Gospels, Acts, and Hermeneutics

CIO Digest, October Issue

2007-10-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

My sincere apologies for no posts over the past several months. I lost my editor in chief for CIO Digest earlier this year and am now wearing one additional hat at work. With the hats stacked on top of one another, I probably resemble the Cat in the Hat at this juncture (and probably down to "Little Z" in bag of tricks).

That said, for those interested in technology, the latest issue (October) of CIO Digest may be of interest. It includes articles on "Green Virtualization," "Security Makeover," and "Making the Audit." And the executive interview with Dave Cullinane, the CISO at eBay Marketplaces, provides a thought-provoking view into what eBay does to help protect the security of its 38 marketplaces.

Now that the October issue is out the door, the editorial team is hard at work on the January issue. Watch for it to "hit the stands" in early to mid January.

Novum Testamentum 49:2, 2007

2007-05-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

Articles

Jesus as Archelaus in the Parable of the Pounds (Lk. 19:11-27) pp. 105-127
Author: Schultz, Brian

What Did Jesus Mean by την αρχην in John 8:25? pp. 129-147
Author: Caragounis, Chrys C.

Corpus suum tradere (Dan 3,28 [95]; 2Makk 7,37; 1Kor 13,3) pp. 149-151
Author: Bauer, Johannes B.

Diamonds in the Rough: A Reply to Christopher Stanley Concerning the Reader Competency of Paul's Original Audiences pp. 153-183
Author: Abasciano, Brian J.

The Gospel Commentary of Theophylact, and a Neglected Manuscript in Oxford pp. 185-196
Author: Brown, Andrew J.

Book Reviews

Rethinking the Synoptic Problem pp. 197-199
Author: Goodacre, Mark

The Purpose of the Gospel of Mark in Its Historical and Social Context pp. 200-202
Author: Iverson, Kelly R.

Calendar, Chronology and Worship; Studies in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity pp. 203-204
Author: Collins, Nina L.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 29:4 (2007)

2007-05-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Justin J. Meggitt
The Madness of King Jesus: Why was Jesus Put to Death, but his Followers were not? Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 379-413. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Paula Fredriksen
Why was Jesus Crucified, but his Followers were not? Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 415-419. [PDF] [References]

Joel Marcus
Meggitt on the Madness and Kingship of Jesus Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 421-424. [PDF] [References]

Michael F. Bird
The Unity of Luke—Acts in Recent Discussion Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 425-448. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

C. Kavin Rowe
Literary Unity and Reception History: Reading Luke—Acts as Luke and Acts Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 449-457. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Andrew Gregory
The Reception of Luke and Acts and the Unity of Luke—Acts Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 459-472. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Peter S. Perry
Critiquing the Excess of Empire: A Synkrisis of John of Patmos and Dio of Prusa Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 473-496. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Alison Jack
Book Review: Bridget Gilfillan Upton, Hearing Mark's Endings: Listening to Ancient Popular Texts through Speech Act Theory (Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2006). pp. xviii + 240. ISBN 90 04 14791 8 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 497-498. [PDF]

Index to JSNT Volume 29: 2006—2007 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 499-501. [PDF]

The Journal of Theological Interpretation (first issue)

2007-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

The first issue of JTI (published by Eisenbrauns) recently posted. While there are a number of journals out there, JTI is a welcome addition. It embraces a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates interactions between theology and biblical studies. One of the articles from the issue (the article by Murray Rae) is available as a free sample: https://www.eisenbrauns.com/assets/journals/JTI/JTI-Sample-Issue.pdf.

Why a New Theological Journal?
Critical biblical scholarship as developed and defined since the mid-eighteenth century has played a significant and welcome role in pressing us to take biblical texts seriously on their own terms and diverse contexts. With the postmodern turn, additional questions have surfaced—including the theological and ecclesial location of biblical interpretation, the significance of canon and creed for biblical hermeneutics, the historical reception of biblical texts, and other more pointedly theological interests. How might we engage interpretively with the Christian Scriptures so as to hear and attend to God's voice? The Journal of Theological Interpretation aims to serve these agendas.

