I have learned my craft from the role model of my Greek professor who would pose questions and then leave us to find out the answers. Now I am on my own because my Greek professor Basil Brown has died. Is it perhaps that he was grooming me for that day? I will never forget the last day we had with him in class. He drew our attention to the 153 fish in John 21:11 and he asked “What is the significance of that number?” Some suggested an answer at the end of which he said, “I strongly suggest you check it out.” Then he picked up his books and walked toward the door. This was the last day he was with us. He was a guest lecturer from overseas for one year. When he walked through that door he wasn’t coming back. So we all protested. He came back to the front of the class and he said, “Class, there is gold in that verse. Dig there.” Then he left.
Post script: I was privileged to have an on-going relationship and connection with him after that class. I think because I did some work and followed up the question he left us with and then I wrote to him sharing the fruit of my digging. He responded and we continued dialoguing through the years as I shared the fruit of my labours with him. He was delighted and supported us in our work with Wycliffe in prayer, financially from time and especially in encouragement, spurring me on to higher things.