Anchored in Christ

Looking for the best Christian biographies out there? Look no further.

I love how John Piper describes the value of reading biography:

Biography is such an efficient way of study. It’s got history. It’s got theology. It’s got psychology. It’s got counseling. It’s got politics. It’s got economics. It’s got geography. It’s got devotion and piety all wrapped into one good book, so it’s really valuable to our faith and life and thinking.[1]

In other words, Christian biographies offer us more than most other books. It’s one thing to learn the ins and outs of a topic, say prayer, it’s another thing to see how prayer drove the ministry of George Müller.

Over the past couple of years, I have been asked for recommendations of the best Christian biographies. Those questions gave me the idea to create the huge list of Christian biographies and autobiographies that you see below.

Praise the Lord for the wealth of biographies that testify to His faithfulness and power!

A few things to consider:

1. The categories below are artificial. The Apostle Paul was a preacher, theologian, and missionary; but was only included under one heading for practical purposes. I also have a separate category for women. That doesn’t mean they do not fit in other categories—this is to serve those specifically looking for biographies of Christian women.
2. This is an eclectic and broadly evangelical list, meaning it contains people who I differ with on some theology. I hope this list will serve a wide range of evangelicals and interests.
3. By no means do I consider this list comprehensive or perfect. Since I live in the US, this is admittedly a western-focused list. If I’m missing anything, email me and I may update this page.
4. I include links to free online Christian biographies (Kindle and PDFs) when I can. I will also try to link to movies of Christian biographies for your viewing pleasure.
5. While reading biographies of famous Christians can be extremely edifying, avoid these dangers.

**The links on this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small cut of purchases at no extra cost for you. This helps me cover escalating blog expenses. Thanks for understanding! 🙂

6 Reasons to Read More Christian Biographies

Best Christian Biographies of Pastors and Preachers

A.W. Tozer (1897–1963) – A Passion for God: The Spiritual Journey of A.W. Tozer by Lyle W. Dorsett (a favorite of Tim Challies)

Billy Graham (1918–2018) – Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham, A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story by William Martin (Justin Taylor’s top book on Graham)

Calvin Miller (1936–2010) – Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir by Calvin Miller (a favorite of Trevin Wax)

Charles Simeon (1759–1836) – Charles Simeon by Handley Moule (a favorite of Fred Sanders), Charles Simeon of Cambridge by Hugh Evans Hopkins (Nathan Finn calls this “required reading for pastors”)

Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) – Spurgeon: A New Biography by Arnold Dallimore (a favorite of Tim Challies, Randy Alcorn, and Tony Merida), The Forgotten Spurgeon Iain Murray (free audiobook), C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography Volume 1, Volume 2 (recommended by Mark Dever), Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Tom Nettles

D.L. Moody (1837–1899) – A Passion for Souls by Lyle W. Dorsett (a favorite of Jason Cook)

David Wilkerson (1931–2011) – The Cross and the Switchblade (Autobiographical; see full movie on YouTube)

George Whitefield (1714–1770) – George Whitefield, the Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-century Revival (2 Volumes) by Arnold Dallimore (recommended by Albert Mohler and Ray Ortlund; also see shorter version). George Whitefield: America’s Spiritual Founding Father by Thomas Kidd (a favorite of Kevin DeYoung)

J.C. Ryle (1816–1900) – Prepared to Stand Alone by Iain Murray, Bishop J.C. Ryle’s Autobiography

Jack Miller (1928–1996) — Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller by Michael A. Graham

Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) – God Took Me by the Hand: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence by Jerry Bridges (Memoir)

John A. Broadus (1827–1895) – The Life and Letters of John A. Broadus by A.T. Robertson (free download)

John Bunyan (1628–1688) – Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Autobiography; free for Kindle; recommended by Mark Dever), Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan by Faith Cook.

John Knox (1514–1572) – John Knox by Jane Dawson (more academic title; favorite of Kevin DeYoung), John Knox: Fearless Faith by Steven Lawson (a popular level biography)

John MacArthur (1939– ) – John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain Murray (a favorite of Tim Challies)

John Newton (1725–1807) – John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken (a favorite of Randy Alcorn), Out of the Depths: The Autobiography of John Newton, John Newton (Bitesize Biographies) (recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick)

John Stott (1921–2011) – Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement by Alister Chapman (a favorite of Kevin DeYoung), The Early Years and The Later Years by Timothy Dudley-Smith

John Wesley (1703–1791) – John Wesley: A Biography by Stephen Tomkins, Wesley and Men Who Followed by Iain Murray, The Burning Heart: John Wesley: Evangelist by Skevington Wood

