Kistemaker was born in the Netherlands and immigrated with his family to Ontario, Canada, shortly after World War II. Demonstrating a talent for languages, he pursued higher education at Calvin College, where he was invited by President Dr. William Spoelhof to teach Latin and Greek while still a student. Kistemaker furthered his studies at Calvin Theological Seminary and the Free University of Amsterdam, earning his Doctorate of Theology in 1961.[2]
Career
Following his ordination in 1961, Kistemaker served as a pastor at the Christian Reformed Church in Vernon, British Columbia. He later joined Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, as a professor of Bible and languages. In 1971, Kistemaker began his long tenure at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson, Mississippi, where he taught New Testament studies until his retirement in May 1996. He was honored with emeritus status upon his retirement but continued to teach at the Orlando campus of RTS from 1996 to 2011.[2]
Major works and contributions
Kistemaker was best known for his work on the 12-volume New Testament Commentary Set originally begun by Dr. William Hendriksen. The series, which was completed in 2001 with the publication of the volume on Revelation, has been highly regarded within Reformed and evangelical scholarly circles.[2]
Personal life and death
Kistemaker was married to his wife, Jean, for 61 years, and had 7 children.[2] He died at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 23, 2017.[3]
——— (1984). Epistle to the Hebrews. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. ISBN978-0-80105460-0. OCLC12161528.
——— (1986). Epistle of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. ISBN978-0-80105469-3. OCLC13998205.
——— (1987). Epistles of Peter and of the Epistle of Jude. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. ISBN978-0-80105484-6. OCLC17451767.
——— (1990). Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. ISBN978-0-80105290-3. OCLC23096506.