towards what evangelicalism has called “go-ers”. Andrew Fuller was not that, he was a premier sender. Which interestingly is what 98% of Christians are in the modern day. William Carrey (the go-er of the two) famously remarked the words to his dear friend Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” Fuller responded as all senders and sending churches that they make up should when he said, “I will most certainly hold the rope.”
This a biography of the famous baptist rope holder. Fuller’s life was marked by robust theology, glorious faithfulness, and a missional heart for the nations.
Having an author voice like John Piper’s in the mix of that was great. My only gripe is that it was not longer.
4/5
Often times our missionary biographies are geared towards what evangelicalism has called “go-ers”. Andrew Fuller was not that, he was a premier sender. Which interestingly is what 98% of Christians are in the modern day. William Carrey (the go-er of the two) famously remarked the words to his dear friend Andrew Fuller, “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the rope.” Fuller responded as all senders and sending churches that they make up should when he said, “I will most certainly hold the rope.”
This a biography of the famous baptist rope holder. Fuller’s life was marked by robust theology, glorious faithfulness, and a missional heart for the nations.
Having an author voice like John Piper’s in the mix of that was great. My only gripe is that it was not longer.
4/5
June 13, 2023
Since I expected a biography, I didn't get what I wanted.
It deals mostly (almost only) with Fuller's theological views and not much is said about his life.
The only reason I understood something from this, is because I had read something from William Carey's biography already and knew about the people, organizations and the times in which he lived from Carey's biography.
It deals mostly (almost only) with Fuller's theological views and not much is said about his life.
The only reason I understood something from this, is because I had read something from William Carey's biography already and knew about the people, organizations and the times in which he lived from Carey's biography.
January 3, 2025
Very theological! Loved to see how important he was for establishing missions and proper doctrine behind it.
June 5, 2017
A quick, informative bio of the man who founded the Baptist Missionary Society.
Disclaimer: I received this for free from Desiring God after filling out a survey and this doesn't affect my review (we all know the drill).
Disclaimer: I received this for free from Desiring God after filling out a survey and this doesn't affect my review (we all know the drill).
September 2, 2016
Very helpful introduction to Fuller's life and key teachings, written in Piper's inimitable style.
December 28, 2022
Book Summary and Main Topics
The book is a short biography of Andrew Fuller, in the context of his theological developments against two main Biblical errors of his time, which lead to a global church missionary movement.
The author first introduces the historical church missions movements, which started with reaching all the world’s coastlands with the gospel (1793-1865), followed by all the inlands (1865-1974), followed by the current movement of reaching every people-group (1974-present). Fuller lived from 1754-1815, and with a small group of Baptist pastors, was instrumental in the first missions movement. The author then gives evidence to the personal pain and suffering that Fuller underwent, as well as Fuller’s intellectual theological prowess. Fuller was greatly influenced by the Puritans, specifically John Owen in his personal development, and Jonathan Edwards in thinking through the two main Biblical errors the author presents. The author then shows how hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism hindered church missions, how Fuller addressed the errors with Biblical teaching, and the resulting missions movement.
Critical Look
This is a quick one hour read, but entails many paragraphs to re-read, and it left my heart burning with a love for God that lingered, along with the hope that God could use one such as me to save lost sinners (see p15).
The book is too short to be a detailed biography, and the topics presented show a progression of Fuller’s life that lead to Fuller’s work in global missions, though it lacks any detail of that great effort itself. For one not acquainted with Andrew Fuller and his work in missions, the book felt incomplete. Perhaps just one more short chapter could have resolved that issue.
The author includes many direct sources from Fuller’s writings, along with helpful explanations of what Fuller meant and why the author included them. Though the book is written about Andrew Fuller, the highlight of the book is the clear gospel message on pages 38-39, with a plea for sinners to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Also, throughout the book, the author shows how the Word of God is sufficient to equip the church for the work of ministry, specifically dealing with hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism. These terms are repeatedly defined and brought into their historical context and consequences.
Hyper-Calvinism unBiblically teaches the church not to preach to the lost, and Sandemanianism unBiblically teaches the church to exclude all emotion and acts of the will. These errors, combined, left the church as an intellectual gathering of passive people who were afraid of their emotions and lacked any passion for worship or missions (p47). Once these were addressed, the church could reclaim a holy faith, a worthy gospel, and a world mission.
