John Atkinson reflects on the passing of Dr Dwight A. Pryor
Dwight A.Pryor was the President and Founder of the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies in Dayton,
Ohio. He passed away on Shabbat 5 February 2011. The Body of Messiah has lost
one of our finest. A mentor and teacher to many Dwight will be greatly missed.
His wisdom and spiritual maturity were a special gift to the messianic community
and the Christian Church.
For more than 20 years he earned the respect and appreciation of Christians
throughout the U.S. and abroad as a gifted Bible teacher of exceptional clarity
and depth. Dwight’s greatest gift was the ability to take the academic research
of scholars associated with the Jerusalem School for Synoptic Studies and to
make them palatable for the ordinary church member. His teaching was always well
researched and carefully
Dwight's university and graduate studies in Philosophy and Hebrew Studies, combined with his
fervent faith in Messiah Jesus, gave him a unique perspective on the Scriptures
that consistently lifted up the name of the Lord and informed and inspired
listeners. His many years of association with Jewish and Christian scholars in
Israel provide him with fresh new insights into the life, language and teachings
of Jesus (Yeshua) of Nazareth. He was a founding member of the Board of
Governors of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research in Israel.
When Dwight taught it was an act of spiritual devotion. Those of us who had the
privilege of sitting under his ministry experienced the wonder of study as the
highest form of worship. A colleague who attended a Haverim School on Paul’s
letter to the Romans wrote the following;
“We were making good progress through Paul’s letter to the church in Rome when we
came to the end of chapter 11, with still five chapters to go.
Dwight read the Doxology:
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable
are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of
the LORD? Or who has become His counsellor? Or who has first given to Him And it
shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to
whom be glory forever. Amen."
And he wept... Dwight was so moved by Paul’s act of praise that it became, then
and there in the reading, alive again as an act of worship. I had always heard
it said that the study of Scripture is the highest form of worship. Frankly, the
study of Scripture to me is often the highest form of frustration and confusion,
but here I saw it become worship. Lord, let is be so for me too.
Dwight taught in a way that made study synonymous with worship. This was particularly significant
in an era when the singing of contemporary songs has all but eclipsed other
forms of worship. The ability to lead a congregation into worship while teaching
them is rare, but I believe that we should try to find a way of training
teachers to do this so that study and worship are combined. For Dwight it was
the logical outcome of his convictions about study and worship from a hebraic
perspective.
Dwight was fond of reminding his students of the importance of balance. Dwight
would point out that our faith is based on a Person, namely Yeshua. This faith
has two important aspects. First our intimacy with Yeshua as we grow in grace
and reflect Him more in our character. Second there is growth in the knowledge
of the Son of God. This aspect focuses on knowing about him and His teachings.
And so we hold the two together - growing in grace and the knowledge of the Son
of God. If this has familiar ring to it its because its biblical. (2 Peter 3:18)
Dwight not only taught this he demonstrated it.
Unlike the majority in the church today, people in ancient times were drawn to a
sage not because he was clever or because he was a great orator but because of
his knowledge of Torah and his godly life. His life and personality were meant
to instill in his audience a desire to cling to the way of Torah: "If the
teacher is like an angel of the LORD, they will seek Torah from him. If not,
they will not seek Torah from him" (Babylonian Talmud, Hagigah 15b). The
principle remains true - people were drawn to Dwight not because of his
intellectual ability and articulate presentation, both of which he possessed
in abundance, but because of his devotion to the Scriptures and his godly
character. In many ways he was his message and those who received from him
learned not only through information but more importantly through formation by
emulating his godly conduct..
Through the Centre, Dwight has co-published several distinguished books,
including Archaeology of the Land of Israel (Dr Amihai Mazar) and
Our Father Abraham (Dr Marvin Wilson).
He has authored many articles and produced many audio and video teaching series
on a wide range of Biblical subjects, all examined from a Hebraic point of view.
What others have said…
"Israel has become the world's most important centre of Jewish learning, and
when it comes to Gospel research in Israel, the Jerusalem School of Synoptic
Research reigns supreme. Dwight is not only a founding member of the Jerusalem
School, he is the foremost communicator of its research to lay Christian
audiences. His teaching has influenced untold thousands of lives, including my
own. I recommend Dwight Pryor and strongly support the work of The Centre for
Judaic-Christian Studies.
David Bivin, Director - Jerusalem Perspective
"Dwight is a profoundly moving teacher of the Word. His exposition of Scripture
is always clear and practical, anointed with passion and conviction. I have seen
people cold as ice and hard as a rock begin to turn their lives around and start
studying the Scriptures when challenged by God through this man. Dwight's
stimulating Hebraic insights on the biblical text provide a treasure house of
gems worth pondering again and again. Like his Hebrew Lord, Dwight's message is
singular in focus: spiritual maturity through faithful study of the Word that
leads to life-long discipleship and effective kingdom living. I enthusiastically
endorse the work of The Centre and celebrate the gifts and unique ministry God
has bestowed on his servant Dwight for the edification of the church in America
and around the world.
Dr. Marvin Wilson
Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies Gordon College, Wenham,
Massachusetts.
The Mourner’s Kaddish
Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world which He has
created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and
during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily
and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and
lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and
hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say,
Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel;
and say, Amen.
He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and
for all Israel; and say, Amen.
Shalom dear friend as you rest in the shelter of the wings of the Almighty.
John Atkinson 5 February 2011.
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