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William Hendriksen
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William Hendriksen (18 November 1900 – 12 January 1982) was a Dutch-born American minister, New Testament scholar, and writer of Bible commentaries.[2]
Key Information
Life and career
[edit]Hendriksen was born in Tiel, Gelderland, but his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1911. Hendriksen studied at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary before obtaining an S.T.D. degree from Pikes Peak Bible Seminary, as was typical for on-the-job pastors seeking doctorates in the 1930s and 1940s. It is there that he wrote the thesis More than Conquerors. This book has never gone off the market since it was privately printed and Herman Baker issued it as the first publication of the new Baker Book House in 1940. He received a Th.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.[3]
Hendriksen was an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and served as Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary from 1942 to 1952. He was pastor of First Christian Reformed Church of Byron Center, MI from 1952 to 1961.[4] He started the New Testament Commentary, completing commentaries on more than half of the New Testament books. This series was published by Baker and completed by Simon Kistemaker after Hendriksen's death. Hendriksen was awarded a posthumous Gold Medallion Book Award for his commentary on Romans.[5] He also translated the Book of Revelation for the New International Version.[6] His granddaughter Dawn Wolthuis has served as President of the Institute for Christian Studies.
In his influential work Israel and Prophecy, written a year after the 1967 war, and still in print, Hendriksen criticized the view, held by dispensationalists and Christian Zionists, that the Bible prophesies the return and restoration of the Jews to the land of Israel.[7] Dispensationalist pastor Barry Horner describes Hendriksen's work as "a classic representation of replacement theology".[8]
Hendriksen has been described as "one of the leading and most respected of New Testament commentators."[9]
New Testament Commentaries
[edit]- New Testament Commentary: Matthew
- New Testament Commentary: Mark
- New Testament Commentary: Luke
- New Testament Commentary: John
- New Testament Commentary: Romans
- New Testament Commentary: Galatians and Ephesians
- New Testament Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon
- New Testament Commentary: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus
References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ "Home | First Byron CRC". www.firstbyroncrc.org. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Christian Reformed Pastor Dies". The Grand Rapids Press. 13 January 1982. p. 43.
- ^ Kistemaker 1999, p. 144.
- ^ "William Hendriksen | Christian Reformed Church".
- ^ Kistemaker 1999, p. 153.
- ^ Kistemaker 1999, p. 148.
- ^ Hendriksen 2007, p. 16.
- ^ Horner, Barry (15 January 2015). "The Reformed Eschatology of William Hendriksen" (PDF). Future Israel website. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
- ^ De Waard, Henk (November 1982). "Book Reviews". Vox Reformata. 39: 47.
Bibliography
[edit]- Hendriksen, William (2007). Israel in prophecy. London: Wakeman (Originally published by Baker Book House in 1968). ISBN 9781870855525.
- Kistemaker, Simon J. (1999). "William Hendriksen". In Elwell, Walter A.; Weaver, J. D. (eds.). Bible Interpreters of the 20th Century. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN 9780801020735.
William Hendriksen
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
William Hendriksen (November 18, 1900 – January 12, 1982) was a Dutch-American biblical scholar and theologian known for his extensive verse-by-verse commentaries on the New Testament.[1][2] Born in Tiel, Gelderland, Netherlands, to a carpenter father, he immigrated with his family to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1911.[1][2]
Hendriksen earned a Bachelor of Arts from Calvin College and graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1927, later obtaining a Th.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1942.[1] He served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church, holding pastorates before his appointment as professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary in 1942.[1][3]
His most notable contributions include the New Testament Commentary series, initiated in 1952 with volumes on the Gospels and epistles, which emphasize exegetical precision, Greek text analysis, and Reformed theological perspectives.[4] These works, continued posthumously by Simon J. Kistemaker, remain influential among evangelical and Reformed scholars for their clarity and depth.[5] Earlier, he authored More Than Conquerors (1940), an amillennial interpretation of Revelation that gained wide readership.[4] Hendriksen's writings reflect a commitment to rigorous scriptural exegesis over speculative trends, prioritizing empirical textual evidence and doctrinal fidelity.[2]
These works prioritize textual fidelity over allegorization, often cross-referencing Old Testament prophecies to underscore continuity in redemptive history.[12] The series has been praised for its balance of scholarship and accessibility, though some critics note its conservative stance limits engagement with certain historical-critical methods.[30]
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
