Born 100 Years Ago Today: Leon Lamb Morris

One hundred years ago today, a theological powerhouse was born. Leon Lamb Morris poured his life into uncovering the deeper truths of Scripture. David Allan Hubbard (president emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary) said, “Here was a man humble in his discipleship, unimpressed by his own learning, cordial in his friendship. His relaxed attitude toward his accomplishments particularly impressed me.”

Education and the gospel were his life. After teaching science for a short time, Morris was ordained by the Anglican church at 24. He received his ThL from the Australian College of Theology, where he was awarded the Hey Sharp Prize for being Australia’s top ThL candidate. He later received his PhD from Cambridge, where he eventually served as warden of Tyndale House and principal of Ridley College. His academic prowess was paralleled by an equally passionate ministry, including years as a missionary in the Australian outback.

“. . . a legion of Bible students have been convinced of the truth and power of the Gospel by Morris’ scholarship.”
—David Allan Hubbard

Hubbard said that for those who knew him, Morris represented a potent blend of “scholarly acumen, pastoral experience, innate commonsense, [and] keen concern for persons.” He once reminisced, “At heart, administration is the service of people—not the shuffling of paper. At such service Principal Morris excels.”

Experience his legacy

Morris published over 40 books, including the commentary Christianity Today called “the best commentary on any book of the Bible by an evangelical in recent decades,” The Gospel according to John. Morris spent 10 years working on the volume, which United Evangelical hailed as “a masterpiece of scholarship and readability.”

Morris’ extended treatment of John gives you nearly 900 pages of exposition. You can get this powerful commentary in The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Likewise, Morris’ The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians is at the forefront of Thessalonian studies; Evangelical Quarterly says it’s “as readable as it is instructive.” Through the end of the month, you can get this invaluable work for 31% off as part of our March sale.

Continue Leon Morris’ legacy of profound scholarship and compassionate evangelism—browse his insightful works, and start reading today.