William Milligan (23 May 1811 – 23 March 1892) was a Scottish theologian and minister of the Church of Scotland who later served as Professor of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.
Early life and education
- Born in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, to James Milligan, a shoemaker, and Mary Robson.
- Attended the University of Glasgow, where he earned an M.A. in 1831, followed by theological studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Ministerial career
- Licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Glasgow in 1833.
- Ordained in 1835 as minister of the parish of Elie in Fife, a post he held until 1862.
- Actively participated in the Church of Scotland’s ecclesiastical affairs, including debates surrounding the 1843 Disruption; he remained within the established church.
Academic appointment
- In 1862, Milligan was appointed Professor of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen, a position he retained until his death in 1892.
- As a professor, he emphasized scriptural exegesis and moral theology, influencing a generation of Scottish clergy.
Publications and theological contributions
- The Resurrection of Our Lord (1882) – a comprehensive treatment of the doctrine of resurrection, widely cited in 19th‑century theological literature.
- Expository Essays (multiple volumes, 1860s–1880s) – a series of essays on biblical texts, reflecting his exegetical method.
- Contributed articles on biblical and doctrinal topics to contemporary theological periodicals, including the British and Foreign Evangelical Review.
Personal life and legacy
- Married Margaret Paterson in 1841; the couple had several children.
- Recognized for his erudition and commitment to the intellectual life of the Church of Scotland.
- Milligan’s works continued to be referenced in late‑19th‑ and early‑20th‑century theological scholarship, particularly in discussions of Christology and the doctrine of the resurrection.
Death
- Died on 23 March 1892 in Aberdeen, Scotland; interred at St Machar’s Cathedral.
Note: The above information is compiled from established historical biographical sources and reflects the documented achievements and life events of William Milligan.
