Comments on: Zane Hodges (1933–2008)

By: A Comforting Read for those who love exegesis « – Word & Knowledge –

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:18:07 +0000

[...] is not just isolated to Wilkin but is also testified by Daniel Wallace, who honored him in another tribute concerning his life. In it, Wallace is thankful Hodge didn’t practice his rationalistic [...]

By: Sean Damkroger

Sean Damkroger — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:54:09 +0000

First of all, thank you for the kind and earnest words spoken of a true man of God. They were lovingly written, genuine and a respectful tribute. I specifically enjoyed the information concerning S. Lewis Johnson, Jr. and his recommendation of Hodges despite their contrasting views. If only our political leaders – on both sides of the aisle – could exercise such character while contesting..

Hodges for me was a gift from God. I never attended DTS, but I had three roommates (who were close friends) that did and was exposed to his teaching and the man himself through them. A person close to me based an important decision on being given “a peace”, which turned out to be very disastrous. This created significant confusion and pain in my life, until I was exposed to Hodge’s position on the matter. As I read his eloquent rebuttal to those that subscribed to this kind of mystical communication from God, I gained such understanding and peace. It led me to be much more devoted to the word of God and placing the Bible as the supreme decision-making authority in my life. I can truly say that, based upon that important foundation, my life has been much more stable and peaceful ever since. I no longer open myself up to the counterfeiting confusion I was susceptible to before. I thank the Lord for using Zane Hodges to open my eyes to an empowering and enlightening truth.

No matter which side of the debate one comes out on, this much is true: Hodges’ articulate argument on the matter enriches everyone. If you feel you have been deceived through receiving “a peace”, Hodges gives you a foundation to stand against it. If you feel obtaining “a peace” is important to your daily life, Hodges offers wise caution and guides one back to the word as supreme authority, which everyone can agree on. His excellence was in the way he could offer something to *everyone* in the debate, even if one disagreed with him. How much more Christ-like could one be than this, that whatever one teaches those listening find enrichment? His position on decision-making challenged my staunchly-held beliefs, and I’ve never been more delighted to be proven wrong. Zane’s writing offered such fruit to anyone even if they completely disagreed and the excellence of his walk with Christ provided rare and comforting assurance to the sincerity of his position. It always felt like a breath of fresh air when I read something new he’d written, even if I didn’t agree. I pray more of us learn to contend with those we debate with such love, humility and grace.

PS Zane did agree – to the very letter – with some of the commentaries… the ones he wrote. I think sometimes too many people forget that (in addition to separate commentaries he penned) Hodges also wrote the commentary for Hebrews and the Epistles of John in the Dallas Theological Seminary’s Bible Knowledge Commentary.

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By: Bill Connell

Bill Connell — Wed, 27 May 2009 02:49:03 +0000

I am just reading this blog today for the first time. I had not heard of Zane’s passing until this evening. Like everyone else who has commented, he touched me greatly when at DTS (in the early 70’s).

I was delighted to hear him present his “panels” approach on the Book of Acts at Grace Community Church on the east side of Detroit some years ago. He was always fresh wind.

By: Sam Sacco

Sam Sacco — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:13:19 +0000

Dan, It’s almost overkill by now but thank you so much for your kind words about Prof. Hodges. I am a pastor in the Phoenix area and have had the privledge of speaking to him over the phone several times before his homegoing. He was a gracious man in all situations whether you agreed or disagreed with some of his theology. Free Grace often gets the black eye for being “easy” on sin… well anyone who knew Zane knows of how he lived his life. There isnt a whole lot of us (myself included) that has abandoned everything this life has to offer for the Lord and His Kingdom. I thank Zane for great insights into the Scriptures but more memorable to me; I thank him for his example!

By: Daniel B. Wallace

Daniel B. Wallace — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:55:57 +0000

Oh, you got stuck with ME after taking Hodges for first-year Greek! I feel sorry for you, Steve. Hopefully, you’ve recovered from the experience!

By: Steve Mills

Steve Mills — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:26:27 +0000

Zane Hodges taught me first-year Greek at Dallas. Throughout the year he took attendance every class by means of a short, written quiz. Late in the second semester (some point in late April), Prof Hodges simply started teaching, no quiz. Someone finally blurted out what we had all been thinking “Prof, for the first time in the entire year you didn’t give us a quiz. Why?” Without a flicker of a smile, Prof responded “The Reds won a double-header yesterday” and then promptly went back to his lesson.

After the gracious teaching of Prof. Hodges through the first year of seminary, I had my baptism of fire in second year Greek as I was assigned to a first year instructor, Daniel Wallace.

Dan, thanks for the wonderful tribute to Prof Hodges.

By: Guy Wallace

Guy Wallace — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:37:23 +0000

I never had Zane for class (back in the days of T. R. Cincinatus)(though I did have you for second year Gk.) but have been impacted by his views and scholarship. Just this week I’ve been rereading two of his Bib Sac articles, one on John 3:5 and the other on the angel at Bethesada which in my limited view remains my favorite Bib Sac article of all time. Googling just now lead me to word of his death and to your blog. Thanks for your many kind words for a man known for his kindness and humility.

By: Dan Wallace

Dan Wallace — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:46:42 +0000

Lisa, I’m afraid I don’t. If you find out, though, please do let me know! I suspect that the audio-visual department at DTS, or the library archives might have it.

By: Doug Anderson

Doug Anderson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:05:33 +0000

Thanks for your gracious tribute to the man I’ll always remember as Prof Hodges. Because of my highest admiration for his scholarship and character, I was never comfortable with the more familiar “Zane.” Always too much in awe to “get close,” I, nevertheless, followed him attentively and eagerly from a distance. No contemporary has marked my life more than he. I was first attracted to the man; then, his teachings. I’d been so in hopes that he would get to finish his commentary on Romans. I guess I’ll have to wait for the last two chapters.

See you soon Prof Hodges. And a thousand thanks!