Samuel Escobar, an influential theologian and missiologist from Peru, has died aged 90.
Escobar was a leading figure in evangelical theology in the second half of the 20th century and the first quarter of the 21st century, website Evangelical Focus reports.
“Linked to the Lausanne Movement since its inception, Escobar has been one of the most important Spanish-speaking voices in the conception of integral mission, as well as being fundamental in the development of the international evangelical student movement known as IFES (CIEE in Latin America),” it added.
A statement from the UK’s Oxford Centre for Mission Studies says: “A charismatic Peruvian theologian, Escobar was a prophetic voice whose vision of a gospel rooted in both evangelism and social transformation left a lasting mark on global evangelicalism. His theological leadership – shaped in close collaboration with René Padilla and welcomed by figures like John Stott – helped inspire the OCMS founders, Revd Dr Vinay Samuel and Revd Canon Dr Chris Sugden, as they established a centre committed to theological research for and from the Global South.
“Escobar’s legacy lies not only in his prolific writing and powerful preaching, but in the movements he helped shape. Alongside René Padilla, his theological companion and fellow Latin American thinker, Escobar called church organisations back to a gospel that embraced both word and deed, personal salvation and social justice – a vision that came to be known as integral mission.”
The United Bible Societies (UBS) said: “Born in 1934 in Arequipa, Peru, Dr Escobar’s life was marked by a deep and unwavering commitment to the gospel, the global mission of the church, and the transformative power of Scripture. A pioneering theologian, prolific writer, and beloved mentor, he dedicated his life to making the word of God known and lived across cultures and continents.”
José Luis Andavert, Director of the Bible Society in Spain from 1986 to 2017, and a friend of Dr Escobar, recalled what an inspiration he was for Bible ministry: “During his 20 years of residence in Spain, Samuel Escobar served with dedication the Bible cause in Spain as a member of the Board. His humble character and his love for the word of God were an inspiration to all.”
The UBS statement said he would be remembered for “his gentle heart, his genuine humility, and his enduring love for others. He lived out the gospel he proclaimed – with kindness, conviction, and a contagious passion for Jesus Christ”, as well as “his deep commitment to the cause of the Bible, the clarity of his Biblical teaching, and his high level academic work”.