William Hendriksen was born on November 18, 1900, in Tiel, Gelderland, Netherlands, as the youngest of eight sons and one daughter.[6] [1] His father, Bernardus Antonie Hendriksen, worked as a carpenter specializing in wood carving and also composed Dutch poetry; Bernardus had been born in Harderwijk, also in Gelderland province.[7] [6] His mother was Jannetje van Ravesteijn.[1] The Hendriksen family immigrated to the United States in 1911, settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they joined the Dutch Reformed immigrant community.[2] [1] Hendriksen commenced his elementary education in the Netherlands prior to the relocation, reflecting the modest circumstances of a working-class Reformed household.[6]Academic and Theological Training
Hendriksen pursued his undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1924 after completing the program in three years.[7][8] This institution, affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church, provided foundational liberal arts education within a Reformed Christian framework. He continued with theological training at Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating on September 22, 1927, with a Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree, which prepared him for ordination and pastoral ministry in the Christian Reformed tradition.[1] While serving as a pastor, he furthered his studies at the same seminary, obtaining a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in 1934 through weekly instruction alongside his ministerial duties.[7][8] In 1942, Hendriksen completed a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) at Princeton Theological Seminary, fulfilling residence requirements in one academic year and focusing on New Testament topics, which supported his later academic appointment at Calvin Seminary.[1][8] This advanced degree emphasized exegetical rigor in a historically Reformed context, though Princeton at the time reflected broader Presbyterian influences.Ministerial and Academic Career
Ordination and Pastoral Roles
Hendriksen graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary on September 22, 1927, and was ordained to the gospel ministry in the Christian Reformed Church that same year at the Third Christian Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan, where he accepted his first pastoral call.[3][9] He served this congregation faithfully for over three years, focusing on preaching and pastoral care in a Dutch immigrant community.[3] In 1931, Hendriksen accepted a call to the Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Muskegon, Michigan, where he ministered until 1935.[3][7] During this tenure, he pursued further studies, earning a Th.M. degree from Calvin Seminary in 1934 while balancing parish responsibilities.[6] His work there was marked by effective preaching and community engagement, though personal challenges arose later in his career at other churches.[3] From 1935 to 1942, Hendriksen pastored the Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a larger congregation that demanded rigorous exegetical preparation and pastoral oversight for seven years.[7][3] This period honed his skills in biblical exposition, which later influenced his commentaries, before he accepted an appointment as professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary in 1942.[2] Following a decade in academia (1942–1952), during which he earned a Th.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1948, Hendriksen returned to pastoral ministry as pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan, serving from 1952 to 1961.[7][1] His first wife, Rena Baker, whom he had married in 1925, died in 1960 while he was at this church, prompting a period of grief amid ongoing duties.[7] In 1961, Hendriksen accepted a final call to Creston Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he served until his retirement at age 65 in 1965, after which he relocated to Boca Raton, Florida.[7][3] Throughout his pastoral career spanning nearly four decades, he emphasized verse-by-verse preaching and doctrinal fidelity in the Reformed tradition, serving multiple congregations in Michigan's Christian Reformed network.[8]Professorship at Calvin Theological Seminary
Hendriksen was appointed professor of New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in 1942, coinciding with his earning a ThD from Princeton Theological Seminary.[1] [3] He took a one-year leave following the appointment to complete doctoral studies, commencing teaching duties in the fall of 1943.[3] His role involved instruction in New Testament exegesis and theology, serving the seminary affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.[2] [8] During his tenure from 1943 to 1952, Hendriksen taught required undergraduate courses while developing elective graduate-level offerings designed to equip pastors for effective preaching.[3] At the faculty's request, he authored Survey of the Bible (later revised as Bible Survey), a resource tailored for seminary students.[3] He also published the initial volume of his New Testament Commentary series on the Gospel of John, laying foundational work for his later exegetical contributions, and his course on John's Gospel directly influenced this endeavor.[3] [7] In 1948, Hendriksen completed his ThD dissertation, "The Meaning of the Preposition anti in the New Testament," which exemplified his focus on precise linguistic analysis in biblical studies.[3] His appointment concluded in 1952 when the Christian Reformed Church's synod opted not to renew it, prompting his return to pastoral ministry.[3] [2] This nine-year period marked a pivotal phase in his academic career, bridging pastoral experience with scholarly exegesis.[1]Post-Seminary Activities and Retirement
