R.C. Sprole was a pastor, a professor, an author, and the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries.

His contributions to the Evangelical Church in the areas of biblical studies, theology, worldview, and culture, Christian living and church history

continue to loom large in the wake of his death in 2017.

In the first biography of Sprole to be published since his passing, Stephen J. Nichols

offers an in-depth look at R.C.'s life and ministry, including his childhood, his formative

seminary education, his marriage and partnership with his beloved wife, Vesta, and his many

friendships with key figures such as James Montgomery Boyce, John MacArthur, John Piper,

J. I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. Today, we're pleased to share a special

one-hour audio preview of R.C. Sproll, A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols, right here on the

Crossway podcast. Let's get started.

Prologue, the Great Escape R. C. Sprole paced and roared when he preached, but by the end of his life, he needed to

sit on a stool. He relied on his portable oxygen, which went with him everywhere.

He struggled with the effects of COPD.

He had long ago sacrificed his knees to the athletic field.

The years, but especially the Miles, had caught up with him.

At age 78, however, he still showed up for work.

When he stepped into the pulpit, the athlete that he was burst forth. With passion, his game face was on. The stool swiveled. He would

clutch the edges of the pulpit, pull himself forward, and lean toward his congregation. He somehow

managed still to pace while he preached.

Somehow his voice would find strength. He still roared. For 30 minutes, he was the Sanlock

quarterback again making plays. He was on the back nine, golf balls at his mercy.

His wit, where did it come from, liberally dispensed

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