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899–1981) – The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray (or two volume set) (A favorite of many including Thabiti Anyabwile, Albert Mohler, Tony Merida and more)

Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) – Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God by David McCasland

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813–1843) – Robert Murray M’Cheyne by Andrew Bonar (free Kindle version)

Tom Carson (father of D.A. Carson) – Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson

Warren Wiersbe (1929–) – Be Myself: The Autobiography of Bridge Builder by Warren Wiersbe

William Still (1911–1997) – William Still: Dying to Live by Sheana Brown (a favorite of Bryan Chapell)

William Tyndale (1494–1536) — William Tyndale by David Daniell (recommended by Albert Mohler)

Best Christian Biographies of Theologians from Church History

Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) – Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat by James D. Bratt (James K.A. Smith calls this “masterful”)

Augustine (354–430) – Confessions (Autobiography), Augustine of Hippo: A Biography by Peter Brown (a favorite of Albert Mohler, Ray Ortlund, and Russell Moore)

A.W. Pink (1886–1952) – The Life of A.W. Pink by Iain Murray

Carl F.H. Henry (1913–2003) – Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F.H. Henry by Gregory Thornbury

Charles Hodge (1797–1878) – Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton by W. Andrew Hoffecker  (Recommended by Michael Krueger), Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy by Paul Gutjahr (recommended by Kevin DeYoung)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) – Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas (recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Trevin Wax; also see abridged edition), Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Biography by Eberhard Bethge (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) – A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America by John D’Elia (recommended by Tim Keller)

J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) – Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D.G. Hart (recommended by Albert Mohler)

J.I. Packer (1926–2020) – J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life by Leland Ryken

James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) – James Petigru Boyce: A Southern Baptist Statesman by Thomas J. Nettles

John Calvin (1509–1564) – Calvin by F. Bruce Gordon (recommended by Tim Keller and Kevin DeYoung), The Life of John Calvin by Alister McGrath (recommended by Albert Mohler), Calvin: A Biography by Bernard Cottret (recommended by Mark Dever)

John Murray (1898–1975) – The Life of John Murray by Iain Murray

John Owen (1616–1683) – God’s Statesman: The Life and Work of John Owen by Peter Toon, John Owen: Prince of Puritans by Andrew Thomson, John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man by Carl Trueman

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) — Jonathan Edwards – A Life by George Marsden (recommended by Albert Mohler, Ray Ortlund, Mark Dever and others; also see A Short Life), Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray (recommended by Mark Dever)

Martin Luther (1483–1546) – Here I Stand by Roland Bainton (considered by many to be the standard Luther bio – loved by Albert Mohler, Mark Dever, Tim Keller, R.C. Sproul, Ray Ortlund, and Randy Alcorn among many), Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas, Luther: Man Between God and the Devil by Heiko Oberman (Timothy George’s pick for best Luther bio)

R.C. Sproul (1939-2017) – R.C. Sproul – A Life by Stephen J. Nichols

Richard Sibbes (1577–1635) – The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes by Mark Dever

Best Biographies of Christian Apologists

C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) – Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life (Autobiography), C.S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet by Alister McGrath, Jack by George Sayer

Christopher Yuan – Out of Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope (Autobiography)

Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) – Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman by John Muether

Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) – Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life by Colin Duriez, The Tapestry: The Life and Times of Francis and Edith Schaeffer by Edith Schaeffer

Lee Strobel (1952– ) — The Case for Christ (Autobiographical journey to faith and movie)

Nabeel Qureshi (1983–2017) – Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity (Autobiography)

Other Christian Biographies (Musicians, Politicians, Athletes, etc.)

Charles Colson (1931–2012) – Born Again (Autobiography) (A favorite of Bruce Ashford)

Charles Wesley (1707–1788) – A Heart Set Free: The Life of Charles Wesley by Arnold Dallimore

Ira “Teen” Palm – Hitler in the Crosshairs: A GI’s Story of Courage and Faith by John Woodbridge and Maurice Possley

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) – Isaac Watts: His Life and Thoughts by Graham Benyon, The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts by Douglas Bond

Johnny Cash (1932–2003) – The Man Called CASH: The Life, Love, and Faith of an American Legend by Steve Turner

Keith Green (1953–1982) – No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green by Melody Green  (A favorite of mine; D.A. Horton’s recommendation)

Lecrae Moore (1979– ) – Unashamed (Autobiography)

Louis Dooley – Prison Saved My Life

Louis Zamperini (1917–2014) – Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resiience by Laura Hillenbrand (a favorite of Trevin Wax)

Manny Mill – Radical Redemption: The Story of Manny Mill (Autobiography)

Mosab Hassan Yousef – Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices (Autobiography)

Nick Vujicic (1982–) – Life without Limits: Inspiration for Ridiculously Good Life (Autobiographical)