Contribute
Contributions in areas such as:
-Theological exegesis of selected biblical texts
-Concerns of theological method and the role of Scripture in theology and ethics
-The history of reception or history of interpretation of biblical texts
-Major review essays interacting with key books, contemporary or classical
-Hermeneutical challenges in theological exegesis

Table of Contents for JTI
JTI 1.1 (Spring 2007)

ARTICLES
Can Narrative Criticism Recover the Unity of Scripture?
by Richard B. Hays

Texts in Context: Scripture and the Divine Economy
by Murray Rae

Mission, Hermeneutics, and the Local Church
by Michael A. Rynkiewich

Christ in All the Scriptures? The Challenge of Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture
by R.W.L. Moberly

REVIEW ARTICLE
"A Seamless Garment": Approach to Biblical Interpretation?
by Michael J. Gorman

Zeitschrift fur die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98:1, 2007

2007-04-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

A Century with the Sitz im Leben. From Form-Critical Setting to Gospel Community and Beyond
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Samuel Byrskog
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 1-27 The German expression Sitz im Leben celebrates 100 years of use in Biblical scholarship and continues to evoke scholarly attention and discussion. The growing interest in the social factors behind the formation of early Christian groups and their identities has its background in this century old notion. Gerd Theissen has repeatedly expressed the conviction that the sociological study of early Christianity is a way of shedding light on and expanding it.

Legionsschweine in Gerasa. Lokalkolorit und historischer Hintergrund von Mk 5,1-20
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Matthias Klinghardt
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 28-48 I. Fragestellung Die Erzahlung vom Exorzismus des Besessenen im Land der Gerasener (Mk 5,1-20) ist gepragt von dem extravaganten Schicksal des unreinen Geistes, der in eine Schweineherde fahrt, die sich in den See Genezareth sturzt und ertrinkt. Es ist gerade diese Extravaganz, die den Text in neuerer Zeit zu einem Paradebeispiel fur den methodischen Streit zwischen historischer und asthetischer Auslegung gemacht hat: Die historische Erklarung versucht, literarkritisch eine alteste Schicht des komplexen Textes herauszuschalen, um so einen historischen Exorzismus plausibel zu machen, zu dem dann auch die Schweineepisode gehort haben soll, wie neuerdings erwogen wurde. Wie so haufig, bleibt diese literarkritische Operation allerdings eine Erklarung fur das Wachstum dieser Urfassung schuldig. Auf der anderen Seite hat gerade das expressive Bild der sich in den See sturzenden und ertrinkenden Schweine eine ganze Flut von asthetischen, symbolischen und (tiefen)psychologischen Auslegungen angeregt. Auch wenn man sich darauf verstandigt, dass eine im weitesten Sinn >>symbolische<< Deutung auf der Ebene der Erstrezipienten historisch wahrscheinlich zu machen ist, bleibt naturlich die Frage, welche textexternen Informationen bei Lesern vorausgesetzt werden konnen und wie sie fur das Verstandnis nutzbar zu machen sind.

Zwischen Johannes und Ignatius. Theologischer Widerstreit in den Gemeinden der Asia
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Ulrich B Muller
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 49-67 Mit dem Seher Johannes und dem Bischof Ignatius von Antiochien erscheinen zwei ganz verschiedene Gestalten im eng begrenzten Kirchengebiet der romischen Provinz Asia. Erweckt der eine den Eindruck, keines der institutionalisierten Gemeindeamter zu beachten, so tritt der andere als leidenschaftlicher Verfechter des Bischofsamtes auf. Weniges scheint die beiden zu verbinden, immerhin aber eine vergleichbare Nahe zum Gedanken des Martyriums, wenn der eine, Johannes, doch wohl zwangsweise, d.h. >>um des Wortes Gottes willen und des Zeugnisses Jesu<< (Offb 1,9), auf der Insel Patmos weilte, der andere, Ignatius, ganz entschlossen dem Martyrertod in Rom entgegensieht (z. B. IgnRom 1,2; 4,1 - 7,3). Ansonsten begegnet eher Trennendes, wenn man Johannes und Ignatius vergleicht. Johannes lebt ganz in der Bibel des Alten Bundes, wenn er alttestamentliche Schriftstellen standig benutzt, ohne die Zitate als solche zu kennzeichnen; Ignatius bezieht sich auf die >>Urkunden<

