author
Benjamin Wisner Bacon
1860–1932
A Yale theologian and New Testament scholar, he brought historical criticism into clear, readable books for general readers as well as students. His work helped shape early American study of the Gospels and the life of Jesus.
1 Audiobook
The Making of the New Testament
by Benjamin Wisner Bacon
About the author
Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1860, Benjamin Wisner Bacon studied at Yale College and Yale Divinity School before serving as a Congregational pastor in Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Oswego, New York. He later returned to Yale Divinity School, where he taught New Testament Greek and then spent decades as professor of New Testament criticism and interpretation.
Bacon was known for bringing careful scholarship to big biblical questions, especially the Gospels, Paul, and the historical study of Jesus. He wrote widely for both specialists and general readers, and his books helped introduce modern biblical criticism to an American audience in a direct, accessible way.
He died in 1932 after a long academic career closely tied to Yale. Remembered as an influential teacher as well as a prolific writer, he stands as an important figure in early 20th-century American theology and biblical studies.