Rich Mullins (1955–1997) – Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven by James Bryan Smith (Movie)

Steven Curtis Chapman (1962– ) — Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story (Autobiographical)

William Wilberforce (1759–1833) – Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Effort to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas (recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick), William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity by Kevin Belmonte (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

The Best Missionary Biographies (and International Category)

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850) – To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson (a favorite of Mark Dever, Timothy George, Thabiti Anyabwile, and Bryan Chapell), Adoniram Judson: A Bicentennial Appreciation of the Pioneer American Missionary by Jason G. Duesing

Andrew Fuller (1754–1815) – Andrew Fuller: Holy Faith, Worthy Gospel, World Mission by John Piper (free PDF)

Brother Andrew (1928– ) – God’s Smuggler by Andrew Van der Dijl, John and Elizabeth Sherill

Brother Yun – The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun by Paul Hattaway

C.T. Studd (1860–1931) – C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer by Norman Grubb

David Brainerd (1718–1747) – The Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards (recommended by Fred Sanders)

David Livingstone (1813–1873) – The Daring Heart of David Livingstone: Exile, African Slavery, and the Publicity Stunt That Saved Millions by Jay Milbrandt (a favorite of Bryan Chapell)

Eric Liddell (1902–1945) – Eric Liddell: Pure Gold: A Biography of the Olympic Champion Who Inspired Chariots of Fire by David McCasland (also see Chariots of Fire movie)

George Müller (1805–1898) – The Autobiography of George Muller

Henry Martyn (1781–1812) – The Life of Henry Martyn, Missionary to India and Persia by Sarah J. Rhea (free for Kindle), For the Love of India: The Story of Henry Martyn by Jim Cromarty

Hudson Taylor (1832–1935) – Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Frederick Howard Taylor (free audiobook), J. Hudson Taylor: An Auto-biography, Hudson Taylor: In Early Years – The Growth of the Soul by Howard Taylor

James O. Fraser (1886–1938) – Mountain Rain: A Biography of James O. Fraser by Eileen Fraser Crossman

Jim Elliot (1927–1956) – Through the Gates of Splendor and The Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot Gren (Movies: The End of the Spear, Through the Gates of Splendor, Beyond the Gates of Splendor)

John G. Paton (1824–1907) – John G. Paton: The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides, John G. Patton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein, The Story of John G. Paton by John G. Paton (free Kindle), You Will Be Eaten By Cannibals! by John Piper (free eBook)

John Stam (1907–1934) and Betty Stam (1906–1934) – John & Betty Stam by Vance Christie

Martin and Gracia Burnham – In the Presence of My Enemies: A Gripping Account of the Kidnapping of American Missionaries and their Year of Terror in the Philippine Jungle (Autobiographical) (a favorite of Nancy Guthrie)

Nik Ripken – The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken (see movie by same name)

Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001) – Tortured for Christ (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

Stan Dale (–1968) – Lords of the Earth: An Incredible but True Story from the Stone-Age Hell of Papua’s Jungle by Don Richardson

Stephen Lungu (1942–2021) — Out of the Black Shadows by Stephen Lungu and Anne Combes. One of my personal favorites! Watch Stephen tell part of his story (spoiler alert).

St. Patrick (385–461) – Patrick of Ireland by Michael A. Haykin

William Carey (1761–1834) – William Carey: Obliged to Go by Jane and Geoff Benge, Faithful Witness: The Life and Mission of William Carey by Timothy George)

William (1829–1912) and Catherine Booth (1829–1890) – Blood and Fire: William and Catherine Booth and Their Salvation Army by Roy Hattersley

Xi Shengmo (1836–1896) – Pastor Hsi: A Struggle for Chinese Christianity by Geraldine Taylor

Compilation: From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth Tucker

Best Christian Biographies of Women

Abby Johnson (1980–) – Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye Opening Journey across the Life Line by Abby Johnson

Amy Carmichael (1867–1951) – A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot (a favorite of Wendy Alsup), Amy Carmichael: Beauty for Ashes — A Biography by Iain Murray

Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672) – Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim and Poet by Faith Cook

Ann Judson (1789–1826) – My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma by Sharon James

Katharina Luther (1499–1552) – Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha

Corrie Ten Boom (1892–1983) – The Hiding Place (Autobiographical; see movie; a favorite of Nancy Guthrie and Jasmine Holmes)

Darlene Deibler Rose (1917–2004) – Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II (a favorite of Betsy Childs Howard) [See my summary of Rose’s story]

Elizabeth Elliot (1926–2015) – These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? (Autobiography; recommended by Courtney Reissig)

Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) – Fanny Crosby: Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer

Gladys Aylward (1902–1970) – Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman (Autobiography)

Hannah More (1745–1833) – Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist by Karen Swallow Prior

Helen Roseveare (1925–2016) – Give Me This Mountain (Autobiography)

Isobel Kuhn (1901–1957) – By Searching: My Journey Through Doubt Into Faith (Autobiography)

Jackie Hill Perry (1989– ) – Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been

Jane Grey (1537–1554) – The Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey by Faith Cook

Joni Eareckson Tada (1949–) – Joni: An Unforgettable Story (Autobiography), Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story (Autobiography)

Laura Perry – Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free by Laura Perry

Lilias Trotter (1853–1928) – A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness (missionary to Algerian Muslims)

Mary Slessor (1848–1915) – Mary Slessor of Calabar Pioneer Missionary by W.P. Livingstone

Mary Winslow (1774-1854) – Life in Jesus: A Memoir of Mary Winslow by Octavius Winslow

Rosaria Butterfield (1962–) – The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith (Autobiography)

Sarah Edwards (1710–1758) – In Love with Christ: The Narrative of Sarah Edwards by Jennifer Adams, Marriage to Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards by Elizabeth Dodds

Sophie Scholl (1921–1943) – Sophie Scholl and the White Rose by Annette Dumback and Jud Newborn (watch full movie on YouTube of Sophie Scholl: The Final Days)

Susannah Spurgeon (1832–1903) – Free Grace and Dying Love: Moring Devotions by Charles Ray and Susannah Spurgeon

Susannah Wesley (1669–1745) – Susannah Wesley: The Mother of John and Charles Wesley by Arnold A. Dallimore

Virginia Prodan – Saving My Assassin

Best Biographies of Biblical Figures

Abraham – Abraham: The Obedience of Faith by F.B. Meyer

David – David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King by F.B. Meyer, David: A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles Swindoll

Elijah – Elijah and the Secret of His Power by F.B. Meyer, Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility by Charles Swindoll

Esther – Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity by Charles Swindoll

Israel – Israel: A Prince with God: The Story of Jacob by F.B. Meyer

Jesus – One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John MacArthur, The Jesus Story: Everything that Happens in the New Testament in Plain English by Dr. William Marty

Job — Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance by Charles Swindoll

John the Baptist — John the Baptist by F.B. Meyer

Joseph —Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors: Reading an Old Story in New Way by Voddie Baucham Jr., Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness by Charles Swindoll

Joshua – Joshua and the Land of Promise by F.B. Meyer

Judas — Heaven, So Near – So Far by Colin S. Smith

Moses – Moses: The Servant of God by F.B. Meyer, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication by Charles Swindoll

Paul – The Apostle: A Life of Paul by John Pollock (a favorite of Tim Challies), An Illustrated Life of Paul by Charles L. Quarles, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F.F. Bruce (a book D.A. Carson assigns to students), Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit by Charles Swindoll

Peter – The Life and Witness of Peter by Larry R. Helyer (academic), Peter A Fragile Stone: The Emotional Life of Simon Peter by Michael Card, The Apostle Peter: His Life and Writings W.H. Griffith Thomas, Peter: Fisherman, Disciple, Apostle by F.B. Meyer

Samuel – Samuel the Prophet by F.B. Meyer

The Thief on the Cross — Heaven, How I Got Here by Colin S. Smith

The Best Christian Biographies for Children and Teens

Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr

Little Lights Complete Box Sets One and Two (individual titles also available)

Good for Teens: The Christian Heroes Then & Now Series 

Compilation Book: Everyone Child Should Know by Clare Heath-Whyte

Books Sharing Various Christian Biographies

131 Christians Everyone Should Know by Mark Galli

50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe

Eric Metaxas’ 7 Men and 7 Women

Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History by Diana Severance

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)

Iain Murray’s 7 Leaders: Pastors and Preachers

More Than Conquerors: Portraits of Believers from All Walks of Life by John Woodbridge

John Piper’s The Swans are Not Silent Series

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People who (unknowingly!) helped with this list:
Albert Mohler, Bruce Ashford, Bryan Chapell, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Fred Sanders, James K.A. Smith, Jason Cook, Justin Taylor, Kevin DeYoung (1,2,3,4), Mark Dever, Melissa Krueger and friends, Nancy Guthrie, R.C. Sproul, Randy Alcorn, Ray Ortlund, Russell Moore, Tim Challies, Timothy George, Trevin Wax (1, 2, 3, 4).

Phew! That list took me a while. I hope it encourages your heart as you contemplate God’s grace in the lives of His servants across the centuries. What a mighty God we serve!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

 

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[1] John Piper in “Will You Write More Biographies?” https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/will-you-write-more-biographies.