Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez has been an exceptional spiritual, pastoral and academic leader as director of the Biblical Research Institute. God has worked through him to be Christ-centered, balanced, engaged, patient, amiable, mission-driven, broad-minded, willing-to-listen, and most of all, committed to the prophetic message and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We are delighted that Dr. Rodríguez will continue to assist BRI on a part-time basis even during his retirement. Through God’s blessing, he has advanced this precious movement by touching the lives of many pastors, teachers, and members in a very meaningful way as the church shares the three angels’ messages with the world announcing Christ’s soon coming.

Pastor Ted N. C. Wilson
President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

It has been a privilege and a blessing for me to know Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez since the nineties, when I was appointed a BRICOM member from the Euro-Asia Division. It was always rewarding to hear Ángel present a paper, hold a seminar or speak to pastors, teachers and church administrators. The Euro-Asia Division was blessed by his visits and his written work. Dr. Rodríguez loves the Lord and His Church! The good news is that he is not leaving BRI. He will continue be a vital and vibrant part of the Institute! — Artur Stele, Vice President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Director of the Biblical Research Institute

I have worked with and under Dr. Rodríguez for thirteen years. All these years were very rewarding. Why? Because Dr. Rodríguez had an exemplary way of guiding and challenging his team as well as creating harmony and a smile here and there. While mentoring those that were new to the Institute, he treated his associates with great respect. Although he was undoubtedly the boss, he remained a colleague among colleagues. He allowed us to speak our minds. He always had an open ear, willing to listen to our questions and suggestions, and if he saw light in them used them and incorporated them in his work. He affirmed us in what we did and encouraged us to grow professionally. We read his papers, evaluations, and responses critically, and he did the same with ours. He also took interest in our personal lives and was willing to share some of his burdens. In all this, he became a dear friend, and what would one wish more than to labor with someone who is a good friend? May his years of retirement be the most fruitful ones of his career. — Ekkehardt Mueller, Deputy Director of the Biblical Research Institute

Firm, scholarly, uncannily insightful, and conservative; yet gentle, considerate, humble, and creative. By vocation visible; yet retiring (no pun intended); witty and funny; yet dignified. These, and many more, are the rare combinations of traits that have won my admiration for Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, whom I will forever consider as colleague, counselor, confidant, friend and mentor. It is perhaps pointless to write here about his abilities and achievements as Director of the Biblical Research Institute. But for the benefit of posterity, we would be remiss not to mention Ángel’s passionate commitment to his vision of the role of the Institute for the message and mission of the church, making clear that BRI is at once authoritative, yet not authoritarian. And few have the ability to communicate that delicate balance as Ángel does. He will be sorely missed, but not too deeply, knowing that he continues the journey with us in a different capacity, hopefully, for the foreseeable future. — Kwabena Donkor, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute

At the farewell for Ángel Manuel Rodríguez.

Ángel Manuel Rodríguez is a gentleman and a scholar. It was my privilege to work with him for the last twelve years and I am pleased to know that he will continue working for BRI on a part-time basis. He is not only one of the top scholars of the church but a genuine Christian who loves the Lord and the Adventist message. Even when he disagreed with someone on theological issues he always remained the Christian gentleman. Because I am a few years older than Angel, he told me some time ago that I cannot retire before him. Now that he is stepping down I am free to retire at the end of the year. So, thank you, Ángel, for twelve wonderful and blessed years at BRI. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to serve Him. — Gerhard Pfandl, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute

It has been a wonderful privilege for me to work with Ángel since my coming to BRI in 2008. I have learned so much from him in such a short time that I confess being a little envious of my colleagues who have had a much longer tenure here and more opportunities than I to learn from him. Ángel exemplifies what it means to be “a gentleman and a scholar.” I have seen it expressed countless times, even in extremely delicate and challenging situations. He has challenged us all to excellence, in collegiality, productivity, fairness, discernment, candor, and tact. Ángel, as we look to the future, your continuing on at BRI in a part-time capacity will be greatly appreciated. — Clinton Wahlen, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute

Ángel, it has been a privilege to work with you during the past 6½ years. I have appreciated your kindness, admired your wisdom and enjoyed your sense of humor. You were not only a boss but also a friend. Thank you for all you taught me. I am a better person from having known you. — Brenda Flemmer, Administrative Assistant, Biblical Research Institute

I first met Ángel on the campus of Andrews University back in the 70s. We attended the same church – Berrien Springs Spanish Church – where he was my Sabbath School teacher. I was truly impressed with his deep insight and vast knowledge of God’s word. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to work with him later in life.

