Sad news out of Dallas this morning: Harold W. Hoehner, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, died unexpectedly this morning at the age of 73 after a morning run.
Here are some of his dates:
- B.A. from Barrington College (1958)
- Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary (1962)
- Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary (1965)
- Ph.D. from Cambridge University (1968)
- Postdoctoral study at Tübingen University and Cambridge
- Faculty member at Dallas Theological Seminary (1968-2009)
- DTS Department Chair of New Testament (1977-2001)
- DTS Director of PhD. studies (1975-2002)
His three major books each became standards for the subject matter:
- Herod Antipas: A Contemporary of Jesus Christ (Cambridge University Press, 1972)
- Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ (Zondervan, 1977)
- Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2002)
In 2006 Crossway published Interpreting the New Testament Text: Introduction to the Art and Science of Exegesis, edited by Darrell Bock and Buist Fanning, who joined a number of other authors in producing an exegetical textbook in tribute to Harold Hoehner. The following is from the end of their introduction to that book:
What can be said about Harold as a person! He is a man of integrity, energy, frugality, strong opinions, and hard work, but always coupled with a genial sense of humor, humility, and a loyal and collegial spirit. Those of us who have served with him at DTS have had the rare favor of genuine mentoring: he guided us as students, recruited us as neophyte faculty, defended us and challenged us when necessary, and all along modeled for us what scholarship in the service of Christ can be. His loving and robust family life with Gini, their children, and now grandchildren has pictured what we want for our families. Most of all Harold has show us what it means to be a man of God, committed to Christ and his gospel, and reflecting the fruit of the Spirit over a lifetime of faithful service.
In December 2008 Dan Wallace wrote a personal tribute to Dr. Hoehner, concluding, “I see in Harold a godly man, whose great intellect is only matched by his wisdom, courage, and cheerful demeanor.”
We pause to thank God for his servant who has now entered his rest.
