Albert Barnes

Born in Rome, New York, in 1798, Albert Barnes studied at Hamilton College and then at Princeton Theological Seminary before entering the Presbyterian ministry. He served first in Morristown, New Jersey, and from 1830 spent the rest of his career at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

Barnes became widely known for his clear, practical biblical commentaries, especially his Notes on the Old and New Testaments. His writing was aimed not only at ministers but also at ordinary readers, which helped make his work especially influential.

He was also active in the moral debates of his time, supporting abolition and temperance. Some of his theological views stirred controversy, but his reputation endured as a preacher and religious writer whose work shaped generations of Protestant readers.