The Value of the Book
The last chapter of the book directly addresses the author’s intended value of the book, which is to demonstrate that Biblical theology matters in the church. The mission of the church is hindered once a people stray into elevating man-made devices for understanding God. For instance, taking some Biblical theme, applying man’s logic, and getting out an unBiblical theology or command.
The reader can gain additional value from the teachings on Andrew Fuller (and a few other influential Christians), a brief glimpse into church history, how systematic theology blesses the church, and if the reader has a dictionary, a whole lot of new vocabulary. I was particularly pleased to learn that Fuller “regularly felt overwhelmed,” and for forty years of pastoral ministry, he “tried to do more than one man can do well” (p20). Nonetheless, with a small band of Baptist pastors, God changed the world. Here I am Lord, use me as You see fit. Amen.
The book is a short biography of Andrew Fuller, in the context of his theological developments against two main Biblical errors of his time, which lead to a global church missionary movement.
The author first introduces the historical church missions movements, which started with reaching all the world’s coastlands with the gospel (1793-1865), followed by all the inlands (1865-1974), followed by the current movement of reaching every people-group (1974-present). Fuller lived from 1754-1815, and with a small group of Baptist pastors, was instrumental in the first missions movement. The author then gives evidence to the personal pain and suffering that Fuller underwent, as well as Fuller’s intellectual theological prowess. Fuller was greatly influenced by the Puritans, specifically John Owen in his personal development, and Jonathan Edwards in thinking through the two main Biblical errors the author presents. The author then shows how hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism hindered church missions, how Fuller addressed the errors with Biblical teaching, and the resulting missions movement.
Critical Look
This is a quick one hour read, but entails many paragraphs to re-read, and it left my heart burning with a love for God that lingered, along with the hope that God could use one such as me to save lost sinners (see p15).
The book is too short to be a detailed biography, and the topics presented show a progression of Fuller’s life that lead to Fuller’s work in global missions, though it lacks any detail of that great effort itself. For one not acquainted with Andrew Fuller and his work in missions, the book felt incomplete. Perhaps just one more short chapter could have resolved that issue.
The author includes many direct sources from Fuller’s writings, along with helpful explanations of what Fuller meant and why the author included them. Though the book is written about Andrew Fuller, the highlight of the book is the clear gospel message on pages 38-39, with a plea for sinners to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. Also, throughout the book, the author shows how the Word of God is sufficient to equip the church for the work of ministry, specifically dealing with hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism. These terms are repeatedly defined and brought into their historical context and consequences.
Hyper-Calvinism unBiblically teaches the church not to preach to the lost, and Sandemanianism unBiblically teaches the church to exclude all emotion and acts of the will. These errors, combined, left the church as an intellectual gathering of passive people who were afraid of their emotions and lacked any passion for worship or missions (p47). Once these were addressed, the church could reclaim a holy faith, a worthy gospel, and a world mission.
The Value of the Book
The last chapter of the book directly addresses the author’s intended value of the book, which is to demonstrate that Biblical theology matters in the church. The mission of the church is hindered once a people stray into elevating man-made devices for understanding God. For instance, taking some Biblical theme, applying man’s logic, and getting out an unBiblical theology or command.
The reader can gain additional value from the teachings on Andrew Fuller (and a few other influential Christians), a brief glimpse into church history, how systematic theology blesses the church, and if the reader has a dictionary, a whole lot of new vocabulary. I was particularly pleased to learn that Fuller “regularly felt overwhelmed,” and for forty years of pastoral ministry, he “tried to do more than one man can do well” (p20). Nonetheless, with a small band of Baptist pastors, God changed the world. Here I am Lord, use me as You see fit. Amen.
December 5, 2018
"We should learn the vital link between the doctrinal faithfulness of the church and the cause of world missions. The main impulse of our day is in the other direction. Everywhere you turn there is pressure to believe that missions depends on not disputing about doctrine. As soon as you engage another professing Christian in controversy over some biblical issue, the cry will go up, “Stop wasting your time and be about missions.” What we learn from Fuller is that those cries are, at best, historically naïve and, at worst, a smoke screen for the uninhibited spread of error."
Thank you Lord for introducing me to Andrew Fuller through this book!
Thank you Lord for introducing me to Andrew Fuller through this book!
