For the past many days, memories of I. Howard Marshall have been shared by many (see, e.g., Mark Goodacre’s post and Steve Walton’s post). I particular enjoyed watching snippets of Marshall’s past lectures, like these.
My own interactions with Prof Marshall came late in his life. Dr Terry Wilder, a former student of his, introduced us at SBL in 2009. Having just begun doctoral studies in the US, I asked Prof Marshall if he had any advice. “Listen to your supervisor,” he said with a bit of a laugh.
Then at my first British New Testament Conference (2013), Prof Marshall attended the Acts section where I was presenting! He offered me a suggestive question which proved to me at once he had read my paper (made available before the meeting) and listened attentively as I summarised it. Later at the same BNTC section, I had the privilege of listening to Prof Marshall read out his careful critique of Craig Keener’s Acts Commentary—Craig joined us from Kentucky via Skype and offered a response. Later, over lunch, Prof Marshall shared a bit more with me about his own goals when he wrote his NIGTC Luke commentary.
Near the end of February 2014, Prof Marshall came and presented at the NT Seminar at New College (U. of Edinburgh) on “New Testament Theology: The State of the Art.” Of course, the lecture was interesting (apparently characteristic of Marshall over the years), but I was particularly struck by the fact a scholar long-retired continued to be so active.
Prof Marshall attended the BNTC in Aug/Sept of 2014, as well. I don’t recall any comments he made on the papers except that he made a few jokes at some point before or during. Indeed, many have shared that Marshall had a keen sense of humour.
What stands out to me most about Prof I Howard Marshall is his careful, detailed scholarship on Luke-Acts, most of which I have accessed in written form for my own research purposes. To have met him, attended a couple of his papers, and had carried on conversation with him is a privilege.