John Riddle was born into a Christian family in North London, saved as a boy of 13, and received into fellowship in New Barnet, Hertfordshire at the age of 15. Throughout his business life, he was employed by shipping companies, latterly as a pension fund manager. On early retirement in 1989, he undertook part-time consultative work for some years. He travels widely, principally in the British Isles, conducting Bible readings and ministering the Word of God, contributing to assembly periodicals.