Gibt es religionsgeschichtliche Parallelen zur Taufe fur die Toten (1Kor 15,29)?
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Dieter Zeller
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 68-76 Zunachst einmal muss gegen alle Versuche, die Stelle >>dogmatisch korrekt<<>>an Stelle von<>zugunsten von<

Kirche im Anschluss an Paulus. Aspekte der Paulusrezeption in der Apostelgeschichte und in den Pastoralbriefen
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Jens Schroter
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 77-104 Die Apostelgeschichte und die Pastoralbriefe gehoren zu derjenigen Auspragung des fruhen Christentums, die sich dem Erbe des Paulus verpflichtet wusste. Diese Richtung, die gelegentlich mit dem missverstandlichen Begriff >>Paulusschule<<>>Schule<< gehort hatten, der man sogar einen bestimmten Ort zuweisen konne, wird man dagegen kaum sagen konnen. Vielmehr wird das Erbe des Paulus hier auf verschiedene Weise fortentwickelt und fur die entstehende Kirche fruchtbar gemacht.

The cura morum of the Roman Censors as Historical Background for the Bishop and Deacon Lists of the Pastoral Epistles
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Boris A Paschke
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 105-119 Introduction With regard to ancient parallels to the required qualifications for , and listed in 1Tim 3,1-13 and Tit 1,5-9 a clear consensus among recent commentators of the Pastoral Epistles exists. In (consciously) following the much older works of Jacobus Wettstein, Martin Dibelius, and Anton Vogtle they all point towards the so-called Berufspflichtenlehren, i.e. duty codes for a specific occupation, of the Greco-Roman world. Donald Guthrie, for instance, writes: "In Greek circles parallel lists were current for various occupations, such as kings, generals, midwives. The qualities required for Christian administrators are strikingly similar in many particulars."

The Son of God and the Angelomorphic Holy Spirit: A Rereading of the Shepherd's Christology
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Bogdan G Bucur
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 120-142 1. Introduction The Shepherd of Hermas is "one of the most enigmatic writings to have come down to us from Christian antiquity"; it "bristles with problems, both literary and theological." From a doctrinal point of view, it is puzzling that this text never scandalized its contemporaries or later Orthodoxy. Indeed, if the Christology of this writing "is what most interpreters say it is it is strange that this immensely popular document of the early church was never condemned for Christological heresy."

Cana-to-Cana or Galilee-to-Galilee. A Note on the Structure of the Gospel of John
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Peter-Ben Smit
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 143-149 Often, the second section of John, after the prologue, is identified as John 2,1-4,54 and described as a Cana-to-Cana-cycle, introducing Jesus' ministry, bracketed by his first two signs (John 2,11; 4,54). This thesis has been foregrounded powerfully by (a.o.) Moloney, whereas other options exist as well. According to Moloney, the cycle begins with John 2,1-11, which is followed by the cleansing of the temple (2,13-22), a summary of Jesus' signs in Jerusalem together with Jesus' cardiognosy (John 2,23-25), the conversation with Nicodemus (John 3,1-13.14-21), the discussion of the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus (John 3,22-36), the water of life discourse and the Samaritans' response to Jesus (John 4,1-42), and the concluding healing miracle in Galilee (John 4,43-54). The latter counts as Jesus' second sign (John 4,46) and is preceded by a reminder of the first sign (cf. John 2,11). This subsection of John itself is included in the larger narrative of Jesus' public ministry (John 1,19-12,50) after which John's passion narrative begins. The purpose of this literary unit is to clarify John's concept of appropriate faith: doing the will of God (John 4,34). This kind of faith is exemplified by the royal official at Cana (John 4,43-54).

