'I am grateful to Paul Schlehlein for providing a new look at the life and ministry of John G. Paton. Early in my life I was enduringly impacted by Paton's autobiography edited by his brother, James. The story was a stunning account of dedication, desperation, sacrifice at the most extreme level, and selfless love to Christ. I was marked for life by the amazing missionary adventure and the far reaching and lasting gospel impact of that one man empowered and protected by the Holy Spirit. In this age when giving a trophy to everyone is standard, and when minimal Christian dedication is celebrated, all believers need to go back to the past to see what true devotion to Christ and the gospel really looks like. You will see it in John Paton.'
I cannot give an unbiased review, as my husband and I have worked with the author on the mission field. Positives: short, but interesting bio of Paton (75 pages). Hopefully it will whet someone's appetite to go read the autobio by Paton himself. Solid missions philosophy for the last 125 pages, all either loosely or directly connected to Paton's life. It might not necessarily be new or insightful if you have thought a lot about missions, but since most people haven't, it gives a thoughtful, short summary of missions philosophy in an interesting style. The bio section is short. This is only a negative if you want to read more, in which case you probably should just read the autobiography or already have, in which case the book won't offer much new to you. But this is not a negative for what it does. This book is a thoughtful read for missionaries, young people interested in missions or training in missions, pastors, and church members who want to think about missions philosophy or be inspired by a shorter read of Paton than his intimidating autobiography.
**** read for gregg's book club that i might not even be able to go to but i had to beat morgan
i liked the approach of the book - how it summarized john paton's incredible life and then dissected the lessons to be learned from such a life. i felt very inspired by his commitment to God's gospel and it has encouraged myself to think about whether i am living life with the correct evangelistic focus.
at one point, schlehlein recounts the innumerable hardships the new hebrides missionaries had to endure, including multiple untimely deaths of family members to all kinds of gruesome causes. and yet one of them was still able to say: "there are still wounds to be received for him who was wounded for our transgressions." shocking statement! there is much to be learned from their example.
3.5⭐️ This book is short and concise and if that’s what you are looking for in a biography, then this is for you; but that’s not what I want in a biography. I was disappointed in the limited attention given to details of Paton’s life and ministry. The book felt rushed and somewhat impersonal. The book is already short and only the first half of it really gives details about his life. The lessons from his life in section 2 were helpful and gave me things to think about, but I would have rather had a more in depth description of his life.
Some takeaways: Attention was given to the reality of persecution and suffering for those serving in the south sea islands. As a reminder for us all Paton’s son says, “There are still wounds to be received for him who was wounded for our transgressions.”
Attention was also given to whether Paton was unwise to bring his family to such a dangerous place. The discussion on this has also left me to ponder what it might look like to have a family overseas. His wife Margaret spoke to the blessing of having kids on the field. “She rebuked those who chastised missionaries for bringing a family with them to a dangerous land. ‘Our bairns are little missionaries every one’, she wrote and thanked God for her children not only for the happiness they brought but for the help in ministry and the daily object lesson of the gospel before the heathen which they embodied.”
This short and concise book on the life of John G. Paton is one that sparked deep zeal to see the heart of God for the nations. Whenever I read biographies of missionaries, I am inspired by their commitment to delight deeply in the God who saved them. This booked helped me to do that. Paul Schehlein does a good and thorough job of not only providing key points of Paton's life, but also of his theology, methodology, and the implications of his life for modern readers and missionaries. Books like these are important for all in the Church so have a proper understanding of a godly-drive missions and how orthodoxy and orthopraxy meet.
Such an inspiring story of a missionary to people who threatened his life on a regular basis. Made me think that I live such a cush life and have barely given up anything. Edified me to be more diligent in learning the language to be able to share with those I am ministering to in their heart language.
an amazing look at john paton's faithful life and missionary work. encouraged by his bold evangelism and steadfastness in the face of suffering and hardships.
