Dr. John Phillips went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2010. He was 83 years old. I made two trips to Winston-Salem to see Bro. John and Betty and the family in the two weeks prior to his death. I returned to be with the family and to assist with the funeral after his death. This seemed to be such an insignificant thing for me to do in light of Bro. John's profound influence upon my life.
Howard John Phillips was born February 11, 1927 in Newport, South Wales, in the United Kingdom to Leonard and Ruth Louisa Anstice Phillips. He spent his entire adult life studying the Bible, teaching the Bible and writing Bible commentaries. He published over 50 books. Dr. Phillips served in the British Army in Palestine during the closing years of the British Mandate, and witnessed the events which led up to the rebirth of the state of Israel. He moved to Canada after World War II, where he worked for a British Bank, married and in time founded a small church. Later, he joined the staff of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as Assistant Director of their Correspondence School. He also taught in Evening Extension School and spoke regularly over the Moody Radio Network. In addition, he served as Director of the Emmaus Correspondence School, at the time the largest school of its kind in the world. Bro. John earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary.
Bro. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean. I also had the privelege of knowing Jean. She was a precious lady and was a frequent source of encouragement to me. I assisted Dr. Stephen Olford in conducting Jean's memorial service. It was during her battle with cancer and her death that brought me into a close relationship with her family.
About 12 years was asked to conduct the wedding of Bro. John and Betty Jean Ferrell. I will never forget that day in Glasgow, Kentucky. I was honored to be a part of this special time in Bro. John's and Betty's lives. Today Betty is devoting her life to the continued publication of Bro. John's books in English as well as other translations. Already his books are published in Chinese, Spanish and Korean. Betty has a vision to see Bro. John's works published in many translations and made available to pastors and church leaders in other countries. This vision is coming true!!
I first met John Phillips in Gadsden, Alabama in the early 1970's. He was conducting a Bible Conference for my good friend Don Graham. I was a young pastor, newly married and broke. But I bought his commentary on Romans. Over the years I have added all of his other books to my collection. When Kregel took over the publishing of Dr. Phillip's books they asked me to write a blurb for the books. I did write the blurb and it expresses exactly how I feel about the influence of John Phillip's pen. Here is what I said, If John Phillips were an artist he would be numbered among the masters. Paper is canvas, words are his oils, and the pen is his brush. With these instruments he has produced the Exploring commentaries. For more than 35 years now Dr. Phillip's books have been my constant companions. As a busy pastor I turn to them for instrution, illumination, illustration and even alliteration- and I never go away disappointed.
In 1992, I went to Memphis to serve on the staff of the Stephen Olford Center for Biblical Preaching. This was a dream come true for me. I had been a pastor for 22 years at that time and Dr. Olford had been my friend and mentor even before I became a pastor. I repeat, it was a dream come true to be able to travel with, work with, pray with, talk with and fellowship with my mentor. Dr. Stephen Olford is the greatest preacher I have ever known and was also the most Christ-like man I have ever known. It was during these years that my friendship with John Phillips, who was a regular preacher and teacher at the Olford Center, really deepened.
I write this tribute out of a profound love and appreciation for Dr. John Phillps. I write this tribute to encourage a younger generation of preachers and Bible teachers to get acquainted with his books, The Exploring Commentaries, published by Kregel. I promise you will be blessed in your personal life and enriched in your ministry life.
I have never known a more disciplined student of the Bible. If anyone had any question about how he mined such deep and insightful truths from the Scriptures you would only have to watch him to know the answer. He studied his Bible night and day. He loved the word of God.
Thank you Brother John for your mentorship, your friendship and for your faithfulness to the Word of God.
Roger Willmore