Following his tenure as professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary from 1942 to 1952, Hendriksen resumed pastoral ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. He served as pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan, for approximately eight years starting in 1952. In 1961, he accepted a call to the Creston Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he ministered until his retirement.[7][3] Hendriksen retired from active pastoral duties in 1965 upon reaching age 65, the standard retirement age for ministers in the Christian Reformed Church at that time. Motivated by his passion for biblical exposition and writing, he relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, to devote himself fully to scholarly pursuits rather than continuing in congregational leadership. This decision allowed him to prioritize the completion of his New Testament Commentary series, which he had initiated earlier.[3][7] During his retirement years in Florida, Hendriksen produced several volumes in his commentary series, including works on Ephesians, Galatians, the Gospel of Matthew (in multiple volumes), Mark, and Luke. He also revised earlier publications, such as his Bible study materials, and completed a two-volume exposition on Romans while beginning commentary on 1 Corinthians. Beyond writing, he occasionally lectured and preached, including international engagements such as a visit to England where he addressed the congregation at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His productivity persisted into advanced age, with ongoing revisions and expansions of his exegetical works even as health challenges emerged.[3][2] In late 1981, Hendriksen returned to Michigan, settling in Grandville near Grand Rapids. He passed away on January 12, 1982, at age 81, due to pneumonia following complications from surgery. At the time of his death, he had contributed commentaries covering approximately half of the New Testament books, solidifying his reputation as a prolific Reformed scholar.[1][3][2]Theological Views and Methodology
Exegetical Approach and Hermeneutics
Hendriksen's exegetical method centered on the grammatical-historical approach, prioritizing analysis of the original Greek text's grammar, syntax, and historical-cultural context to ascertain authorial intent.[10] This involved meticulous examination of linguistic elements alongside the socio-historical setting of passages, ensuring interpretations remained anchored in the text's plain meaning rather than speculative allegorization.[11] In practice, his commentaries featured verse-by-verse exposition, including custom translations from the Greek, critical notes on textual variants, and integrations of relevant extrabiblical data such as first-century Jewish customs or Roman imperial influences.[12] While grammar provided the foundational "basis on which you have to work," Hendriksen insisted it served merely as a starting point, not the endpoint, of exegesis.[7] He approached hermeneutics with the presupposition—or "preconviction"—that Scripture constitutes the infallible Word of God, divinely inspired and authoritative over human reason, rather than a merely human document subject to modern ideological overlays.[7] This Reformed orientation emphasized Scripture's self-interpreting nature, where clearer passages illuminated obscure ones (analogia Scripturae), and the entire canon cohered as a unified revelation culminating in Christ.[11] The goal of interpretation, per Hendriksen, extended beyond intellectual comprehension to spiritual appropriation: conveying the text's doctrinal truths while evoking a profound, heartfelt response to God's redemptive message.[7] Steps in his process began with grammatical dissection but progressed to synthesizing theological implications, always viewing Christ as the living voice permeating Scripture—"Christ speaking through the text"—to bridge exegesis with pastoral application and piety.[7] This Christocentric lens, rooted in Reformed covenant theology, avoided atomistic readings by tracing Old Testament shadows to New Testament fulfillment, as evident in his treatments of typology and prophecy.[7] Such methodology yielded commentaries balancing scholarly rigor with accessibility, prioritizing eternal verities over transient cultural accommodations.[11]Eschatology and Amillennialism
Hendriksen advocated amillennialism, viewing the millennium described in Revelation 20 as a symbolic depiction of the present gospel age extending from Christ's first coming to his second advent, rather than a future literal thousand-year earthly reign.[4] In this framework, Satan's binding (Rev. 20:1-3) commenced with Christ's victory over sin and death, curtailing the devil's deception of the nations and enabling the church's global mission, though not eliminating his influence entirely.[4] [13] Christ reigns spiritually during this period from heaven alongside the souls of deceased believers, who function as priests and kings in a heavenly dimension, emphasizing spiritual rather than political dominion.[4] Central to Hendriksen's hermeneutic for Revelation was the principle of progressive parallelism, wherein the book's visions—such as the seals (chs. 4-7), trumpets (chs. 8-11), and bowls of wrath (chs. 16-19)—recapitulate the same historical span of the church age from multiple perspectives, intensifying toward eschatological climax without strict chronology.