Dr. Herbert Lockyer (1886–1984) considered becoming an actor when he was first deciding on a career. Tall and well-spoken, he seemed a natural for the theater. But the Lord had something better in mind. Instead of the stage, God called Herbert to the pulpit, where, as a pastor, a Bible teacher, and the author of more than fifty books, he touched the hearts and lives of millions of people.

Dr. Lockyer held pastorates in Scotland and England for twenty-five years. As pastor of Leeds Road Baptist Church in Bradford, England, he became a leader in the Keswick Higher Life Movement, which emphasized the significance of living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This led to an invitation to speak at the Moody Bible Institute’s fiftieth anniversary in 1936. His warm reception at that event led to his ministry in the United States.

He received honorary degrees from both the Northwestern Evangelical Seminary and the International Academy in London. In 1955, he returned to England, where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States, where he spent the final years of his life in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his son, the Rev. Herbert Lockyer Jr. , a Presbyterian minister who eventually became his editor.

Billy Graham wrote, “Dr. Lockyer was unquestionably one of the spiritual giants of our century, and his prolific writings will continue to impact countless Christians for generations to come if our Lord tarries.

Lockyer wrote the introduction to Zondervan’s reprinted edition of Ellicott’s Whole Bible Commentary (1959 and 1981) which he begins by saying: “As I journey back through nearly half a century of Christian witness, of the many books which have helped to shape my ministry, none have been so eagerly consulted as the volumes comprising Ellicott’s Bible Commentary for English Readers, now known as “Ellicott’s Commentary on the Whole Bible”.

This precious eight-volume set stands out among the Commentaries for its adherence to the divine inspiration of Holy Scripture; its conservative approach to fundamental truths; its comprehensive treatment of books, chapters, and verses.”