Bengel, Johannes Albrecht

(1687–1752)

   Theologian.

   Educated at Tübingen, Bengel was ordained a Lutheran minister in 1707. After teaching at a seminary in Denkendorf, he became superintendent of Herbrechtingen and later Alpirsbach. He was the author of several apocalyptic works, but he is chiefly remembered for his Gnomon Novi Testamenti, a New Testament commentary, much of which was translated by John wesley and which is still used by evangelical scholars today. Previously in 1734, he had published a critical edition of the New Testament. Although it has long been superseded, it is generally regarded as the start of modern scientific critical work in biblical studies.

   J.D. Douglas (ed.), The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, revised edition (1978).