I was most inspired by the example of Paton's father. "The agency foremost in sending [John] to the islands of the South Seas was not his church or missionary society but rather the godly home in which he was raised" (p. 79).
I read this in our first few weeks serving as missionaries in Brazil. I'm grateful we are not dodging "killing stones" hurled by angry nationals. And I'm inspired at the fruit God can bring from a faithful, God-centered, risk-taking, theologically-sound ministry.
This book was a gift from Grace Church of Ovilla, our much-loved partners in the spread of the gospel.
An extraordinary read. The best biography I have read of John Paton yet. Paton had a unshakable confidence in God’s sovereignty as he stepped forward in faith knowing that there were some appointed to believe on the islands of the New Hebrides. He received the joy of seeing cannibals come to faith, and the local church was established for the blessing of generations to come. If you want to be encouraged in your Christian walk, you must read Schlehlein’s work on the life of John Paton!
Interesting but too short to get any real insight into Paton’s life and work. Enjoyed chapter 5 on Paton’s Godly Home. I also think this book needed a better editor.
A great, concise account of an incredible missionary. Some of Paton’s views are dated yet his passion and method for missions/evangelism is certainly instructive for today’s Reformed missionary.
While I believe this to be an excellent little book, I’m giving it 4 stars only because I believe Paton autobiography will be exceptional. This book, however, is a worthwhile introduction to one of the most influential missionaries of our day. One thing I was particularly blessed by, which I was no expecting, was the introduction to Paton’s father. The book is worth the read just to learn of Paton’s father and his faithful spiritual leadership.
This book gives a fantastic overview of the life and ministry of John Paton. More valuable are the author's notes and analysis of Paton's character, philosophy of ministry, and perspective on missions and evangelism in the latter half of the book. I would recommend this as a starter to any Christian when it comes to reading Christian biography.
I was inspired every time I picked up this book. I only wish it had been a longer, more thorough work. It's a great introduction to Paton, though, and convinced to keep learning more about his life and ministry.
Biography of John G. Paton (1824-1907) and lessons from his mission work in the South Sea Islands. I didn't find the material or writing style especially engaging or insightful, though it was interesting to learn about the challenges of mission work among native islanders far from civilization, without modern telecommunications. Paton is a model of zeal for evangelism and perseverance in the face of persecution. I found Chapter 8, about how much risk and danger a missionary should accept in mission work, an interesting discussion.
The first 4 chapters are biography, and the last 6 are lessons the reader can draw from his mission work. The book includes quotes from Paton and his wife Margaret. It also includes details about other missionaries of the same time period.
Notes Introduction: The Haunts of Savagery "I knew not, for one brief hour, when or how attack might be made; and yet, with my trembling hand clasped in the Hand once nailed on Calvary, and now swaying the scepter of the Universe, calmness and peace and resignation abode in my soul. " –Paton
Part 1: Paton's Life The Early Years William Carey's "An Inquiry" challenged traditional thinking about missions, and launched the modern missionary movement.
"The talks which we heard were, however, genuine; not the make-believe of religious conversation, but the sincere outcome of their own personalities. That, perhaps, makes all the difference betwixt talk that attracts and talk that drives away." –Paton
The Painful Years Paton refused to use public transportation on Sundays. He said, "No tramcar conductor, no railway porter, no busman will ever stand up in the Judgment and say, 'You robbed me of my Sabbath.'"
The Fruitful Years "There are still wounds to be received for Him who was wounded for our transgressions." –Paton
The Final Years "When one wealthy businessman kept his company running for no other reason than to support God's cause, Paton wrote, 'God, who knows me, sees that I have never coveted money for myself or my family; but I did envy that Christian merchant the joy that he had in having money, and having the heart to use it as a steward of the Lord Jesus!'"
Part 2: Lessons from Paton’s Life Paton’s Clear Calling Among Paton's chief motives for mission work was his concern for the lost.
NT evangelists were willing to speak of God's wrath and Hell (Luke 3:7; Rom 1:18), as was Christ (Matt 5:22, 29-30; 10:29; 23:15).
