Gustaf Adolf Deissmann (1866-1937): trailblazer in biblical studies, in the archaeology of Ephesus, and in international reconciliation

Abstract

Whether in philology, lexicography, archaeology, or international reconciliation, the German theologian Gustav Adolf Deissmann was an intellectual force to be reckoned with. As New Testament Professor at Heidelberg (1897-1908) – where he produced most of his Greek linguistic works – he became the ‘Father of New Testament Philology’ and was the first one to prove the Greek Bible’s vernacular Koine, by comparing its language with that in the papyri and inscriptions. He is best known for his most frequently quoted book Light from the Ancient East. As New Testament Professor at Berlin (1908-35), he produced the internationally influential semi-political communiqués Protestant Weekly Letter (1914-17) and Evangelischer Wochenbrief (1914-21), which indirectly led to his successful rescue operation for the then rapidly vanishing ancient city of Ephesus, and also helped to establish him as a leading member of the post WW1 ecumenical and international reconciliation movement. Deissmann was the recipient of eight honorary doctorates – Marburg, Aberdeen, St Andrews, Manchester, Wooster, Oxford, Uppsala and Athens – and was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Price.