[4] [14] This approach rejected premillennial literalism and dispensational futurism, instead portraying Revelation as revealing timeless principles of divine judgment and the church's perseverance amid persecution, rooted in first-century contexts yet applicable throughout history.[4] Satan's eventual "loosing" (Rev. 20:7) signifies a brief final intensification of opposition before Christ's parousia, culminating in the devil's eternal defeat, the general resurrection, and final judgment.[4] His eschatology aligned with historic Reformed orthodoxy, prioritizing scriptural symbolism over speculative timelines and affirming the unity of God's redemptive purposes across Old and New Testaments, without a distinct future role for national Israel apart from the church.[15] Hendriksen's exposition in More Than Conquerors (first published 1939, revised 1940) defended this position against chiliastic alternatives, arguing that amillennialism better preserves the apocalyptic genre's emphasis on encouragement for suffering saints through Christ's sovereignty.[4] [13] This view integrated idealist elements—seeing symbols like Babylon as recurring archetypes of opposition (e.g., Rome in John's era)—with partial preterist fulfillment of certain judgments, though prioritizing ongoing spiritual realities over exhaustive historicism.[4]Other Key Doctrinal Positions
Hendriksen upheld the five points of Calvinism, known by the acrostic TULIP—total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints—as delineated in the Canons of Dort, to which he subscribed as a minister and professor in the Christian Reformed Church.[16] In his New Testament Commentary series, he exegeted passages on predestination and election, such as Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29-30, portraying God's sovereign choice of individuals for salvation as an eternal, gracious act unbound by foreseen faith or works, thereby rejecting any synergistic element in soteriology.[17] [18] Central to Hendriksen's theology was covenant theology, particularly the covenant of grace, which he detailed in his 1932 monograph The Covenant of Grace. Therein, he argued that this covenant originates in God's eternal decree, encompasses redemption through Christ, and applies to believers and their households, emphasizing divine initiative over human conditionality.[19] [20] This framework informed his hermeneutics, viewing the unity of Scripture through progressive revelation within the covenant structure, from Genesis to Revelation. On the sacraments, Hendriksen advocated paedobaptism, interpreting baptism as the New Testament counterpart to circumcision under the Abrahamic covenant, serving as a sign and seal of inclusion in the covenant community for infants of believing parents.[21] His commentary on Colossians 2:11-12 linked spiritual circumcision in Christ to baptism, extending the sign to covenant children, while his exegesis of Matthew 28:19-20 stressed discipleship encompassing households without restricting the ordinance to professing adults.[22] This position aligned with the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on baptism's efficacy through the Holy Spirit, not ex opere operato, but as a means of grace confirming God's promises.[23]Major Works and Publications
New Testament Commentaries
Hendriksen initiated the New Testament Commentary series in 1953, providing detailed, verse-by-verse expositions of New Testament books from a Reformed theological perspective.[12] The volumes feature Hendriksen's own English translations of the Greek text, exegetical analysis with attention to grammar and syntax, theological insights, and pastoral applications, aimed at pastors, students, and scholars.[12][5] Published primarily by Baker Book House, the series eventually encompassed the entire New Testament in 12 volumes, with Simon J. Kistemaker completing the remaining portions after Hendriksen's death in 1982.[24] Hendriksen personally authored commentaries on more than half of the New Testament books, emphasizing literal interpretation, covenant theology, and Christ-centered readings.[25] Key volumes include his work on the Gospel of John (1953–1955, two volumes covering chapters 1–11 and 12–21), which integrates historical context with doctrinal exposition on themes like divine sonship and eternal life.[26] His commentary on Romans (1980–1981, two volumes on chapters 1–8 and 9–16) meticulously traces Paul's arguments on justification, sanctification, and Israel's role, drawing on Greek nuances for doctrinal precision.[27][28] Other significant contributions cover Pauline epistles and shorter letters. For instance, his exposition of Ephesians (1967) highlights ecclesiology and spiritual warfare, while the combined commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (1962) stresses joy in suffering and Christ's supremacy.[29] Similarly, the volume on 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, and Titus (1955) addresses eschatological expectations, church leadership, and perseverance amid persecution, reflecting Hendriksen's amillennial framework without speculative futurism.| Commentary Volume | Key Books Covered | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| Gospel of Mark | Mark | 1953 |
| Thessalonians and Pastorals | 1–2 Thessalonians; 1–2 Timothy; Titus | 1955 |
| Philippians, Colossians, Philemon | Philippians; Colossians; Philemon | 1962 |
| Ephesians | Ephesians | 1967 |
| Romans | Romans (1–16) | 1980–1981 |