Mit Kain kam der Tod in die Welt. Zur Auslegung von SapSal 2,24 in 1 Clem 3,4; 4,1-7, mit einem Seitenblick auf Polykarp, Phil. 7,1 und Theophilus, Ad Autol. II, 29,3-4
Wednesday, February 07, 2007, 5:00:00 PM Jan Dochhorn
Zeitschrift für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft und Kunde der Alteren Kirche 98(1part2): 150-159 1. SapSal 2,24 und 1 Clem 3,4; 4,1-7 Die Sapientia Salomonis, eine fruhjudische Weisheitsschrift, die vermutlich dem ersten Jahrhundert nach Christus entstammt, konstatiert an einer Stelle, dass der Tod durch den Neid des Teufels in die Welt gekommen sei (2,24: ). Diese Aussage wird gewohnlich mit der Geschichte von Adam und Eva im Garten Eden (Gen 3) in Verbindung gebracht; dies gilt fur die neuere Forschungsliteratur gleichermassen wie fur die altkirchliche Uberlieferung; man vergleiche etwa die Auslegung in dem nach wie vor beachtlichen Kommentar von Fichtner oder - als patristische Zeugnisse - Cyprian, Zel. 4 (CChr.SL IIIA, 76-77) und Hieronymus, Ep. 118,18,1 (CSEL 56, 329). Der wichtigste Grund fur diese Auslegung durfte darin bestehen, dass unmittelbar zuvor von der Unsterblichkeit und vor allem von der Gottebenbildlichkeit des Menschen die Rede war (SapSal 2,23: [>>denn Gott schuf den Menschen zur Unsterblichkeit, und zum Ebenbild seiner eigenen Ewigkeit/Eigenheit machte er ihn<

Biblica 88:1, 2007

2007-04-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

PDF files can be downloaded: http://www.bsw.org/?l=7188

Commentationes
G.T.K. Wong, «Song of Deborah as Polemic» , Vol. 88 (2007) 1-22.
Focusing on its rhetorical structure, this article argues that the Song of Deborah in Judg 5 may have been composed not so much primarily to celebrate a victory, but to serve as a polemic against Israelite non-participation in military campaigns against foreign enemies. Possible implications of such a reading on the song’s relationship with the prose account in Judg 4 and its date of composition are also explored.

J.H. Kim, «Intentionale Varianten der Habakukzitate im Pesher Habakuk Rezeptionsästhetisch untersucht» , Vol. 88 (2007) 23-37.
In this essay the character of the citations (lemmata) of 1QpHab is discussed. Compared with the MT, there are 135 (resp. 153) variants in the citations of 1QpHab. Even if the majority of them can be regarded and explained textcritically, there is however a number of variants (probably about 25 to 30 %) that can and should be explained in the light of the intention of the author of the pesher. This means that those variants are not the result of textual corruption, scribal errors or simple misreadings, but that they are — as all the quotations of the Habakuk-texts — an integral part of the pesher and that those variants are shaped by the world and by the intention of the author. To understand this process, the theory and the categories of reception aesthetics, especially its understanding of the “reading process”, prove quite useful. To demonstrate this understanding, several cases are singled out and discussed.

H. van de Sandt, «James 4,1-4 in the Light of the Jewish Two Ways Tradition 3,1-6» , Vol. 88(2007) 38-63.
The author of the Letter of James accuses his readers (Jas 4,1-4) of being responsible for war, murder and adultery. How are we to explain this charge? This paper shows that the material in Jas 1,13-21; 2,8-11 and 4,1-4 is closely akin to the teknon section in Did 3,1-6. The teknon section belonged to the Jewish Two Ways tradition which, for the most part, is covered by the first six chapters of the Didache. Interestingly, Did 3,1-6 exhibits close affinity with the ethical principles of a particular stream of Rabbinic tradition found in early Derekh Erets treatises. James 4,1-4 should be considered a further development of the warnings in Did 3,1-6.

R. Schwindt, «Mehr Wurzel als Stamm und Krone. Zur Bildrede vom Ölbaum in Röm 11,16-24» , Vol. 88 (2007) 64-91.
Exegesis and theology hope to gain important insights and fresh impetus for the Christian-Jewish dialogue from the metaphoric speech of Paul about the olive tree. The strong mutual penetration of figurativness and interpretation as well as their primary paraenetic character imply however a varied semantics. The electing and promising word of God is the primary and decisive parameter of reference in the interpretation of the metaphoric structure. The interpretation of the individual image-elements as persons has to derive of it secundary. Their assignment is determined by the peculiar morphology of the olive tree. A look at growth and figure of the olive tree shows, that its roots, beeing nearly as strong as the trunk, can hardly be distinguished from it. Therefore a reference of the tree to Christ can be excluded. The traditional interpretation of the root as Abraham (or rather the patriarchs) and of the olive tree as Israel have the greatest plausibility on the secundary level. Both, Abraham and Israel, represent the electing and promising Logos of God. The faith-motive and further contextual indications give this theological basic dynamics a christological component too. The faith in Christ puts under the promising word of God. Pagans and jews will take part on the olive tree of life, which is nourished on the promising of God, the faith of the patriarchs and the gospel of Christ.

