Pastor's Letter March 14, 2010

Mar 14, 2010
Andrew DiNardo

Dr. James Montgomery Boice – Pt 5 

As we left off last week, we were reminded that Dr. Boice left Princeton convinced of the Scripture’s authority and infallibility.  This led him to continue his New Testament studies.  “He had long been convinced that he should earn a doctorate before seeking a church position, and that a European doctorate was the best choice for him” said Jim’s wife.

This conviction brought Jim and his wife, Linda McNamara, whom he had married while at Princeton, to Basel, Switzerland, for three years of doctoral work.  At Basel Jim was able to read thoroughly the writings of John Calvin, Charles Hodge, B.B. Warfield and others.  As Linda intimated, “He often said that he went to Europe so that he would have time to read.”

Jim received a first-rate education in biblical exegesis at Basel, which he immediately applied since he also began a house church while attending the University.  Hence, James Boice was now studying and preaching weekly from the Scriptures that he adored, all the while being prepared for the writing and pulpit ministry that he would carry out until his final days.  However, before accepting a call to pulpit ministry, Dr. Boice would have two more years of preparation.   

Upon returning from Switzerland, Jim became the assistant editor for Christianity Today.  It was here that the distinguished defender of biblical authority, Carl F. H. Henry, also significantly influenced him.  In addition to his work as editor, Dr. Boice continued to preach and was also ordained at First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, April 30, 1967.  Dr. Henry preached the sermon at his ordination, closing with these memorable words: 

James Boice, you bear the name of a brother of our Lord.  You cherish the message of all the apostles.  May you share the momentum of the apostle to the Gentiles in matching the myths of our age with the timeless truth of the revelation of God’s Word. 

Almost one year from the time these words were spoken, Dr. Boice preached his sermon of call at the very church where as a young boy he first began memorizing the Scriptures, Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA.  

“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season”   —2 Timothy 4:2

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