Who Was Evan Roberts?

Evan Roberts (1878–1951) was a prominent Welsh preacher and the key figure behind the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, one of the most significant religious movements of the early 20th century. The revival had a profound impact on Wales and beyond, with thousands of people coming to faith and dramatic social changes sweeping through communities.

Legacy of Evan Roberts:

1. The Welsh Revival (1904-1905):

   • Roberts is considered the central figure in the Welsh Revival, a spiritual awakening that swept across Wales in the early 1900s. His passionate preaching, fervent prayers, and deep commitment to God led to one of the most significant revivals in modern Christian history.

   • The revival is estimated to have involved over 100,000 conversions, and it resulted in a major moral and social transformation, with people turning away from sinful habits, such as drunkenness, and the society becoming more focused on spiritual life.

2. Emphasis on Prayer and the Holy Spirit:

   • Roberts emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith and the need for personal holiness. His revival meetings were marked by intense emotional and spiritual experiences, where people would fall to their knees, pray, and testify of their newfound faith.

3. Global Influence:

   • While the Welsh Revival was primarily centered in Wales, its influence spread across the world, inspiring other revivals in places like the United States, India, and South Korea.

4. Evangelistic Zeal:

   • Evan Roberts’ legacy is also marked by his dedication to evangelism and spreading the message of Christ. His preaching inspired a generation of young Christians to commit themselves to missionary work and the further spread of Christianity.

5. Later Life:

   • After the revival, Roberts experienced a period of intense personal struggle, including doubts about his calling and mental health issues. He withdrew from public ministry for much of the later part of his life, but his influence during the revival remained undeniable. He lived in relative obscurity until his death in 1951.

Famous Quotes of Evan Roberts:

1. “I have no will of my own. I am only God’s instrument.”

   • This quote reflects Roberts’ humility and his desire to be fully surrendered to God’s will, which was a central theme of his ministry.

2. “Bend the church and save the world.”

   • This statement highlights Roberts’ conviction that true revival must start with the church itself. Before the world could be transformed, he believed the church needed to experience a deep spiritual renewal.

3. “Let us go on praying. The prayer of the soul is the only thing that counts.”

   • Roberts placed a significant emphasis on prayer as the key to spiritual awakening and personal transformation.

4. “I prayed for 13 years, but I did not know what I was praying for.”

   • Reflecting on his long season of prayer before the revival, Roberts acknowledged the role of persistent and fervent prayer in preparing him for the revival that would sweep Wales.

Impact and Significance:

• The Welsh Revival is often seen as a precursor to later revival movements in the 20th century, including those in the United States (such as the Azusa Street Revival). It was particularly noted for its emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, personal holiness, and the importance of prayer.

• In the years following the Welsh Revival, Roberts’ influence continued to be felt, particularly in the form of his writings and the lives of those who were directly impacted by the revival.

In sum, Evan Roberts left behind a powerful legacy as a catalyst for one of the most significant spiritual movements of his time, inspiring countless people to dedicate their lives to God and helping to shape the course of modern Christian revivalism.