Animadversiones
D. Timmer, «Small Lexemes, Large Semantics: Prepositions and Theology in the Golden Calf Episode (Exodus 32–34)» , Vol. 88 (2007) 92-99.
Despite the current methodological impasse with which OT studies continues to wrestle, this study shows that dynamic elements within the text can, somewhat surprisingly, contribute to the text’s coherence. The various prepositions and statements regarding divine presence in Exod 32–34 are fundamental to the development and integrity of the narrative as its stands. Further, the fact that this complex progression in divine presence spans pericopae usually attributed to various sources suggests that the various pericopae are more in harmony with one another than is often recognized. These conclusions call for renewed attention to the text of Exodus as it stands, both within the golden calf episode and more broadly.

J. Becker, «Zur Deutung von Jes 45,11b» , Vol. 88 (2007) 100-109.
In Isa 45,11b no conjecture may be prefered to masoretic s]e)a4lu=n= and ha4)otiyyo]t, and the masoretic division of the sentence should be maintained. Special attention is payed to a comparison of Isa 45,9-13 with 41,21-29 and to the meaning of s[iwwa] (al and po(al ya4day. The sentence may be translated as follows: “For the future things ask me, the leading of my sons, which are the work of my hands, commit to me”. The sentence seems to be adressed to the people of Israel.

A. Hock, «Christ is the Parade: A Comparative Study of the Triumphal Procession in 2 Cor 2,14 and Col 2,15» , Vol. 88 (2007) 110-119.
In discussing the meaning of the verb qriambeu&ein in 2 Cor 2,14 and Col 2,15 commentators have failed to compare the two occurrences. This comparison is the purpose of the present study. After scrutinizing the respective expressions e)n tw= Xristw=(2 Cor 2,14), and e)n au)tw=(Col 2,15), after analyzing the dynamics of the participles, and by seeking to identify the persons behind the personal pronouns hma=j in 2 Cor, and au=tou/j in Col, we arrive at the conclusion that the objects of the parade are not captives, but are incorporated into the triumphant Christ, who, therefore, is the parade.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29:3, 2007

2007-04-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Zeba A. Crook
Structure versus Agency in Studies of the Biblical Social World: Engaging with Louise Lawrence Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 251-275. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Louise J. Lawrence
Structure, Agency and Ideology: A Response to Zeba Crook Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 277-286. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

Deborah Thompson Prince
The ‘Ghost’ of Jesus: Luke 24 in Light of Ancient Narratives of Post-Mortem Apparitions Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 287-301. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]
David G. Horrell
What Should a Commentator Aim to Do, for Whom, and Why? Introduction to a Discussion Focused on Andrew Lincoln’s Commentary on the Gospel of John Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 303-304. [Abstract] [PDF] [References]

John Nolland
The Purpose and Value of Commentaries Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 305-311. [PDF] [References]

Margaret Y. MacDonald
The Art of Commentary Writing: Reflections from Experience Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 313-321. [PDF] [References]

John Riches
Why Write a Reception-Historical Commentary? Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 323-332. [PDF] [References]

Adele Reinhartz
Why Comment? Reflections on Bible Commentaries in General and Andrew Lincoln’s The Gospel According to Saint John in Particular Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 333-342. [PDF] [References]

Wendy E.S. North
A Christology too Far? Some Thoughts on Andrew Lincoln’s Commentary on John Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 343-351. [PDF] [References]

Andrew T. Lincoln
From Writing to Reception: Reflections on Commentating on the Fourth Gospel Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 353-372. [PDF] [References]

Steve Walton
Book Review: Locating Paul: Places of Custody as Narrative Settings in Acts 21-28 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007 29: 373-375. [PDF]

New Testament Studies 53:2, 2007

2007-04-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Research Articles

Galilee as Laboratory: Experiments for New Testament Historians and Theologians
by SEAN FREYNE
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 147-164
Abstract

Le (Fils) monogène dans les écrits johanniques: Évolution des traditions et élaboration rédactionnelle
by MICHÈLE MORGEN
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 165-183
Abstract

