Darby, John Nelson (1800-1882)
Place of Birth: London
Description: Early leader and gifted teacher of the Plymouth Brethren
Education: Studied law at Trinity College, Dublin; graduated and was admitted to the bar (1825) but did not practice law
Early Christian Life: Took orders in Church of Ireland and served a curacy; published tract On the Nature and Unity of the Church; resigned and left Church of Ireland (1827); joined with others of like mind in Dublin and had Lord's Table
Notable Teachings: Opposed to one-man ministry, denominationalism, formal church membership, and unscriptural church names
Travels: In 1830, visited Paris, Cambridge, Oxford, Plymouth (from where Plymouth Brethren name was derived); labored in France and Switzerland, where assemblies were formed (1838-1845); labored in England; traveled to Germany, France, Canada, United States, Italy, New Zealand, West Indies
Notable Accomplishments: Translated Bible into English and NT into German and French
Experience with Division: Dispute with B.W. Newton in Plymouth over prophecy and church practice led to two groups – Open Brethren and Exclusive Brethren (1848)
Writings: On the Nature and Unity of the Church; hymns
Biography: Max S. Weremchuk, John Nelson Darby, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1992
