Frederick Nolan (theologian)

Frederick Nolan (1784-1864) was an Irish Anglican clergyman, theologian, and scholar, known primarily for his work on chronology and biblical prophecy.

Nolan was born in Ireland and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he excelled. He was ordained as a priest in the Church of Ireland. He served as Vicar of Prittlewell in Essex, England, for over 40 years.

Nolan devoted much of his life to the study of chronology, particularly in relation to biblical prophecy and the understanding of historical events. His principal work was The Chronological Prophecies, as constituting a connected system: in which is demonstrated the harmony of the principal events of the prophetic periods, from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the commencement of the Fourth Millennium (1837). This multi-volume work attempted to establish a definitive chronological framework for interpreting biblical prophecies, aligning them with historical timelines. He believed that a correct understanding of biblical chronology was crucial for interpreting prophecy and understanding God's plan for humanity.

He also published An Inquiry into the Integrity of the Greek Vulgate, or Received Text of the New Testament; in which is contained a Critical Examination of the Argument of Griesbach, in its defence (1815), a detailed defense of the Textus Receptus (the Greek text underlying the King James Version) against the textual criticism of Johann Jakob Griesbach. This work highlighted Nolan's conservative theological stance and his adherence to traditional biblical texts.

Nolan's contributions, although historically significant within the context of 19th-century theological scholarship, are less widely referenced in modern scholarship due to advancements in textual criticism, archaeological discoveries, and shifts in theological interpretation. Nevertheless, he remains a notable figure in the history of biblical scholarship and chronological studies.