Clayton KrabyJonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a central figure in the First Great Awakening and is often regarded as America’s greatest preacher and theologian. This episode explores his life, ministry, challenges, and lasting legacy.
From his early years in colonial New England to his role in the Great Awakening, we look at Edwards’ most influential sermons and writings, his dismissal from Northampton, his missionary work in Stockbridge, and his brief presidency at Princeton. Along the way, we consider both his enduring contributions to theology and the challenges he faced, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most important figures in American church history.
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Early Life & Education
Jonathan Edwards was born on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut, decades before the Revolutionary War. At the time, “America” was still a small group of British colonies on the edge of wilderness, with a settler population of just 250,000.
The fifth of eleven children and the only son in his family, Edwards grew up in a strong Puritan environment. His father, Timothy, was a minister, and his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, was an influential pastor in Northampton, Massachusetts.
A bright and curious child, Edwards read widely in theology, philosophy, and science. As a teenager, he even wrote a scientific essay on “flying spiders,” marveling at God’s goodness in creation. At just 13 years old, he entered the Collegiate School in New Haven (later renamed Yale), where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was during these years, in 1721, that he experienced a personal conversion while reflecting on 1 Timothy 1:17.
Ministry in Northampton
In 1726, Edwards began serving alongside his aging grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, in Northampton. When Stoddard died three years later, Edwards became pastor of the 1,300-member church, a role he would hold for 23 years.
During this time he married Sarah Pierrepont, who became his lifelong partner in ministry and the mother of their eleven children. Edwards devoted himself to preaching, pastoral care, and study—reportedly spending up to 13 hours a day in his books.
Yet his ministry was not without its challenges. While leading a church marked by nominalism and spiritual lethargy, Edwards also faced opposition from influential families in his congregation. In addition, records show that the Edwards household included enslaved persons, a reality that complicates his legacy even as his son and students would later become outspoken abolitionists.
The Great Awakening
In the 1730s and 1740s, Edwards became a central figure in the Great Awakening, a period of widespread revival that emphasized the necessity of genuine conversion. Alongside leaders like George Whitefield and the Wesleys, Edwards called people to faith in Christ and wrote extensively to defend and guide the revival.
Perhaps his most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (1741), vividly portrayed the reality of God’s judgment while holding out the hope of mercy through Christ. Though his preaching style was calm and restrained, the message produced dramatic responses in listeners and helped fuel the revival movement.
Edwards’ writings during this period—such as A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God, The Religious Affections, and Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival—remain classics of Christian thought and continue to shape how believers understand true spiritual experience.
Controversies & Dismissal
Despite his faithfulness in ministry, Edwards’ tenure in Northampton ended in conflict. Tensions arose over financial matters, church discipline, and especially the “Halfway Covenant,” which allowed unconverted individuals to participate in communion. Edwards insisted that only professing believers should partake, a stricter stance than that of his grandfather Stoddard.
In 1750, after more than 20 years of service, Edwards was dismissed by a congregational vote of 230 to 23. His farewell sermon urged his people to pray and to prepare to meet their Savior, even as he faced uncertainty about supporting his large family.
Stockbridge & Princeton
After his dismissal, Edwards accepted a call to pastor a small church in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he ministered both to English settlers and to local Native Americans. Despite financial struggles and the turmoil of the French and Indian War, Edwards found fruitful ministry in this setting and continued to write.
In 1757, he was invited to become president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). Though initially reluctant, he accepted the role. Sadly, just 35 days into his presidency, Edwards died after receiving a smallpox inoculation on March 22, 1758. His wife Sarah and daughter Esther would also die later that year.
Legacy
Jonathan Edwards left behind a remarkable legacy of faithful preaching, careful theology, and enduring writings. While his life included both notable strengths and difficult shortcomings, his influence on American Christianity is undeniable. His works, from The Religious Affections to The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, continue to encourage believers in their pursuit of genuine faith.
B.B. Warfield once wrote: “Jonathan Edwards, saint and metaphysician, revivalist and theologian, stands out as the one figure of real greatness in the intellectual life of colonial America.” More than two centuries later, his life and legacy remain a powerful testimony to God’s work in and through His people.
Additional Resources
- Top 5 Recommended Biographies on Jonathan Edwards
- 1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden
Widely considered the definitive biography. Scholarly yet readable, this 600+ page work explores Edwards’ theology, ministry, and historical context in depth. - 2. A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards by George Marsden
A more concise version by the same author, ideal for readers who want the essentials without the academic detail of the full biography. - 3. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray
A warm, devotional portrait of Edwards written from a pastoral perspective. Murray emphasizes Edwards’ personal piety and ministry, making this a favorite among pastors and lay readers alike. - 4. The Essential Jonathan Edwards: An Introduction to the Life and Teaching of America’s Greatest Theologian by Owen Strachan
A highly accessible introduction that combines biography with Edwards’ key theological themes. Great for readers new to Edwards who want a clear entry point into both his life and thought. - 5. Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God by Dane Ortlund
While not a biography in the traditional sense, this book distills Edwards’ teaching on Christian living, showing how his theology connects to daily life.
- 1. Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden
- Listen to my interview with Jeremy Kimble about the life and writings of Jonathan Edwards: Podcast Episode
- Listen to audio of ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’ delivered with the dynamic of live preaching: Sermon
- An Uncommon Union: The Life And Love Of Sarah And Jonathan Edwards: Documentary