Paulus und der Herodianische Tempel
by FRIEDRICH WILHELM HORN
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 184-203
Abstract

The Meaning of the Phrase τα στ[omicron]ιχεια τ[omicron]υ κ[omicron]σμ[omicron]υ in Galatians
by MARTINUS C. DE BOER
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 204-224
Abstract

There is Neither Old Nor Young? Early Christianity and Ancient Ideologies of Age
by JOHN M. G. BARCLAY
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 225-241
Abstract

Diaspora Discourse: The Construction of Ethos in James
by JOHN S. KLOPPENBORG
New Testament Studies, Volume 53, Issue 02, April 2007, pp 242-270
Abstract

Biblical Theological Bulletin 36, 2006

2007-04-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Most articles are available, though the HTML links for several in the fourth issue are not live yet.

36:1 Spring 2006
Table of Contents

Presenting the Issue
Social Memory and Biblical Studies: Theory, Method, and Application
by Dennis Duling

Products, Processes, and Practices: A Non-Reificatory Approach to Collective Memory
by Jeffrey K. Olick

The Generative Force of Memory: Early Christian Traditionsas Processes of Remembering
by Werner H. Kelber

Paul’s Contestation of Israel’s (Ethnic) Memory of Abraham in Galatians 3
by Philip F. Esler

Social Memory and the Didache
by Ritva H. Williams

Book Reviews

36:2 Summer 2006
Table of Contents

Presenting the Issue
Reflections on Reshaping Biblical Characters and Values
by David M. Bossman

The Determination of Social Identity in the Story of Ruth
by Victor H. Matthews

Judith the Heroine? Lies, Seduction, and Murder in Cultural Perspective
by David A. deSilva

Pilate the Villain: An Alternative Reading of Matthew's Portrayal of Pilate
by Callie Callon

This Old Text: An Analogy for Biblical Interpretation
by Barbara Green

Book Reviews

36:3 Fall 2006
Table of Contents

Presenting the Issue
Once Upon a Kingdom
by David M. Bossman

Rethinking John's Social Setting: Hidden Transcript, Anti-Language, and the Negotiation of the Empire
by David Reed

Worship in the Fourth Gospel: A Cultural Interpretation of John 14-18 (Part 1)
by Jerome H. Neyrey

Performance Criticism: An Emerging Methodology in Second Testament Studies (Part 1)
by David Rhoads

Book Reviews

36:4 Winter 2006
Table of Contents

Presenting the Issue: Fundamentals Reconsidered
by David M. Bossman

An Overlooked Message: The Critique of Kings and Affirmation of Equality in the Primeval History
by Robert K. Gnuse

Worship in the Fourth Gospel: A Cultural Interpretation of John 14-17 -- Part II
by Jerome H. Neyrey

Performance Criticism: An Emerging Methodology in Second Testament Studides -- Part II
by David Rhodes

Book Reviews

Novum Testamentum 49:2, 2007

2007-04-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Articles

Jesus as Archelaus in the Parable of the Pounds (Lk. 19:11-27) pp. 105-127(23) Author: Schultz, Brian

What Did Jesus Mean by την αρχην in John 8:25? pp. 129-147(19) Author: Caragounis, Chrys C.

Corpus suum tradere (Dan 3,28 [95]; 2Makk 7,37; 1Kor 13,3) pp. 149-151(3) Author: Bauer, Johannes B.

Diamonds in the Rough: A Reply to Christopher Stanley Concerning the Reader Competency of Paul's Original Audiences pp. 153-183(31) Author: Abasciano, Brian J.

The Gospel Commentary of Theophylact, and a Neglected Manuscript in Oxford pp. 185-196(12) Author: Brown, Andrew J.
Book Reviews

Rethinking the Synoptic Problem pp. 197-199(3) Author: Goodacre, Mark

The Purpose of the Gospel of Mark in Its Historical and Social Context pp. 200-202(3) Author: Iverson, Kelly R.

Calendar, Chronology and Worship; Studies in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity pp. 203-204(2) Author: Collins, Nina L.
Book Notes

Book Notes pp. 205-208(4) Author: Elliott, J.K.

