A man named Frank Stagg

I have heard of Dr. Frank Stagg ever since I was a student at the Baptist Student Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  I took Bible classes there and I heard New Testament Theology and Frank Stagg.  He was professor at New Orleans Baptist Seminary and then Southern Seminary for a combined 50 years.  I studied his book, New Testament Theology, when I was working on a Seminary Degree.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when he came to First Baptist in Cape for January Bible Study and I spent some time with him.  In fact, he stayed with us at the President's House on campus and every day that wintry week, the two of us would gather in front of the fireplace, and drink Mama's "float".  When he went home, his wife, Evelyn, wrote me and asked for the recipe.

I wish I had taped those sessions.  I sat at the feet of the Master -Teacher and heard him answer my piddling questions as if I was the most important intellectual he had ever met!   He told me of his views on pacifism "There is no just war!" and I pondered his statements.  He told me of his friendship and bond with Dr. Martin Luther King in the struggle for Civil Rights.  I treasure the privilege that was mine.  I also loved it in seminary classes when I could insert about this personal experience and the pastor boys would fall out of their chairs with envy!   I even told Frank that and his response, "If it helps, use it!"    Frank, you made me laugh and think at the same time and with me, that is something.

So I am going to take your words, digest them, maybe for the first time, and write on them!  Again, Great Teacher, you are making me think!  Give me strength for this effort!