Marcus Dods

Born in Belford, Northumberland, on April 11, 1834, he was educated in Edinburgh and trained for the ministry before becoming a well-known preacher, teacher, and writer. Early in his career he faced a long stretch of setbacks, reportedly being passed over by 23 churches before finally receiving a call.

In 1864 he became minister of Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, where he served for twenty-five years and built a strong reputation as a thoughtful preacher, especially among educated younger hearers. He later moved to New College, Edinburgh, as professor of New Testament exegesis in 1889, and became principal in 1907.

His work was admired for combining pastoral warmth with serious biblical study, though some of his views also drew controversy in his own time. Alongside his preaching and teaching, he wrote widely, including commentaries and devotional works that continued to be read after his death in Edinburgh on April 26, 1909.