Ralph P. Martin, a prominent Bible scholar and author of numerous studies and commentaries on the New Testament, died Monday, Feb. 25, in Southport, England. He was 88.

Martin was professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he served for many years. He was also an associate professor in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield and taught at the Graduate School of Theology of Azusa Pacific University.

Martin's doctoral dissertation, Carmen Christi: Philippians ii. 5-11 in Recent Interpretation and in the Setting of Early Christian Worship (Cambridge University Press), established him as an authority on Phil. 2:5-11. In 1997, his dissertation was reissued by InterVarsity Press (IVP) as A Hymn of Christ.

Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the New Testament, Martin served as co-editor of IVP's Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments.

"Martin's graciousness and moderation in dealing with sensitive issues of New Testament criticism is a model that calls for reflection and emulation in our increasingly polarized environment," said IVP Senior Editor Dan Reid. "IVP is thankful to God for the gifts and generosity of this remarkable Christian gentleman and scholar."

Among other titles, Martin also wrote Philippians in the "Tyndale New Testament Commentaries" series (Tyndale House Publishers); and Mark: Evangelist and Theologian (Zondervan) and Worship in the Early Church (Wm. B. Eerdmans). He also served as editor of several titles in the "Word Biblical Commentary" set (Thomas Nelson).