We are deeply saddened to announce that Professor Max Turner passed away on Saturday 15th August. Max was a New Testament scholar of the highest calibre and contributed so much to the life and work of the London School of Theology over many years.
Max was born in Stirling in Scotland and moved around the UK as a child, living in Cyprus for several years before moving back to the UK. He attended the University of Cambridge to study medicine. However, he had a dramatic conversion experience during a university mission led by the evangelist David Watson. Subsequently, he changed his studies to theology at which he excelled. This, in turn, led him to study for a PhD degree on the topic of Spirit reception texts in Luke-Acts, also at the University of Cambridge.
Max came to London Bible College / London School of Theology (LBC/LST) in 1974 as the librarian, subsequently becoming a lecturer in New Testament studies. After several years lecturing, and following a suggestion of the Principal, Michael Griffiths, Max decided to acquire university teaching experience. He agreed a five-year secondment with the University of Aberdeen, where he worked alongside I. Howard Marshall in New Testament studies (1986-1991).
On returning to LBC/LST in 1991 he became the Director of Research and the recruitment of research students increased significantly because his academic reputation attracted many students in New Testament studies. It was during the late 1980s and 1990s that he published three highly influential books: Linguistics & Biblical Interpretation (InterVarsity Press, 1989, with Peter Cotterell), The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts: Then and Now (Paternoster 1996), and Power from on High: The Spirit in Israel’s Restoration in Luke-Acts (Sheffield Academic Press, 1996).
Max was promoted to the rank of Professor in 1998, which was a recognition of his significant work as a New Testament theologian, world-leading Luke-Acts specialist and academic leader. He also served as Vice Principal (Academic Affairs) during this period (1996-2007). Max retired in 2011 and was given the title of Emeritus Professor. A Festschrift entitled The Spirit and Christ in the New Testament and Christian Theology: Essays in Honour of Max Turner (Eerdmans) was published in 2012, edited by I. Howard Marshall, Cornelis Bennema and Volker Rabens.
Max was a Baptist minister deeply committed to serving the Church and nurturing disciples in the faith of Christ. His preaching, teaching and pastoral ministry activities were much appreciated both at LST and in local churches. He lived in Chorleywood for many years, was a member of St Andrew’s Church and regularly contributed to the life of the congregation through preaching and discussion groups. He was also invited to minister internationally, visiting Romania, Kenya, Korea and the USA among other countries.
Max was a much-loved member and supporter of our LST community. His contribution was recognised formally when a reading room in the library was named after him in 2017. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, who used his gifted intellect to serve the Church and biblical scholarship. We shall miss him enormously!
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Chorleywood on 3rd September at 2.30pm. Please share this date with all LST alumni and friends of Max who might be interested in attending this service. Please continue to hold his wife, Lucy, and children, Duncan and Abbie, and their family in your prayers at this sad time.
The Revd Professor Mark J. Cartledge
Principal