It has truly been a privilege and a great blessing for me to work with Ángel for the past twelve years. He has been a very kind and understanding boss. He always placed his trust in me and knew that I would meet my deadlines accordingly without having to micromanage the process. I have valued this trust so much!

Ángel’s knowledge of the Bible has been remarkable. His kindness in dealing with people, even amidst conflicts, has been a testament to true Christianity.

Thank you, Ángel, for all you have taught me. I will truly miss you here at BRI. May God continue to bless you in your preaching and writing. Happy retirement! — Marlene Bacchus, Desktop Publishing Specialist/Webmaster, Biblical Research Institute

I was commissioned by Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez to create a database of Adventist scholarship from hundreds of professional articles and papers stored in the Biblical Research Institute office. In the process I read many research papers authored by Angel. I came to the conclusion that it was impossible to properly summarize Angel’s theological thought since his intellectual curiosity was boundless and overflowed into many fields from inter-religious aesthetics, theology and science, theological aesthetics method, religion and liturgy, and Latino/a theology. All of us have been awakened by the legacy of this creative and fecund scholar. — Rex D. Edwards, BRI Research Assistant

Ángel, thank you for your careful stewardship of the Biblical Research Institute these many years. You have carefully protected the theology of our church and its theological positions, yet you have done so with an open mind, open to new insights, even change, when past positions no longer could be defended. However, in the end the teachings of our church and the role of Scripture in our life and faith have been confirmed by your work. God bless you and your family in the years ahead. — Niels-Erik Andreasen, President, Andrews University

When George Reid left BRI we were concerned, but Ángel fitted into the position easily and so ably. Ángel made us all feel comfortable and welcome. I appreciate his burden for integrating even the theologically-developing Divisions into the mainstream of Adventist theological discussion. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts, and wish our paths to cross again and again. — Gordon Christo, Executive Secretary, Southern Asia Division

Through the years it has been my pleasure and delight to work with Ángel. His warmth and collegiality are treasured and his contributions to the theological strength and mission of our Church have made a difference. I wish him well on his retirement and look forward to the numerous projects and contributions he will continue to make. — Denis Fortin, Dean and Professor of Theology, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Ángel has for many years been a spiritual and theological mentor to me. I can’t think of anyone who has influenced me more in the past twenty years than has Ángel. He is a great theologian and a man of character and integrity.

He will be sorely missed by a lot of people but, perhaps, none more than by me. — Clifford Goldstein, Editor, Adult Bible Study Guide

Ángel, how incredible to see some people who have earned the right to retire at such a young age! I want to thank you for many things. God has given you a clear and perceptive mind and abilities of a scholar, concealed in a pastoral heart. Your appreciation of systematic theologians, historical theologians, Christian ethicists, and philosophers as much as Old or New Testament theologians is a rare blessing. In addition, you have served the leadership of this church and have assumed the role of an ambassador to other denominations. Thank you for watching carefully the trends inside and outside of the church, and responding with effectiveness and style. In spite of all of this, you have been our friend, colleague, and brother. It is time now for the roses, cruises with your wife and family, and snoozes in an armchair or a hammock. — Miroslav Kiš, Chair, Department of Theology and Christian Philosophy and Professor of Ethics, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Over the past decade I have gotten to know Ángel as a wise, personable, warm, and gifted friend and colleague. He is always ready to listen and to take time. His leadership at BRICOM has been much appreciated. I will miss a friend whose door was always open and whose incisive questions have often led me to think beyond the obvious. Blessings to Ángel as he continues to serve his family and his church in a somewhat changed constellation. — Gerald A. Klingbeil, Associate Editor of Adventist Review/Adventist World magazines, Research Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

