Who Was John Owen? His Life and Legacy

John Owen (1616–August 24, 1683) was one of the world’s greatest Reformed theologians.

Originally a Presbyterian, Owen, influenced by the works of John Cotton, came to believe in a more Congregational form of church government. He served as dean of Christ Church in Oxford from 1651 to 1660, when the monarchy was reestablished and he was ejected.

For the remaining 23 years of Owen’s life, he led within the Protestant nonconformity, focusing on preaching and writing. He witnessed some remarkable historical events, among them political unrest, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London.

John Owen’s works

Owen’s best-known work is his commentary on Hebrews, An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews. His last work, The Glory of Christ, was published after his passing in 1684. The Works of John Owen includes all seven volumes of An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, The Glory of Christ, and 16 more volumes. His writings and teachings spoke to his time’s struggles, and they continue to inspire.

Watch this excerpt from the Mobile Ed course History of the Doctrine of the Trinity speaking on John Owen and Puritan Trinitarianism:

Get The Works of John Owen collection today.