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Is John MacArthur the Charles Spurgeon of this generation? Below are 10 fascinating similarities between Spurgeon and MacArthur...1 Prolific AuthorsBoth are prolific writers whose works continue to shape Christian thought. Spurgeon authored around 120 books and numerous sermons, pamphlets, and other writings. This number includes his well-known works like The Treasury of David, Morning and Evening, and All of Grace, as well as sermon collections and theological treatises.MacArthur has written or edited more than 150 books, with some sources citing nearly 400 books and study guides, including The MacArthur Study Bible, which has sold over a million copies.#2. Defenders of Biblical Authority Spurgeon and MacArthur staunchly defended the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture against theological liberalism. Spurgeon opposed the “Downgrade Controversy” in the Baptist Union. The controversy unfolded primarily between 1887 and 1892, during the final years of Spurgeon’s ministry, culminating in his withdrawal from the Baptist Union.In January 1888, the Baptist Union voted to censure Spurgeon, with 2,000 votes in favor and only 7 against, effectively condemning his actions as disruptive. Spurgeon, however, stood firm, believing his stand was necessary to preserve biblical fidelity.The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978): MacArthur was a signatory and supporter of this historic document, drafted by the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy (ICBI), which articulates the doctrine of inerrancy.MacArthur has also critiqued modern evangelical trends, such as the charismatic movement and other compromised doctrines.#3. Influence Through MediaSpurgeon’s sermons were transcribed by stenographers during his preaching, edited by him, and published weekly. These sermons were sold for a penny each, making them accessible to a wide audience. The normal weekly circulation was approximately 25,000 copies, though this number was often higher for sermons on popular topics. His sermons were widely circulated, with estimates suggesting that over 100 million copies were sold during his lifetime.By the time of his death in 1892, Spurgeon had preached 3,600 sermons, which were compiled into 63 volumes of the New Park Street Pulpit and Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit series, representing the longest continuous weekly sermon publication in history.MacArthur’s Grace to You radio and television program, started in 1977, has extended his influence worldwide. Both leveraged media to amplify their preaching. Grace to You radio airs more than 1,000 times daily in the English-speaking world, reaching major population centers across every continent.Over 3,300 sermons, spanning more than five decades of ministry, are available for free download on the Grace to You website. These sermons have been downloaded millions of times annually since being made freely available in 2008.#4. Calvinistic TheologyBoth embraced the doctrines of grace (Calvinism), emphasizing God’s sovereignty in salvation. Spurgeon defended Calvinism as “the Gospel” in his sermons, while MacArthur’s teachings, such as those in The Gospel According to Jesus, align with Reformed theology, particularly on salvation and lordship.#5. Commitment to Evangelism and MissionsSpurgeon prioritized evangelism, founding the Pastor’s College to train preachers and supporting missionary efforts. Charles Spurgeon trained approximately 900 pastors through his Pastors’ College, which he founded in 1857.MacArthur established The Master’s Seminary, which he founded in 1986, and it has trained thousands of men for the ministry since it's founding.#6. Expository PreachingBoth MacArthur and Spurgeon are renowned for their commitment to expository preaching, systematically explaining the Bible verse-by-verse. Spurgeon’s sermons at the Metropolitan Tabernacle and MacArthur’s decades-long verse-by-verse exposition of the New Testament at Grace Community Church reflect their dedication to unpacking Scripture with clarity and precision.#7. Long PastoratesEach served extended tenures at a single church, fostering stability and growth. Spurgeon pastored the New Park Street Chapel (later Metropolitan Tabernacle) for 38 years, growing it into one of the largest congregations of his time. MacArthur has been pastor of Grace Community Church since 1969, over 56 years, leading it to significant influence.#8. Opposition to WorldlinessSpurgeon warned against worldliness in the church during the Downgrade Controversy, fearing the loss of gospel purity. MacArthur similarly critiques cultural compromises, such as tolerance of worldly practices in evangelicalism, echoing Spurgeon’s concerns.#9. Faithful Long-Term Marriages: Spurgeon was married to Susannah for 36 years before his death, while MacArthur has been married to Patricia since 1963 (61 years) Both marriages reflecting stability and partnership in ministry.#10. Enduring LegacyBoth are celebrated as influential figures in evangelicalism. Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” and MacArthur, recognized by Christianity Today as one of the most influential preachers of his time, continue to inspire through their sermons, writings, and uncompromising stances.These similarities highlight their shared passion for biblical truth, pastoral fidelity, and equipping the church to stand firm in faith. While their contexts differ—Spurgeon in 19th-century London and MacArthur in 20th- and 21st-century America—their ministries reflect a common commitment to glorifying God through preaching and teaching. For further exploration, you can visit resources like The Spurgeon Library (spurgeon.org) or Grace to You (gty.org).EXTRA: John MacArthur and Charles Spurgeon, were both born on June 19th. MacArthur in 1939 and Spurgeon in 1834