Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

Author: George Duffield

Scripture References:
st. 1 = 2 Tim. 2:3
st. 2 = 1 Cor. 16:13
st. 3 = Eph. 6:10-17
st. 4 = Rev. 2:10, 2 Tim. 4:7-8

George Duffield, Jr. (b. Carlisle, PA, 1818; d. Bloomfield, NJ, 1888), was inspired to write this text after hearing the dying words of a Presbyterian colleague, Dudley A. Tyng. Ousted from his own congregation for his strong anti-slavery stance, Tyng preached to large crowds in weekday meetings sponsored by the YMCA. His work spearheaded an evangelical revival in Philadelphia early in 1858. At Tyng's deathbed, caused by a farm accident in which he lost an arm, Duffield and others asked if he had any final message. Tyng replied, 'Tell them to stand up for Jesus!" At Tyng's memorial service on April 25, 1858, Duffield preached on Ephesians 6:14 and concluded his sermon by reading his new hymn text, "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus." Several lines in that original text referred to Tyng's words and ministry. The six-stanza text was first distributed in leaflet form and then was published in The Church Psalmist (1859). The Psalter Hymnal follows the custom of most hymnals of including the original stanzas 1, 3, 4, and 6 with updated language.

The challenge of "Stand Up for Jesus" is proclaimed through the military metaphors Paul uses in Ephesians 6:10-18. Although some decry the warlike imagery, the spiritual battle that Christians must fight is very real. Christ's victory is assured even if we do not always move "from victory unto victory" in our earthly lives.

A graduate of Yale College and Union Theological Seminary, Duffield served eight Presbyterian churches in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan. He was a regent for the University of Michigan for seven years, served as editor of the Presbyterian paper Christian Observer; and promoted evangelistic work with his personal wealth. Duffield's interest in hymnody influenced his son, Samuel W. Duffield, to publish English Hymns, Their Authors and History (1886).

Liturgical Use:
Profession of faith; adult baptism; ordination and commissioning services; various other times of worship.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

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