May 26, 2024
This book has a number of strengths. It is a short, enjoyable read on a topic of great interest to many Baptists. The weakness is the work is very limited its scope. John Piper focuses almost entirely on Andrew Fuller's controversies with Hyper-Calvinism and Sandemanianism and how this affected the modern missions movement. If you would like a quick read about Fuller's views on these subjects, then this is the book for you. However, if you are searching for a brief biography about Andrew Fuller or want to learn about his views on Baptist distinctives, church polity, or theology in general, then you will need to look elsewhere.
January 27, 2021
A name which I'd heard of but never investigated much. A decent introduction to Fuller, the theological opponents he stood against, and the worthiness of presenting the Gospel to all people. I wasn't aware of the key impact he had in hplding together the fledgling Baptist World Mission, and his passion for Gospel mission work. Be aware that this predominantly explores the doctrinal disputes Fuller was engaged in, and is not a true biography.
January 8, 2022
This quick read is well worth it. I really appreciate hearing the story of "one who stayed" but who was still so influential in and part of missions. Reading this small biography makes me eager to grab something written by Fuller to read things in his own words. That's a sign of a good biography in my opinion. I also appreciated Piper sharing Fuller's thoughts on hyper-Calvinism, Arminianism, and Sandemanianism.
January 27, 2023
A very brief look at a man’s struggle to grapple with Gods sovereignty, man’s free will, and the role of faith in regeneration. Right faith and belief cannot come from pure logic and understanding but from a supernatural spiritual awakening.
Let us not seek to align ourselves with spiritual giants from history who we line up with or not theologically; but let us line ourselves up with scripture to see what it says. Wrestle with that and ask God to show you what Christ says supernaturally.
Let us not seek to align ourselves with spiritual giants from history who we line up with or not theologically; but let us line ourselves up with scripture to see what it says. Wrestle with that and ask God to show you what Christ says supernaturally.
September 13, 2019
A fine, brief sketch of Fuller and his life, and ministry.
It was a good reminder of his stance as a Calvinistic Baptist, working for missions, and against the hyper Calvinist resistance to missions.
He may be an excellent example to help those in the church who see Calvinism as a missions killer.
It was a good reminder of his stance as a Calvinistic Baptist, working for missions, and against the hyper Calvinist resistance to missions.
He may be an excellent example to help those in the church who see Calvinism as a missions killer.
September 1, 2023
If you're already familiar with the life of Fuller, this will provide a bit more insight into his theological background and how his contributions fit into the work of the body of Christ as a whole. Otherwise this brief essay, like the other "biographies" written by Piper, whilst carrying a lofty title, promises much yet delivers little.
June 21, 2019
A short introduction into the theology of Andrew Fuller. I had no idea he dealt with those things. Most folks know him for his “hold the rope” illustration but there is much more to his life and character!
December 14, 2022
One of the greatest gifts that John Piper has given the church is this series of short biographies he has written about men who have been mightily used by God.
This book is an excellent short biography of the life, and theological controversies of Andrew Fuller. I highly recommend it!
This book is an excellent short biography of the life, and theological controversies of Andrew Fuller. I highly recommend it!
March 9, 2024
A great example of a man called to “hold the rope” for others— doing theological and pastoral work at home that fueled and aided the work of those sent to take the gospel to the unreached. Very short introduction to his life and work.
May 29, 2017
Great little book!!
July 6, 2017
Very good, a bit hard to follow at points, not always engaging, but a good read nonetheless. Highly recommended.
August 4, 2017
Good read
Good biographies are encouraging. This one is good. Paints a good picture of Fullers efforts at good strong doctrine for the sake of the nation's.
Good biographies are encouraging. This one is good. Paints a good picture of Fullers efforts at good strong doctrine for the sake of the nation's.
September 6, 2017
I listened to this on audio but it seemed to be more about doctrine than about the man.
January 23, 2018
Great missions mobilizer! Don’t agree with all his theology (I’m not a Calvinist) but his works against hyper Calvinism were good!
February 20, 2019
A quick read, but a great little intro to Fuller! It’s also a powerful primer for gospel proclamation and missions!
March 25, 2019
For what it is (a very short intro) - very good.
November 29, 2019
A few faithful Christians pioneered a missionary movement that bears fruit in the millions today. Andrew Fuller was a sender, but managed to change the world in Jesus’ power.
December 29, 2021
Thankful for the work of John Piper in documenting the life of this saint.
September 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this very short book on Andrew Fuller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews