F.B. Hole
Frank Binford Hole (1874 – January 25, 1964) was a British preacher, evangelist, and author whose ministry within the Plymouth Brethren movement spanned over six decades, focusing on biblical exposition and gospel outreach. Born in Barnes, Surrey, England, to Samuel Hole, a mercantile clerk, and Clara Faulkner, he grew up in a middle-class family near his cousin Hamilton Smith, a fellow Brethren writer. Educated at King’s School (now part of King’s College London), he briefly worked in the family business and banking before dedicating himself to full-time ministry at a young age, driven by a conversion at 16 that marked him as one who “endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” Hole’s preaching career began with tent missions alongside Arthur Cutting in rural England, later extending to the West Indies and South Africa, where he shared the gospel with clarity and illustrative power. Known for his teaching gift, he served as editor of Edification and Scripture Truth magazines, writing commentaries like The Gospels and Acts and Hebrews to Revelation between 1928 and 1947, which influenced figures like Billy Graham. His sermons emphasized joy, peace, and the foundations of faith, delivered at Brethren assemblies and conferences worldwide. Married with family details unrecorded, he worked from Little Britain in London with assistant E.M. Aves for 45 years. Hole died at age 90 in Sutton, Surrey, England.
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F.B. Hole emphasizes the importance of engaging in the work of the Lord with faith, love, and hope, highlighting that true service to Christ involves these three elements. He challenges believers to not limit the work of the Lord to just Gospel work but to recognize that each person has a specific calling and service for which they are equipped. Despite challenges, lack of visible results, or discouragement, believers are encouraged to persevere, take up their cross, and continue in their service to the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain and will be recognized by the Lord on the resurrection morning.
Always Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. I Cor. 15:58 It does not say "in work for the Lord." Much is done that is said to be for the Lord, which is not really His work at all. In I Thessalonians 1:3, we read of "work of faith," "labour of love," and "patience of hope." Again, in Revelation 2:2, we read of their "work and labour and patience." The same three words occur in both, but in Revelation there is no mention of the "faith," the "love," or the "hope." Outward activities many be largely engaged in, and much that passes for genuine service, but what is work to Christ if it be not "work of faith?" What is labour, if it be not labour of love?" What is patience, if it be not a patience that counts upon His coming as its goal? It is the faith, the love, and the hope, that are precious in the eyes of the Lord. It is a great mistake to limit "the work of the Lord" to Gospel work. The work of the Lord for each one is that particular line of service to which He has called him, and for which He has qualified him. It may appear to be in vain, there may be little manifest fruit; but in the Lord to whom it is done, it is not, it cannot be in vain. I do not say that we should be satisfied to see no results from the Gospel testimony; it is right that we should expect fruit. But even if no fruit is manifest, do not allow that as a pretext for giving it up or losing heart; there may be results that we do not see, and which it would not be good for us to see. Therefore, do not be discouraged. Go on steadfast, unmovable, in the work. Take up the cross : Accept the reproach. Be patient, though you receive little help and little sympathy from those from whom you expected much. Though misunderstood and evil spoken of, still go on, and whatever the Lord gives you to do, do it with your might, and be assured your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The resurrection morning will prove the truth of this word, when nothing that was really done to the Lord will be passed unnoticed. Taken from brother Hole's writings on I Corinthians.
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Frank Binford Hole (1874 – January 25, 1964) was a British preacher, evangelist, and author whose ministry within the Plymouth Brethren movement spanned over six decades, focusing on biblical exposition and gospel outreach. Born in Barnes, Surrey, England, to Samuel Hole, a mercantile clerk, and Clara Faulkner, he grew up in a middle-class family near his cousin Hamilton Smith, a fellow Brethren writer. Educated at King’s School (now part of King’s College London), he briefly worked in the family business and banking before dedicating himself to full-time ministry at a young age, driven by a conversion at 16 that marked him as one who “endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” Hole’s preaching career began with tent missions alongside Arthur Cutting in rural England, later extending to the West Indies and South Africa, where he shared the gospel with clarity and illustrative power. Known for his teaching gift, he served as editor of Edification and Scripture Truth magazines, writing commentaries like The Gospels and Acts and Hebrews to Revelation between 1928 and 1947, which influenced figures like Billy Graham. His sermons emphasized joy, peace, and the foundations of faith, delivered at Brethren assemblies and conferences worldwide. Married with family details unrecorded, he worked from Little Britain in London with assistant E.M. Aves for 45 years. Hole died at age 90 in Sutton, Surrey, England.