Episode Overview

Podcast: 5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols
Episode: 3 Sermons on the Hallelujah Chorus
Date: November 19, 2025

This episode explores John Newton’s three sermons on the biblical texts that inspired Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." Host Stephen Nichols delves into Newton's reflections on key passages from Revelation and connects these insights to the perennial impact of both Handel’s composition and the underlying scriptural truths. The episode offers both historical context and devotionally relevant insights drawn from Newton's exposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background & Context (00:07–01:25)

• Nichols revisits last week’s topic on Charles Jennens (compiler of texts for Messiah).
• This episode focuses on John Newton’s sermons (#36, 37, 38) related to the "Hallelujah Chorus."
• Newton delivered 50 sermons on the various texts used in Messiah, with three centered on “Hallelujah.”

Sermon 36: The Lord Reigneth (Revelation 19:6)

Theme: The sovereignty of God and the worship of heaven (01:26–03:03)

• Nichols explains Newton’s view that Revelation can be confusing but contains clear, uplifting passages.
• “But while the learned commentators have been hitherto divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts of this book well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians.”—Stephen Nichols quoting John Newton [01:30]
• Newton points to the destruction of Babylon (Rev 18) as setting the stage for heavenly worship in Rev 19.
• The “chorus of their song” is described as “the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.”
• Newton contrasts the experience of audiences moved by Handel’s music with the deeper reality:
  • “The impression which the performance of this passage in the oratorio usually makes upon the audience is well known. So many people are moved by this. But do they really know that beyond a moving musical performance is truth—is the living God?”—Stephen Nichols, paraphrasing Newton [02:34]
• Newton ends with a challenge:
  • “Jesus must reign. He will reign. You must either bend or break before him.”—Stephen Nichols summarizing Newton’s exhortation [03:00]

Sermon 37: He Shall Reign Forever and Ever (Revelation 11:15)

Theme: The eternal reign of Christ (03:03–03:43)

• Focuses on “He shall reign forever and ever”—iconic words from the chorus.
• Nichols notes that Newton opens with a significant illustration (unrevealed in the episode for listeners to find themselves).
• Emphasizes the continual, unstoppable kingship of Christ echoed by Handel’s cascading musical setting.

Sermon 38: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16)

Theme: Christ’s ultimate authority and the fate of earthly rulers (03:44–04:54)

• Newton observes the futility of earthly kings and their ambitions:
  • “The Kings of the earth are continually disturbing the world with their schemes of ambition. They have seldom any higher end in view than the gratification of their own passions. But in all they do, they are but servants of this great king and Lord and fulfill his purposes as the instruments he employs...”—Stephen Nichols quoting Newton [04:03]
• Everything, even human schemes, ultimately fulfills Christ’s sovereign purposes—spreading the Gospel or rendering judgment.

Closing Exhortation: Looking to the Day of Judgment (04:55–05:31)

• Newton’s words urge listeners to repentance and faith:
  • “O the solemnities of that great day when the frame of nature shall be dissolved, when the judge shall appear, the books opened, and all mankind summoned. Will not you tremble and bow before him while he is seated upon a throne of grace, while the door of grace stands open?”—Stephen Nichols quoting Newton [05:05]
  • “Once more I call, I warn, I charge you to repent and believe the Gospel. Seek his face that your soul may live.”—Newton, quoted [05:22]
• Nichols ties Newton’s expositions on Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” back to their ultimate root: Christ’s kingship as revealed in Revelation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “But while the learned commentators have been... perplexed... there are other parts of this book well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians.”—Newton [01:30]
• “But do the professed lovers of sacred music in this enlightened age generally live as if they really believed that the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth?”—Newton, as paraphrased [02:42]
• “The Kings of the earth... are but servants of this great king and Lord...” [04:03]
• “Once more I call, I warn, I charge you to repent and believe the Gospel...” [05:22]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:07] – Introduction, Jennens, and context for sermons
• [01:26] – Sermon 36: “The Lord reigneth”
• [03:03] – Sermon 37: “He shall reign forever and ever”
• [03:44] – Sermon 38: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
• [04:55] – Newton’s closing exhortation on judgment and grace

Episode Tone

• Conversational, reverent, and accessible.
• Nichols continues his tradition of connecting historical depth to present-day faith, encouraging listeners to move beyond musical appreciation to embrace spiritual realities.
• Both informative and devotional—urging self-reflection and a response to the Gospel.

This episode offers a brief but rich look at how music, history, and expository preaching intertwine to declare the sovereignty and triumph of Christ.