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Marcus Dods
Marcus Dods (1834–1909) was a Scottish preacher and biblical scholar whose ministry and scholarly work significantly influenced the Free Church of Scotland during the 19th century. Born on April 11, 1834, in Belford, Northumberland, he was the youngest son of Rev. Marcus Dods, a Church of Scotland minister, and Sarah Pallister. Educated at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1854, Dods pursued divinity studies and was licensed to preach in 1858. After facing rejection from 23 churches during a challenging probationary period, he was ordained in 1864 as minister of Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, a position he held for 25 years. Dods’s preaching career blended pastoral service with academic leadership. In 1889, he became Professor of New Testament Exegesis at New College, Edinburgh, and upon the death of Robert Rainy in 1907, he assumed the role of principal, serving until his death. Known for his eloquent sermons, he preached a gospel grounded in theological depth, though his 1878 sermon on inspiration sparked controversy and charges of unorthodoxy, which were dismissed by the Free Church General Assembly. He married Catherine Swanston in 1871, with whom he had three sons and one daughter. Dods died on April 26, 1909, in Edinburgh, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose extensive writings, including commentaries on Genesis and John, enriched biblical scholarship and church teaching.
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Marcus Dods preaches about Jesus' encounter with Simon, where Jesus sees beyond Simon's current state and names his future identity as Peter, the Rock. This encounter signifies Jesus' ability to transform individuals, giving them new character and purpose in His kingdom. Through this interaction, Simon becomes Peter, a bold and strong disciple, showcasing the power of belief in Jesus' transformative work in our lives. Jesus welcomes the diffident and sinful, assuring them of a new identity and a place of service in His kingdom, instilling hope and confidence in even the most despondent hearts.
A New Name
"And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone" (John 1:42). Coming in this mood, he is greeted with words which seem to say to him, I know the character identified with the name "Simon, son of John;" I know all you fear, all the remorseful thoughts that possess you; I know how you wish now you were a man like Andrew, and could offer yourself as a serviceable subject of this new kingdom. But no! thou art Simon; nothing can change that, and such as you are you are welcome; but "thou shalt be called Rock," Peter. The men standing round, and knowing Simon well, might turn away to hide a smile; but Simon knew the Lord had found him, and uttered the very word which could bind him forever to Him. And the event showed how true this appellation was. Simon became Peter,--bold to stand for the rest, and beard the Sanhedrim. By believing that this new King had a place for him in His kingdom, and could give him a new character which should fit him for service, he became a new man, strong where he had been weak, helpful and no longer dangerous to the cause he loved. Such are the encouragements with which the King of men welcomes the diffident. He gives men the consciousness that they are known; He begets the consciousness that it is not with sin in the abstract He undertakes to do, but with sinners He can name, and whose weaknesses are known to Him. But He begets this consciousness that we may trust Him when He gives us assurance that a new character awaits us and a serviceable place in His kingdom. He assures the most despondent that for them also a useful life is possible.
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Marcus Dods (1834–1909) was a Scottish preacher and biblical scholar whose ministry and scholarly work significantly influenced the Free Church of Scotland during the 19th century. Born on April 11, 1834, in Belford, Northumberland, he was the youngest son of Rev. Marcus Dods, a Church of Scotland minister, and Sarah Pallister. Educated at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1854, Dods pursued divinity studies and was licensed to preach in 1858. After facing rejection from 23 churches during a challenging probationary period, he was ordained in 1864 as minister of Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, a position he held for 25 years. Dods’s preaching career blended pastoral service with academic leadership. In 1889, he became Professor of New Testament Exegesis at New College, Edinburgh, and upon the death of Robert Rainy in 1907, he assumed the role of principal, serving until his death. Known for his eloquent sermons, he preached a gospel grounded in theological depth, though his 1878 sermon on inspiration sparked controversy and charges of unorthodoxy, which were dismissed by the Free Church General Assembly. He married Catherine Swanston in 1871, with whom he had three sons and one daughter. Dods died on April 26, 1909, in Edinburgh, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose extensive writings, including commentaries on Genesis and John, enriched biblical scholarship and church teaching.