Ralph Martin, renowned biblical scholar, passed away earlier this year, through lymphoma, at the age of 87.
A statement from Fuller Theological Seminary, where Dr Martin had been professor of New Testament and director of the graduate studies programme, paid tribute to his work for the kingdom of Christ.
It said, ‘Dr Martin was highly regarded in the US and Europe for his academic work and writings on the New Testament. He blessed Fuller Seminary for decades with his teaching and mentoring of doctoral students.
‘Martin produced numerous scholarly works throughout his life and brought to Fuller a passion for both teaching and New Testament scholarship.
Fuller President Richard J. Mouw said: ‘He was an outstanding New Testament scholar and author, and he made an impact on the lives of so many students and others in the Fuller community, and beyond. He will be greatly missed’.
A native of the UK, Dr Martin earned both his BA and MA at the University of Manchester. He was awarded his PhD at the University of London, Kings College. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1949 and spent ten years in ministry in the UK.
In addition to his PhD thesis, which was published by the Cambridge University Press, Ralph Martin wrote a number of commentaries and study books, and contributed to numerous periodicals, reference books and symposia over the course of his career.
Teacher
Dr Martin also served on the founding editorial team of the Word biblical commentary as New Testament editor, a project that began at Fuller. He contributed volumes on 2 Corinthians and James.
He arrived at Fuller in 1969 after serving as a lecturer in New Testament at the University of Manchester for four years. From 1971-1972 he was interim pastor at Altadena Baptist Church, California.
Through his life, Dr Martin also taught at London Bible College; Bethel College and Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota; the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem, Israel; Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia; Logos Evangelical Seminary in El Monte, California; and Azusa Pacific University (APU).
APU chaplain Kevin Mannoia said: ‘Dr Martin served as a scholar in residence in the APU Graduate School of Theology and became a graceful presence in the halls of our university.
‘Though he was a scholar to scholars, his spirit of grace and gentle kindness reflected the nature of Christ at work through him shaping and mentoring countless young people in pursuing their vocation in Kingdom work’.
Dr Martin is survived by his wife Doreen, his daughters Patricia Losie and Elizabeth Knode, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
