Tells us about the man; scholar, thinker, clear, pious, practical, evangelical, biblical

Alongside these sometimes mildly liberal tendencies, however, Grass points out balancing elements of both theological and behavioral conservatism. FFB championed the Westminster Confession's statement on the divine authority of Scripture, with emphasis on its and John Calvin's view of Scripture as self-authenticating through the inward witness of the Holy Spirit: hence, infallibility as regards the matters of salvation and godliness that the Bible was meant to address.

In his view, foreign missions should concentrate on church-planting, not on the establishing of schools, hospitals, and similar Christian institutions, a concentration presently being diluted somewhat by evangelicals' marrying social activism with evangelism.

and the Bruces waited till their children had grown up before exercising Christian liberty by drinking alcohol at home (whereas imbibing has now become so prevalent among evangelicals that the practice of total abstinence amounts to an exercise of Christian liberty).

...they lacked very much theological development and practical application, but their clarity of style and down-to-earth explanations of what our ancient texts meant have drawn much admiration and reflect his classical training.

F.F. Bruce was a pioneer - an evangelical Christian who was also a respected academic in the world of Biblical studies. This was at a time (mid-20th century) when it was thought that so-called conservative approaches to the Bible had been ruled out of court, and certainty in the historical reliability of the New Testatment was being eroded by such scholars as Rudolf Bultmann. In this milieu, Bruce - an academic teaching the Greek and Roman classics - moved into the world of Biblical studies. He won the respect of Biblical scholars of all stripes through the quality of his work and through his irenic approach to matters that divide.

Bruce was, in many ways, a man of surprises. As well as being an evangelical fish in what was then the more liberal pond of Biblical studies, he was also a proud Scot who taught only in English universities. His brilliant mind was matched by a gracious warmth and humility. And he belonged for life to the world of the Christian (or "Plymouth") Brethren, many of whom were suspicious of any formal academic learning. While he was a trail-blazing evangelical in the world of academic biblical studies, he was regarded with suspicion by some evangelicals as a little too liberal because he placed fresh light from the biblical text above existing theological frameworks. He readily acknowledged the good in any approach to scripture, even sympathising with Professor Bultmann whilst rejecting his conclusions.

Tim Grass has written a well-researched biography of Bruce, certainly definitive (as per the subtitle). His footnotes are testament to his research, much of it by interview. While the book concentrates on F.F. Bruce's scholarship and writings (as is fitting for an influential professional academic), it also sheds light on his personal life and church involvements. Grass understands the world and mindset of the Brethren, which is an asset for understanding his subject. This biography is not, however, a hagiography, and the author does not skim over Bruce's shortcomings, such as his plodding speaking style.

Read this book for an insight into evangelical history. Read this book to understand F.F. Bruce. Read this book to learn from the life of this learned and godly man.