New Issue of Currents in Biblical Research (June 2007; 5:3)

2007-04-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

A new issue of Currents in Biblical Research is available online:
1 June 2007; Vol. 5, No. 3

The below Table of Contents is available online at: http://cbi.sagepub.com/content/vol5/issue3/?etoc

Editorial Foreword
Alan J. Hauser, Scot McKnight, and Jonathan Klawans

Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 292-294 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/5/3/292
Abbreviations

Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 295-297 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/5/3/295

Twenty-five Years of Marxist Biblical Criticism
Roland Boer
Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 298-321 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/3/298

Recent Eastern Orthodox Interpretation of the New Testament
Timothy Clark
Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 322-340 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/3/322

The Unity of Luke—Acts: A Four-Bolted Hermeneutical Hinge
Patrick E. Spencer
Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 341-366 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/3/341

Apocalypses and Apocalypticism in Antiquity: (Part II)
Lorenzo DiTommaso
Currents in Biblical Research 2007;5 367-432 http://cbi.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/5/3/367

Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership

2007-03-02T20:50:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered a new publication that addresses the intersection of biblical leadership, theological appropriation, and ethics. And while the articles are a bit simplistic in their exegetical approach and analysis (e.g., mapping of management leadership models to biblical precepts and frameworks, etc.), as biblical studies is all too often divorced from theological appropriation, the journal is a welcome addition. The articles are currently available for free download.

The purpose statement for the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership reads as follows:

"The Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership (JBPL) is a refereed scholarly journal that aims to provide a forum for international research and exploration of leadership studies focused on the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Representing the multidisciplinary fields of biblical, social-science, historical and leadership studies, the JBPL publishes qualitative research papers that explore, engage and extend the field of knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of leadership as found within the contexts of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. To stimulate scholarly debate and a free flow of ideas, the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in Leadership is published in electronic format and provides access to all issues free of charge."

The first issue contains the following articles:

TOWARD A THEOLOGY OF LEADERSHIP
by Michale Ayers
With all the dynamic research in leadership over the past fifty years, the writings of Hickman, Northouse, and Yukl reveal that leadership studies do not generally embrace theology in the leadership context. This study examines this reality and proposes a common language for the convergence of theology and leadership. A theological treatment of leadership is offered through an exegesis and socio-rhetorical critical analysis of the Christological hymn of Philippians 2:5-11, along with the application of the common language in this theological treatment. The paper concludes by applying the convergence of theology and leadership as found in this text to social definitions of leadership and transformational leadership theory.

THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS: INSTILLING VALUES USING SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP
by Gordon R. Middleton
Values lie at the heart of leadership, and the infusion of values to followers remains an important, and sometimes, difficult challenge. The apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians to instill particular values within the recipient Christian fellowships. In so doing, his letter exhibits insightful assessment of his audience and demonstrates the use of situational leadership in attempting to instill the values he felt were important. Paul adapted his approaches to leading followers according to the readiness level of the followers. He tailored his communication style to the characteristics of his audiences in a way very consistent with the Situational Leadership Model of Hersey and Blanchard. Ephesians provides an excellent example from the first century of a leader assessing his followers and adjusting his leadership style to fit their readiness as followers. These results provide encouragement to religious and secular leaders today to follow his approach in achieving effective communications.

JOHN 21: A JOHANNINE MODEL OF LEADERSHIP
by Randy Poon
In John 21:1-25, the author provides a description of Jesus' third encounter with His disciples following His resurrection. Through the use of socio-rhetorical criticism and in particular, inner texture analysis, we exegetically examine the text and ascertain John's perspective of Jesus' leadership. Four key themes emerge from this analysis of Jesus as change agent and guide. We come to understand leadership as love, restorative preparation, the nurturing of commitment, and the guidance toward higher-order objectives. Together these elements come to form a Johannine model of leadership that aligns with socio-cultural norms and beliefs in both the author's time and today.

SAFETY IN UNCERTAINTY FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: AN INNER TEXTURE READING OF HEBREWS 11:23-29
by Daniel Rogers
This article explores the inner texture of Hebrews 11:23-29 and attempts to decipher the components of Moses' leadership development by faith. The process that Moses goes through as portrayed in this passage is then related with additional passages in Hebrews and its implications for global leadership. This article uses a socio-rhetorical approach to Scripture to focus on the relational aspects of leadership development within both people and organizations. After analyzing the Scripture, this process is compared and contrasted with Winston and Patterson's integrative definition of leadership, an example of its cross-cultural effectiveness is provided, and a recommendation is formulated to help us understand safety in uncertainty.

