Stand Up for Jesus

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 1858

“Stand Up for Jesus” – History of the Hymn

“Stand Up for Jesus” is a well-known Christian hymn written in 1858. It is especially associated with themes of courage, faithfulness, and spiritual perseverance.

🖋️ Author: George Duffield Jr.

The lyrics were written by George Duffield Jr., a Presbyterian minister in Philadelphia. He composed the hymn as a tribute to his friend, the evangelist Dudley A. Tyng.

🙏 The Inspiring Event

In 1858, Dudley A. Tyng was preaching during a revival movement in Philadelphia. In one powerful sermon, he urged his congregation to “stand up for Jesus.”

Shortly afterward, Tyng suffered a tragic accident involving farm machinery and died from his injuries. His final reported words included encouragement for believers to continue standing firm in their faith.

Deeply moved by his friend’s death, Duffield preached a memorial sermon and wrote the hymn “Stand Up for Jesus” as a closing tribute. It was first sung at Tyng’s funeral.

🎼 The Music

The most commonly used tune today is “Webb,” composed by George J. Webb in 1837. The melody was originally written for a different hymn but later became permanently associated with “Stand Up for Jesus.”

📖 Themes of the Hymn

The hymn reflects:

  • Spiritual warfare imagery (drawing from Ephesians 6:10–18)

  • Christian courage and endurance

  • Faithfulness in the face of opposition

  • Commitment to Christ

The first verse reads:

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.

⛪ Legacy

“Stand Up for Jesus” became widely popular in 19th-century revival movements and remains a staple in many Protestant hymnals today. It is often sung at:

  • Ordination services

  • Memorial services

  • Military chaplain gatherings

  • Reformation-themed services

Its strong, marching tone helped it become known as a “militant hymn,” though today it is understood spiritually rather than militarily.

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