May 1, 2025
With profound gratitude for a life well lived, we share the sad news of the passing of Dr Samuel Escobar, former Honorary President of the United Bible Societies from 1996 to 2004 and a devoted Board Member of the Bible Society in Spain for 20 years.
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.
Pablo Ricardo Gutierrez Perea, General Secretary of the Peruvian Bible Society, said: “In addition to being a fellow Peruvian and honorary president of the United Bible Societies, he always maintained a close relationship with the Peruvian Bible Society. The roles for which he is especially recognised are those of teacher and writer. While Bible Societies are primarily known for publishing Bibles or portions of the Bible, we also had the privilege of publishing some of Samuel Escobar’s works. Among them stands out “Images of Christ in Peru”, which highlights how the figure of Christ has been present through various characters in Peruvian history. He also gave several lectures with us, where the simplicity and depth of his teachings always stood out. We give thanks to God for his life and his ministry in Peru and around the world.”
Dr. Escobar’s legacy within the United Bible Societies is lasting. As Honorary President, he offered wise and unifying leadership that strengthened the fellowship’s identity as a global movement rooted in Scripture. His influence helped shape UBS’s theological depth and missional focus, and he remains a guiding figure for many Bible Societies around the world.
Dr. Escobar’s influence extended far beyond organisational leadership. As a key figure in the Lausanne Movement, he helped craft the historic Lausanne Covenant in 1974—a document that continues to stir the Church to mission and justice.
Robert Cunville, UBS President, remembers fondly how he first heard of Dr Escobar: “I had heard Dr. Escobar’s name whispered in the corridors of the headquarters of the World Council of Churches (WCC) during the late 1960s. He was considered one of the leading theologians of Latin America, defending the struggle of the South American folks, even while in the USA, the black leaders were wrestling with their own identification in North America. When he spoke at the Lausanne Congress in 1974, I was deeply moved by the way he backed his thoughts from the Bible and related it to the real life of his countrymen in Latin America. His understanding of the Word of God was profound and brought out a new dimension of the commission of Jesus in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”. He has been one of the most respected Presidents of the United Bible Societies—truly a “GEM” in the treasure house of heaven.”
His ministry also had a lasting impact in Spain, where he lived from 2000 onward and faithfully served on the Board of the Bible Society in Spain.
José Luis Andavert, Director of the Bible Society in Spain from 1986 to September 2017 and current Board Member, who shared a close friendship with Dr Escobar, shared what an inspiration he was for the Bible Ministry in Spain: “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.”
Dr Samuel Escobar will be remembered as one of the most influential Spanish-speaking voices for his deep commitment to the cause of the Bible, the clarity of his biblical teaching, and his high-level academic work. His writings, always grounded in Scripture and attentive to people’s lived realities, gave voice to the hopes and struggles of Latin America and the Global South while challenging the global Church to listen, learn, and act with compassion.
More than his scholarly accomplishments or leadership roles, those who knew him remember Dr. Escobar 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.
We thank God for the extraordinary gift of Dr. Samuel Escobar. His legacy will continue to echo through the lives of those he taught, mentored, and inspired. May his life remind us all to serve faithfully, think deeply, and love boldly for the sake of the Gospel.
Our prayers are with his beloved family and all who mourn his passing. May the peace of Christ be their comfort and hope.
Elaine Duncan (Chair, UBS Fellowship Council) and Dirk Gevers (Secretary General, UBS)
