A Goody From Woody

I have been pondering over 2 Timothy 2:2 lately. Paul states: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

To put this another way, “a truly great teacher lives on in the lives of his students!”

As I think about this idea, several men from church history come to mind. One man stands out clearly: Charles Hodge. Mr. Hodge was educated at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and Princeton Theological Seminary. He married the great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin.

Mr. Hodge graduated in 1816 from Princeton and became a professor there in 1822. He started the Princeton Review in 1825. He excelled in NT exegesis and didactic theology.

During his lifetime, Mr. Hodge taught more than three thousand students. Thousands of people heard him preach and even more read his words. Most notable of his writings is his three-volume set of Systematic Theology.

I was amazed at a tradition Mr. Hodge started at Seminary graduation in 1868. After the benediction was pronounced, the graduating class made a circle around Charles Hodge at the middle of the front campus. They sang several verses of the hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Then, making a tighter circle with each graduate crossing his arms across his chest and grasping the hands of the students on either side, they sang together “Blest Be The Tie That Binds,” followed by the doxology. After Hodge pronounced a benediction, he shook hands with each student, and all went their separate ways to minister the gospel as pastors, missionaries, and church leaders.

Three of Mr. Hodge’s children became pastors, two became faculty members where he taught, and a grandson, C.W. Hodge, Jr. also taught for many years at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Charles Hodge invested his life in his students. I believe he was doing what Jesus commanded His followers to do: make disciples and then invest your life in them.

Think with me about the people in your life and in your sphere of influence—friends, family, co-workers, neighbors. Whom do you believe God has given to you in whom you can invest your life?

“So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.” 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (The Message)

God Bless,
Woody

P.S. A great quote from Charles Hodge is this: “The ultimate ground of faith and knowledge is confidence in God.”