The Great Doctrines of the Bible

A series of timeless lectures by REV. William Evans, noted American Bible scholar, committed to print in 1912, making it available to a wider audience the wealth of his insights into Scriptural teaching.

Born at Liverpool in 1870, Evans came to the U.S. seeking newspaper employment. After graduation from the Bible Institute, he attended the University of Chicago as well as other schools. Eventually he earned a number of college and seminary degrees, including Ph.D.

He joined the Moody Institute faculty and became director of the Bible course for 11 years. Students recalled that his voice "sometimes rose to a roar." Though he was stern, they found him kind and sympathetic; many would linger after class to ask questions.

Especially as a result of the teaching of Dr. R. A. Torrey, he became "somewhat of a walking Bible." As years went by, he added to the Torrey system some memory gymnastics of his own. Thus in later years Evans would stand before vast audiences and quote "whole chapters of the Bible without difficulty."

Next he became associate dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University). After 1918 he traveled widely, ministering at Bible conferences in many parts of Africa and Asia. He was offered a number of famous pulpits, but preferred to have the world as his parish.

Most of his 40 books are out of print, but may be found in second hand stores and libraries. Outstanding titles still available include Great Doctrines of the Bible, How to Prepare Sermons, and What Every Christian Should Believe.

Evans went to be with the Lord in 1950, at age 80. His funeral was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, where his son, Dr. Louis Evans, was pastor. (disciplemagazine.com)