Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries

by Gerald L. Sittser, John Mark Comer (Afterword), Eugene H Peterson (Foreword)

360 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Usually publishes as Jerry Sittser.

Reviews

[Patricia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water from a Deep Well
Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries
by Gerald L. Sittser

Rating: 5 star rating

I picked up Water from a Deep Well, thinking it might be a dry book on church history, but it turned out to be much more interesting than I expected. Gerald Sittser, an evangelical Christian, historian, and theology professor, looks at believers from different time periods and what they can teach us about faith, prayer, worship, and following God.

I especially enjoyed reading about people like Thomas Aquinas, the monks, Francis of Assisi, Melania the younger and Pinian, and Poly Carp. Sittser doesn't just give facts about their lives. He explains how their struggles, sacrifices, and devotion to God can still encourage Christians today.

What I liked most was how easy the book was to read despite covering so much history. It made me appreciate the wisdom of Christians from different traditions and centuries. By the end, Sittser brings everything together and encourages readers to learn from these believers while growing deeper in their own faith.

If you enjoy Christian history, theology, or spiritual growth, I think this book is well worth reading. It left me encouraged and with a greater appreciation for the people who helped shape the Christian faith.

Thank you, NetGalley, Inter Varsity Press, and author Gerald L. Sittser, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever feel like modern Christian spirituality is missing a certain depth, Water from a Deep Well by Gerald L. Sittser is exactly what you need.

The Author essentially cures our 'spiritual amnesia' by looking back at the raw, lived experiences of saints, martyrs, and rebels throughout church history. But this isn't a dry academic textbook. He writes as both a solid scholar and a fellow traveler. He does a beautiful job of taking the ancient paths of Christianity and making them feel incredibly relevant to the world we live in today.

What really makes the book work is how practical it is. Despite the deep historical dive, Sittser always brings things back to the present. He wraps up each chapter with scriptures to chew on, good discussion questions, and actual spiritual practices you can try out in your own life.

It’s one of those reads that shifts your perspective, reminding you that we have this massive, rich family history to draw from.

Whether you're a theology student or just someone looking to stretch your faith, it's a fantastic, life-giving book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspiring read for anyone, who is new to faith or been a believer for years. This easy to read church background and history is sure teach you.something and make you want to dig into more study.

[Rachelle Sperling]

This isn't a flashy book. It's not something that you skim. It's one that I would pick up, read a chapter and then might not come back to for awhile. It's a thoughtful book. I especially appreciate the balance the author brings. When he talks about people who lived in extremes he pulls forward what can be embraced and what might not be the best choices (and why).

The author takes a long look of faith through the centuries and encourages us to do the same. There is also a lot of good and thoughtful application to our lives. I think this book is absolutely worth reading, especially for those who haven't deeply studied the history of Christianity and the lives of the saints previously.