"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints" (Eph. 4:11–12).
As I have done for a while, I will base our studies on the teaching of an eminent pastor or teacher. This year’s “resident scholar” will be William Hendricksen. While human teachers are not infallible, they are necessary for our growth and edification. Let us remember Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:11–13: “And He Himself gave … some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ … that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” We should, therefore, not despise or ignore those who have proven themselves faithful by their life and doctrine, but we should esteem them highly and be edified by their service.
William Hendricksen was born in the Netherlands and lived from 1900 to 1982. He was fluent in Hebrew and Greek and could read in 20 languages. This is quite a feat for someone whose education was interrupted when his high school folded in the fall of his first year. Finding himself on the streets, Hendricksen became a peddler and later worked for a gold-leaf printing company, radiator repair shop, and a stationery factor.
When he was only five or six years old and still living in the Netherlands, he wanted to become a minister. His dream was slowly realized after he moved to America, where he studied at night by correspondence. Finally, at the age of 20, Hendricksen was accepted at Calvin College where he studied science, languages, and history. Later, he entered Calvin Seminary and completed his training in 1927. He served at various pastorates for the next 16 years during which he obtained a doctorate from Princeton Seminar. In 1943, he became a Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, where he served for nine years. He then returned to the pastorate until he retired at age 65.
Those who have studied under Hendricksen have said that he was a supreme educator who combined meticulous scholarship with pastoral sensitivities. Anyone who reads one of his commentaries or books will benefit from his insight and wisdom and be struck by his adoration of Christ and reverence for His truth.
Read Ephesians 4. Make a list of those teachers, pastors, or evangelists who have edified you, served you, and encouraged you in your walk with Christ. Your list can include men and women you have met as well as authors from the past. Thank God today for those people and the blessing they have been to you.
