A Tribute to Peder Borgen (1928–2023) and his Legacy of Discovery in the Worlds of Early Judaism and Christianity

Abstract

Professor Peder Borgen served with distinction on the Board of Novum Testamentum for many years, including as President from 1995 to 2008. We remain grateful for his magnificent leadership that enhanced the level of scholarship as well as the stature of both the periodical and the Supplements to Novum Testamentum. His timely explorations of Philo’s thought and relationship to the New Testament presented a significant challenge to the previously “fixed” borders between Diaspora and Palestinian Judaisms and proved important in the reframing of that “division.” Professor Borgen exhibited a rare blend of stateliness with gentleness, a demeanor slightly formal, yet laced with the warmth of friendship and collegiality that evoked confidence and esprit de corps among the whole of the Board. One of his special gifts as president was his ability to engender a sense of the common tasks and curry a consensus on how those goals could be achieved. Peder especially enjoyed meeting people from many different backgrounds and points of view and forging new friendships that proved productive in advancing knowledge and promoting scholarly publications. Peder Johan Borgen was a giant in our midst; we shall miss him dearly.