Paton had a heart for islanders because they had no access to God's Word, whereas Westerners who rejected God did so having access.
Church in Antioch observed Paul and Barnabas for a year before sending them on mission work (Acts 13:1-3).
"When, when will men’s eyes at home be opened? When will the rich and the learned … renounce their shallow frivolities, and go to live amongst the poor, the ignorant, the outcast, and the lost, and write their eternal fame on the souls by them blessed and brought to the Savior? Those who have tasted this highest joy, 'The joy of the Lord,' will never again ask – Is life worth living?" –Paton
Paton’s Undaunted Courage "In nearly every incident where God says 'fear not,' there follows a reason to have courage, and that reason is God Himself, His nature and His perfect plans." –R.C. Sproul
3 sources of Paton's courage • Close walk with Jesus • Prayer life submissive to God's overarching plan • Belief that God often uses death of saints to bring spiritual life to sinners
"Had it not been for the assurance that I was engaged in his service, and that in every path of duty he would carry me through or dispose of me therein for his glory, I could never have undertaken either journey." –Paton
Paton's mother told her children, God "will supply your wants so far as it shall be for your good and his glory."
"Paton knew his death would only advance the gospel. Going down with the ship for one may mean a seat in the lifeboat for another. While some lose heart, others gain confidence."
"God's servants are most courageous when life or death is a win-win."
Paton’s Pensive Risk "The world identifies this kind of decision-making [dangerous mission work] as being frivolous and careless with life. Jesus calls it counting the cost."
Paul and Barnabas "risked their lives" for Christ (Acts 15:26).
Paul's chief concern wasn't preservation of life but propagation of gospel.
1 John 3:16 says we should lay down our lives for the brothers.
Paul and others risked lives for Jesus (Acts 4:20; Rom 16:4; Phil 2:30).
Paul wasn't averse to avoiding danger (Acts 9:25; 13:46; 19:9; 25:11; 27:10).
"Sometimes it behoves wise counsellors to warn against unwarranted risk." See Acts 9:30; 19:30.
Heb 11 commends not only martyrs but also those who "escaped the edge of the sword."
Paton’s Relentless Evangelism "Paul the missionary never gave statistics [about numbers of conversions] but Luke the missionary historian did—though mostly in round numbers to communicate such data is valuable but not that valuable."
“God gave his best, his Son, to me; and I give back my best, my all, to him.” - John G. Paton
John Paton was a man who was redeemed by Christ. Because of this, he had a desire to make Christ known throughout the world.
John Paton grew up in a Christian home, with parents who loved Christ and taught John to love Him too. He was influenced by family worship, family prayers, and his parent’s devotion for Christ. This helped to prepare his own heart to serve the Lord.
After years of city ministry in Glasgow, he felt called by God to head to the New Hebrides islands (known as Vanuatu today).
Paton would spend almost 20 years ministering among two islands, Tanna and Aniwa. God graciously worked through John and the other missionaries to save many people on those islands.
Towards the end of his life, John became a missionary statesman, traveling the world to promote the mission of Christ to the nations.
John Paton lived to be 82 years old, and gave his whole life for the cause of Christ.
I love missionary stories and John Paton’s story told in this book continues to stir that love.
This short biography is a wonderful book full of John’s life, as well as his missionary motivations and methods.
If you are looking for a biography to stir your heart and to help encourage you to serve Christ, look no further than this book right here. This book will help you to love Christ more and love the nations more.
I received this book in as part of a gift pack at The Shepherds' Conference 2018 in Grace Community Church, so I knew there would be value in reading it. And there was!
