JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
DAVE HANSON
John Wesley wrote “Notes on the New Testament” which, along with his “Forty Standard Sermons” and the Church of England’s “Articles of Religion,” form the theological foundation of the Methodist Church. Many urged him to also write “Notes on the Old Testament,” but he never did so. Why?
Wesley gave three reasons for not writing this document:
- Others have written on this topic in an adequate way.
- If I undertook this major project it would take away massive amounts of time from my major mission in life which is to be an evangelist.
- There is a lot about the Old Testament which I do not understand.
These reasons give us insight into the nature of this great Christian leader. He was realistic and practical-minded. He was focused in his response to God’s call on his life. He was humble and honest.
The Rev. Dave Hanson is a retired pastor and John Wesley scholar.
