Stand Up for Jesus

Author – George Duffield, 1818–1888
Composers – George J. Webb, 1803–1887; Adam Geibel, 1885–1933
Tune Names – Webb and Geibel
Meter – 16.16 Doubled
Scripture Reference – Ephesians 6:14
"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Ephesians 6:10, KJV)

In 1858, a sweeping revival took hold of the city of Philadelphia. Known as The Work of God in Philadelphia, it stirred the hearts of many across denominations. Among the most influential figures of this movement was a young Episcopalian minister named Dudley Tyng. Only twenty-nine years old, Tyng had already gained a reputation for bold preaching, unwavering commitment to biblical truth, and a strong opposition to slavery. He was the son of Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, long-time pastor of Church of the Epiphany in Philadelphia. After briefly assisting his father, Dudley succeeded him in the pulpit. However, his uncompromising preaching and moral stance offended several socially influential members of the church, leading him to resign. With a group of loyal followers, he founded the Church of the Covenant, where he continued to preach with passion.

Tyng also began holding noonday services at the downtown YMCA. These meetings grew rapidly in popularity. On March 30, 1858, over 5,000 men gathered for one such meeting, where Tyng preached on Exodus 10:11, declaring, “Go now ye that are men, and serve the Lord.” More than 1,000 men made commitments to Christ that day. During his sermon, Tyng made a striking statement: “I must tell my Master’s errand, and I would rather that this right arm were amputated at the trunk than that I should come short of my duty to you in delivering God’s message.” Tragically, just days later, while observing a corn thresher at a farm, his sleeve caught in the machine’s cogs. The accident severely injured his arm, severed an artery, and damaged a major nerve. Infection soon developed, and Tyng died on April 19, 1858. Before passing, when asked for final words, he softly replied, “Let us all stand up for Jesus.”

That following Sunday, Rev. George Duffield, pastor of the Temple Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and a close friend of Tyng, preached a sermon in tribute. Taking his text from Ephesians 6:14, he emphasized the call to stand firm in faith. At the end of the sermon, Duffield read aloud a six-stanza poem he had written, inspired by Tyng’s final words. The Sunday School superintendent was so moved that he had the poem printed for distribution. One of these pamphlets found its way to a Baptist periodical editor, who shared it widely. Soon, the hymn appeared in hymnals across the country and eventually around the world.

George Duffield was born on September 12, 1818, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He studied at Yale University and Union Theological Seminary. In recognition of his contributions, Knox College awarded him a Doctor of Divinity. He also served on the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan for seven years. Although he wrote other works, "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" remains his most enduring hymn.

The most familiar tune associated with the hymn is “Webb,” composed by George J. Webb. Originally from Salisbury, England, Webb immigrated to the United States in 1830. He settled in Boston and served as the organist of Old South Church for four decades. The melody came from a secular piece he had written titled “’Tis Dawn, the Lark is Singing,” composed for a musical performance aboard a ship crossing the Atlantic. An editor later adapted this melody for use with Duffield’s text, giving the hymn its rousing and triumphant musical character.

Another tune, less well known but written specifically for the hymn, is “Geibel,” composed in 1901 by Adam Geibel. Born in Germany in 1885, Geibel lost his sight at the age of eight due to an eye infection. After emigrating to the United States, he became a respected organist, conductor, and music teacher. He founded the Adam Geibel Music Company, which eventually merged into the Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company. Though blind, Geibel composed both secular and sacred music with great success. His best-known secular songs include “Kentucky Babe” and “Sleep, Sleep, Sleep.” His work was especially appreciated for its suitability to male voice arrangements.

The hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” is the result of remarkable providence. A courageous young preacher, a tragic accident, a faithful friend’s tribute, and two stirring melodies—one from a blind composer and the other from a transatlantic musical show—came together at the height of the 1858 revival. Their combined legacy continues to inspire Christians today whenever this powerful hymn is sung.