The service of Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez has meant to me inspiration to delve into the Word of God deeper, motivation to go further even in spite of seemingly insurmountable challenges, and a vision for what God can do through truly dedicated, humble, but proficient scholars. The unique way he managed to balance academic rigor, down-to-earth pragmatism, and a joyful, peaceful spirit, will always be an example to follow. — Dr. Barna Magyarosi, Education and Family Ministries Director, Euro-Africa Division

An iPad for Ángel Manuel Rodríguez’s active “retirement.”

I appreciate the spiritual and academic leadership that Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez gave to the worldwide Church as Director of BRI. I am particularly grateful to him for taking up the African Project which explored solutions to unique African theological challenges. His voluminous written materials and enthusiastic presentations validate and advocate the rare jewel of integrating scholarship and faith. His interpersonal relationship illustrates Christian practice and is greatly appreciated. May the Lord continue to bless him for the immense contribution which continues to share hope, affirm faith and uphold loyalty to Scripture. — Brempong Owusu-Antwi, Vice Chancellor, Adventist University Of Africa

I have always appreciated Ángel’s warm and welcoming attitude toward everyone he deals with, even when the topic of conversation is challenging. But what I have particularly appreciated is his willingness to follow the truth no matter where it leads. His openness to Scripture does not end at defending what he already believes; he has always been open to truth, no matter what the cost, and that has been a great inspiration to me. — Jon Paulien, Dean, School of Religion, Loma Linda University

A twinkle in the eye, a sage comment or question, remembering the name of a child or family member, standing firm but courteous about core issues. No one can do these things like Ángel can. He will be greatly missed both personally and organizationally. — John Reeve, Assistant Professor of Church History, and Teresa Reeve, Assistant Professor of New Testament Contexts, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Ángel has been an exemplary Adventist scholar who defends the truth biblically. In addition, he is a great motivator to young scholars to involve themselves in uplifting the Bible. — Richard Sabuin, Dean, AIIAS Theological Seminary

It has been my privilege to know and work with Ángel Manuel Rodríguez on BRICOM during the last five years. I first met Ángel when he was Academic Dean at Southwestern Adventist College (now University). He has always been friendly and thoughtful in our work together. One of the things I appreciate most about him is the way he pushes BRICOM to critically look at issues and to make valuable suggestions on tough issues. Ángel, I value your friendship and the wonderful intellectual and spiritual treasure that you have been to BRICOM and the wider Adventist Church. May God bless you in your retirement. — Tom Shepherd, Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Director of the Ph.D./Th.D. Programs, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Dr. Rodríguez, when I was a new student at Southwestern in 1991 you took the time to look over all my research paper proposals for Old Testament – finally helping me settle on Daniel 8 and the vertical dimension of the little horn. You also reminded us that there are only two types of sermons: horizontal, shallow ones and vertical, deep ones. I appreciate your patience, wisdom, and kindness – none were invested in vain. Thank You! — Ingo Sorke, Chair, School of Religion, Southwestern Adventist University

Ángel. Thank you for being there for your far-flung junior colleagues. I have really appreciated your support and your vision for nurturing not only the obvious areas but also the forgotten ones. More power to you as you change gears and focus, but retain the passion you have for a soon-returning Saviour. — David Tasker, Field Secretary, South Pacific Division

Ángel Manuel Rodríguez’s contributions to the Seventh-day Adventist Church could scarcely be overestimated. His writing skill, gentle but strong leadership and most of all his fidelity to Scripture have been a wonderful blessing to us all. — Cindy Tutsch, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate

Puerto Rico is a small island, but the Lord has taken from the least to glorify His name. Dr. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez is loved, admired and revered by several generations of lay members, pastors, administrators and scholars that have been inspired by his ministry. Gracias y la gloria sea para Dios Siempre! — Efraín Velázquez, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary