Robert L. Thomas (1928-2017)

[bookslover]

Robert L. Thomas died on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, in southern California (presumably). He was 89 years old.

He was Professor of New Testament at Talbot Seminary for many years, then became a member of the founding faculty at The Master's Seminary, which is on the campus of John MacArthur's church in Sun Valley, California.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he spent most of his adult life in southern California.

Among serious Bible students, he will probably be best remembered for his 2-volume, 1,214-page technical commentary on the Book of Revelation (1992, 1995). It must be the last, or at least one of the last, major commentaries on Revelation to be written from the pre-tribulational, premillennial (dispensational) standpoint.

While rejecting his dispensationalism, there are still some good things in the commentary. Besides, he's thoroughly Reformed now.

May he rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

 

[Pilgrim]

Among serious Bible students, he will probably be best remembered for his 2-volume, 1,214-page technical commentary on the Book of Revelation (1992, 1995). It must be the last, or at least one of the last, major commentaries on Revelation to be written from the pre-tribulational, premillennial (dispensational) standpoint.

From what I understand, it is generally considered to be the definitive commentary from that perspective.

 

[Stephen L Smith]

From what I understand, it is generally considered to be the definitive commentary from that perspective.

Agreed. I enjoyed it until I read Beale

His book on Bible translations was very helpful.

He is now wth his Savior whom he faithfully served.

 

[Pilgrim]

His book on Bible translations was very helpful.

I never ended up getting that one. But I skimmed through it once and thought it looked good. I think it was published in the late 90s. If so, it doesn't include information on the ESV, HCSB, etc. If I recall correctly he preferred the NASB77 to the NASB95, or at least said that the latter was a bit less literal.

 

[Stephen L Smith]

I think it was published in the late 90s. If so, it doesn't include information on the ESV, HCSB, etc.

He revised it about 2004 so the revised edition includes the ESV, HCSB etc. But obviously excludes translations after that date. He does not appear to endorse a particular tanslation. He tends to argue for an optimum balance of literal and readability. I got the impression from the book the ESV was the closest to that.