While the book is a tad slow for my liking there are some truly challenging, inspiring and uplifting passages throughout. The historical section 'Paton's Life' is informative, if at times light on objective analysis and historical perspective. However, it provides an interesting insight into how God works in former days and to understand that His workings are not subject to change! The application section 'Lessons from Paton's Life'is where the genius of this work lies - in my humble opinion! I especially enjoyed Chapter 10 - Paton's Relentless Evangelism which is a tour de force against the modern contention that those who hold to the doctrines of grace, inappropriately called Calvinism, cannot effectively evangelise! This book should be sought and read if only for this chapter!
Definitely a good biography on Paton with some emphases on his theological stances and other components. The first section is devoted to the biography of his life. The second addresses issues of theology, home life for the Paton family, and his emphasis on evangelism. It's a readable little book that doesn't take much time to go through. It's a well written book that gets you through it quickly. Paton is a famed figure amongst Reformed missionaries and those who are interested in missionary biographies; most folks familiar with him would know his autobiography that he wrote. The few things I wasn't as keen on in the book was his choice of material in the second section. The final chapter on evangelism was pretty sparse when it comes to information, arguments, or substance I thought. Biblical in many places though not very well said or fleshed out within that chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the biography and had a hard time putting it down. It's not a groundbreaking read, but it is a good read that should leave you wanting to read more on Paton and Reformed missions in particular.
This book was written by a missionary to South Africa that our church supports. The first half of this book was amazing. The children and I were often in tears, and they would ask to continue to read more. The second half was somewhat boring, especially for the children, and we dragged through it. As this book is not written for children, I didn't allow that to affect my rating much. The first half was a biography of Paton's life, whereas the second half was more an analysis of his life and methods. The last chapter became rather interesting again, analyzing Paton's Calvinist evangelism methods and reports versus his contemporaries, those like Charles Finney, who were starting to use "alter calls," etc.
Charles Spurgeon nicknamed the missionary John G. Paton as the “King of the Cannibals.” This book tells his story.
A captivating account of one man who’s life was captivated by Christ. In two parts, this book (1) tells the story of Paton’s life as a missionary to the cannibals on the New Hebrides islands, and (2) recounts practical lessons for Christ-followers today. Strengthen your joy and perseverance by learning how God used the saints who have gone before us.
The first half of the book covers Paton’s life and it’s a great brief overview of the ‘King of the Cannibals’. Very encouraging to see how God used a man through his pain and suffering to save men and women from heathenism and paganism. The second half of the book covers lessons from Paton’s life. My favorites were on Paton’s godly home and on his courage. May the Lord bless us with more men like Paton!
If Presbyterians are called the "Frozen Chosen," then Paton is one of the ones that melted. I was familiar with the story of Paton hiding in the top of a tree all night as cannibals hunted him below but there was much more to his life.
What George Mueller was in Europe, John G. Paton was in Australia. Men who lived a life for Christ then spent their elder years telling entire continents to support Gospel work.
A fascinating insight into the life of John Paton who took the gospel to the south sea islands. Half the book looks biographically Paton’s life and the second half gives lessons from Paton’s life. The whole book is great but I especially enjoyed this second half which highlights what made John Paton the great missionary and man of God that he was.
I've read lots of missionary bio's, but this one does a good job of not being too dry or too sensational. John Paton's dedication to his persevering ministry in the South Seas is inspirational, incredible and sometimes for me debatable in his methods. A really good read. Endorsements by Steven J. Lawson and John MacArthur are worth reading as well.
Inspiring story of zeal and commitment. Paton was a great story of a missionary who walked deeply with God and let his ministry overflow. His motives were for the lost and the glory of Christ. He came from a good family. The first half of the book is more biographical and the second analyzes his ministry.
I simply couldn't put this book down once I started reading. Paton's life convicts me in so many different ways. He was an amazing father, a self-sacrificing saint, a courageous missionary, and an ethical fund raiser. This book will be one that I recommend often to others for the encouragement of their souls!
“To avoid all risk is to avoid the Christian life.” This book, and the life of John Paton, are inspiring and convicting. He was a testimony to what God can do with a life wholly devoted to Him, and this short biography gives a wonderful portrait of that testimony.