Teachers, Hearers, Doers

James 1:22-25, Be a doer of the Word
image: Billy Frank Alexander
He was an expert on Luke and Acts.* But he was more than an expert.

Dr. Larkin, one of my favorite seminary professors, died of cancer in 2014.

Perhaps the most intelligent man I've ever known, Larkin devoted his life to knowing and teaching God's Word. Bible study was his passion and his "hobby." 

He read directly from the Greek New Testament in class, seamlessly translating as he spoke, and he was on the team that translated Acts for the New Living Translation. 

But he transmitted far more than genius and intelligence in his classes. He also transmitted humility and grace. 

He never pushed his non-essential doctrines in classes, and when arrogant students challenged his perfectly researched lectures, he responded kindly, as if they were his peers (which they weren't).

Dr. Larkin was not simply a teacher of the Word, he was a humble doer of the Word (James 1:22-25). 

What a wonderful legacy--one I'd like to have.

* Dr. Larkin called Acts "2nd Luke" because Luke and Acts are two consecutive letters written for a person named Theophilus. (Luke 1:1-4 & Acts 1:1-2).

3 comments:

  1. Gail, YOU demonstrate humility and grace. Blessings to you!

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  2. I love the grace and wisdom you share with us here. Thankful for this great man's input into your life. May you treasure all he gave you.
    Your words are very powerful and direct to the heart of God. As you humble yourself before Him, and listen for His direction here on your blog. I'd say humility is also yours Gail!
    Thank you. I feel like God is using you to put courage back in my spirit.

    (Hug)
    Kimmie
    Mama to 8
    One homemade and 7 adopted

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