Ryle became the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool during a volatile time for the Church
of England. Some church leaders fought for high church practices and a return to
Catholic tradition, and others fought for low church practices and evangelism. The
Upper Room contains a miscellaneous selection of papers and sermons the author
had shared with others throughout his nearly fifty-year ministry. Just as a great portion of
Ryle’s work focuses on Christ’s life, so also did his pastoral messages stress evangelism.
His commentaries reflect his deep desire for all people to hear Christ’s call and receive
salvation.