Dr. W. Larry Richards Biography
W. Larry Richards (1936–2017) — New Testament Professor Emeritus, Andrews University
W. Larry Richards was a distinguished theologian, educator, and author whose life was marked
by an unwavering dedication to his faith, his family, and his scholarly pursuits. Born in 1936,
Larry's journey began with a deep commitment to learning and spiritual growth that would shape
an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades.
He received his undergraduate degree from Pacific Union College, followed by a Master of
Divinity (MDiv) from Andrews University, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. These
academic foundations equipped him for a career that bridged pastoral ministry and rigorous
New Testament scholarship.
Larry began his career as a church pastor before joining Pacific Union College as a professor
in its Department of Theology. His passion for the Greek New Testament drew him to the
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he served in two
distinct periods — 1966 to 1977, and again from 1994 to
2003. During those years he taught Beginning and Intermediate Greek, Formation and
History of the New Testament (Textual Criticism), and courses on 1 & 2 Corinthians.
Following his second tenure he was appointed Emeritus Professor of New Testament
Exegesis, a title he held until his passing.
As founding director of the Greek Manuscript Research Center at Andrews
University, Larry oversaw the acquisition and cataloguing of Greek New Testament
manuscript facsimiles, contributing original peer-reviewed research to the field. His article
"New Testament Greek Manuscript Facsimiles at Andrews University" was published in
Andrews University Seminary Studies (Vol. 42, Spring 2004), demonstrating his commitment
to making primary-source manuscript study accessible to Adventist scholars.
Larry's published works reflect the full breadth of his scholarly life. His commentaries
1 Corinthians: The Essentials of Christian Living (1997) and
2 Corinthians: God's Way is the Best Way (1998) remain valued resources in Adventist
theological circles. His most widely read work, Read Greek in 30 Days (or Less) (2011),
covers not only the New Testament but also the Old Testament, Apocrypha, Philo, and the Church
Fathers — making it a uniquely comprehensive entry point for students of biblical Greek.
The guide's "8 Minimums" approach has helped countless learners, including Dr. Dustin Massingale,
navigate Greek grammar after other methods proved overwhelming.
W. Larry Richards passed away peacefully on Sabbath, March 18, 2017, at home and surrounded
by his family — accepting his passing, as Andrews University noted, "just as he lived his
81 years: with infinite grace, dignity and tranquility." A memorial service was held on
April 1, 2017, at the Elmshaven Seventh-day Adventist Church in Deer Park (St. Helena),
California.
Despite all of his notable achievements, Larry will be best remembered by his family as a
loving and devoted father and grandfather. His legacy endures through his scholarly contributions,
the students he mentored, and the readers who continue to benefit from his life's work.
Dr. W. Larry Richards Resource Links
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YouTube Channel — Dr. W. Larry Richards
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Read Greek in 30 Days or Less — Logos Digital Edition
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W. Larry Richards Memorial Notice — Andrews University Agenda (March 30, 2017)
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Outgoing Faculty Profile: W. Larry Richards — Andrews University Seminary Witness
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Greek Manuscript Research Center — Andrews University
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Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 42, Spring 2004 — includes Richards'
article on Greek Manuscript Facsimiles (p. 129)
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W. Larry Richards — Full Works List on Goodreads
