Robert Chapman: A Biography

by Robert L. Peterson

Although he is not widely known today, Robert Chapman was one of the most respected Christians of his generation. His caring and humble attitude had a marked impact on the lives of such men as George Muller, J. Hudson Taylor, John Nelson Darby and Charles Suprgeon. These notable men agreed that Chapman was a giant among them. Robert Chapman's life cannot help but challenge the Lord's people to deepen their devotion to Christ and love others more selflessly.

Genres: Biography, Christian

210 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there was a man to emulate, Chapman is it. He was gifted in a myriad of ways, but he was known for holiness of character, his genuine humility, and most of all, for the way he lived out faith in Jesus through selfless love for others.

[Luiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book , no better said this man whom the story is about will make you rethink the way you live your faith. Every faithful person out there should take the time to read it.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject is better than the biography ever could have been, especially given Chapman’s characteristic minimizing of himself throughout his life, refusing publishing opportunities and destroying his personal papers in an effort to keep the focus of others on Christ. He made his life about showing Christ to everyone he encountered through faithful teaching and by faithfully embodying His love. He was satisfied with focusing on those in his immediate influence, though he had a heart for missions (even doing multiple walking tours of Spain). He was not running after widespread influence; in fact he fought against the kind of notoriety that could lead to idolatry, a vacuous kind of “influence” that has no real relational hold on the admirer, and distraction from what should be one’s true object of admiration.

What I find most encouraging about this man is that, by God’s grace, I can live a life like his. I will not accomplish things like Alexander the Great, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk that ring across the planet with significance according to man. These are the subjects of so many biographies, and they are far outside the scope of my grasp (let alone desire). But what Chapman busied his life with rings into eternity, directly flowing in line with what is most significant, and is available for every Christian. His main goal was simply to “live Christ”; that is the best life. In the spirit of 1 Cor. 11:1, I want to live a life like his.

[Bradley McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for earnest Christians who are or who feel very ordinary. Chapman was not outstanding in any specific area, most would concur. Yet love is the most important area of all. For this reason, this man and his biography can be beneficial and encouraging to the ordinary among us. Not every page is captivating, yet the man and the sum of his life experiences leave a deep impression. His interaction with people such as Müller and Spurgeon is interesting. Spurgeon considered Chapman to be the godliest man he ever met, and a Chapman donation to Müller's orphanage came as a timely answer to a prayer for provision. Chapman was part of the Brethren movement when it divided into the factions that exist to this day, factions he tried unsuccessfully to reconcile. Few people were as self-effacing as Chapman or as widely acknowledged for their holy walk. Speaking of walking, the man preferred walking to carriages and trains. On his walks, he interacted redemptively with people or stopped to preach under the open air. Sometimes this placed him in peril, but the Lord delivered him. If your heart desires to love God and people, read this.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this through Strauch's and Peterson's shorter book on Chapman's leadership style, Agape Leadership, and this did not disappoint! Chapman was an utterly fascinating and inspiring man of God's Word. This book's chronicle of his life should leave readers with the encouragement to be in the Word daily and to "live Christ". Childlike communion with God. Diligent study of His Word. Daily intercessory prayer for others. Hospitality both material and spiritual to the weary and worn out. Picking one's "theological battles" with fellow believers. Being a steward of one's own health and body. Despite differences he had with many peers, the admiration and respect he drew is a testament to his example that all Christians should strive toward (and maybe even only hope to attain) -- a long life of service to the King.

[Seth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this, Pray over your own heart and Learn what it looks like to Live Christ!

This is one of the most beneficial biographies you can read for your soul. We cannot and should not strive to be RC Chapman, but we can pursue living our lives Fully Dependent and Leaning on JESUS, no matter, what work HE has given our hands to do today. Chapman's life, shows us what that looks like.

[Stephen Norcross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

Best book I have read on Christian leadership bar none. What a wonderful example of a Christian follower RC Chapman was.

[Greg Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

[Joshua Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life this humble man led! Let us all follow his godly example.

[Samuel Holbură · Rating 5 out of 5]

''Treaba mea este să iubesc, nu să caut ca alții să mă iubească pe mine.''
Robert Chapman

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great volume on the life of Robert Chapman. This man has almost a mythical quality to him because of His amazing Christlike humility and love for people (which was supplied wholly by the Lord). He is a testimony to what the Lord can do through someone who, through a steadfast gaze at Jesus Christ through the word, was used to change many lives. Must read.

[Clement Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great man.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

RC Chapman would hate to know that I wrote a review about a book written about him. And really the fact that a book was written about him. I shall honor his wishes by not. 🤪

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A interesting man, but the writing was a bit pedantic at times. Still, a good read.

[Jim Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good biography about a 19th century preacher most people have never heard of! From the book: “This servant of God was sound in doctrine and right in attitude. Love touched all his actions and this love sprang from his devotion to Christ. God has, in Robert Chapman, given us an example of a man who lived out the Christian life.”