Krister Stendahl, 1921-2008

I have not posted in a while and I doubt many read this blog, but I was motivated to make this post. Hopefully some more posts will follow.

I just discovered tonight that Krister Stendahl, at the age of 86, died on August 15. Though I never met the man and have read little of his work, this had an initial emotional impact on me. First of all, of course, I hate to see the pain death so often brings to a family, even if I’m not there to witness it directly. But for me, Krister’s death embodies the dying of a brilliant generation, and the uncertainties and lack of guidance that await my own. I was first reminded of this when I learned of Bruce Metzger’s death.

Krister Stendahl was a Swedish theologian and New Testament scholar. He was particularly important to the “new perspective on Paul.” I discovered him through his groundbreaking essay “The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West.” Many have described him as caring, kind, and non-judgmental.

I pray that God will bring peace to Stendahl's family, scholars will continue to ponder over his deserving work, and that he will enjoy his rest in anticipation of the salvation and resurrection that awaits us all.