The Pretribulation
Rapture
John Nelson Darby
Pastor, Evangelish, Theologian
Plymouth Brethren
Ireland
Background
John Nelson Darby (1800–1882) was an Anglo-Irish evangelist, pastor, and theologian whose teaching greatly shaped modern dispensationalism and popularized the pretribulation rapture view during the 19th century. Originally ordained in the Church of Ireland, he later became a leading figure in the Plymouth Brethren movement, emphasizing Scripture’s authority and the imminent return of Christ.
Darby also translated the Bible into German and French, and his writings influenced generations of prophecy teachers, including C. I. Scofield. While he did not originate pretribulational thought, his role in spreading and systematizing it made him a central figure in modern Bible prophecy teaching.
Q: Did John Darby invent the Pre-Tribulation Rapture doctrine?
A: No. This claim is a common misconception. While John Nelson Darby (1800–1882) was an important figure in systematizing and popularizing the teaching in the 19th century, the concept of a pre-tribulational catching away of the church existed long before him. Early church writings, medieval commentators, and later scholars all contain references that align with the idea.
Those who insist that Darby “invented” the doctrine often do so out of either misunderstanding, a desire to discredit the teaching rather than to evaluate it honestly, or as an effort to draw more attention to themselves than to Jesus. The focus should not be on personalities or accusations but on Scripture itself—where the promise of Christ’s return and the blessed hope of believers is clearly taught.
“You will know them by their fruits”
– Matthew 7:16
“But test everything; hold fast to what is good”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:21
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