Household Conversion Narratives in Acts: Pattern and Interpretation by David Lertis Matson

2007-03-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

I submitted this book review to one of the academic publications and did not realize that it was not included until several years afterwards. At that point in time, the book review was no longer relevant for a publication, and thus I forgot about it. However, I recently re-discovered it while cleaning some files from an old system and thought it would be worthwhile to post it as a blog. I also noticed a number of references to it in chapter 7 of Mikeal Parson's new book Luke: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist, a thought-provoking, narrative-rhetorical approach to the narrative of Luke.

Household Conversion Narratives in Acts: Pattern and Interpretation
Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement Series 123
David Lertis Matson
$85.00
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1996
Pp. 224
Cloth
Matson originally wrote this monograph as a dissertation at Baylor University under the direction of Mikeal Parsons. Utilizing a methodological approach that he describes as "a text-centered type of narrative criticism" (15), he endeavors to address the literary function of the household conversion narratives in Luke-Acts. The purpose of the study is to examine the literary function of the household conversion narratives by focusing upon literary patterns of the text and the "idealized" implied reader. It is divided into four parts: an introduction; an examination of the household mission in Luke; an investigation of the relationship of the household mission in Acts to the previous pattern established in Luke; and a concluding summary.

The locus of Matson's argument is that the mission of the seventy-two in Luke 10:5-7 functions as a type-scene, that is, it establishes a pattern that is repeated in subsequent household conversion stories. It consists of the following elements: (1) the "house" serves as the place of proclamation and acceptance of the gospel; (2) messengers bring a salvific word to the inhabitants of the household; and (3) the messengers stay in the house, eating and drinking with its inhabitants. Each of these are represented via the repetition of key words. Three such terms reoccur the most often in the household conversion type-scene: "house," "enter," and "remain."
Matson utilizes these and other facets of Luke 10:5-7 to identify five episodes that correspond as household conversion type-scenes: the story of Zachaeus (Luke 19:1-10); the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-11:18); the encounter with Lydia (16:11-15); the conversion of the Roman jailer (Acts 16:25-34); and the conversion of Crispus (Acts 18:5-11). He ascertains, as a result, that the primary function of the household conversion type-scenes is as an elaboration upon the theme of universal salvation, which is exemplified in the form of table-fellowship.

The most valuable aspect of the book is Matson's assertion that the mission of the seventy-two in Luke 10:5-7 prefigures — by means of repeated words and patterns — succeeding household conversion scenes. The book's overall value, however, is marred by deficiencies in its methodology, argument, and format.

The methodology is lacking in at least two ways. At the beginning of the book Matson indicates that his approach will reflect both narrative and readerly concerns. Yet, for the most part, the analysis pays little attention to the reader, focusing instead on textual features of the narrative. Interested readers of the book thus are left to wonder how a reader might respond to the various roles that the narrative proffers. On a different note, Matson bases his methodological approach on secondary sources, namely, secular literary criticism filtered through biblical scholarship (e.g., the use of "proximate" and "global" [89]). Mindful readers, however, expect the methodological basis for a book belonging to an academic monograph series and moreover one originally written as a dissertation to stem from primary sources.

At least two aspects of the author's argument are problematic. While Matson's contention that the mission of the seventy-two in Luke 10 establishes a pattern which is reflected in subsequent household conversion stories is apropos, his argument that it functions as a household conversion type-scene is enigmatic. Three things suggest that Luke 10 does not correspond as such: (1) if Luke 10 is a type-scene, it probably covers more than just household conversion narratives, as both the "city" as well as the "house" are mentioned as locales of missionary activity; (2) according to Robert Alter (The Art of Biblical Narrative [New York: Basic Books, 1981] 47-61), upon whom Matson bases his analysis, type-scenes — contra Luke 10 — are episodes with certain characters and interactions, which provide similar patterns of expectations for the reader; and (3) there is significant deviation between the various episodes that Matson classifies as adhering to the type-scene of Luke 10. Though the author purports to examine readerly concerns, he fails to explain the process through which a reader determines the presence of a three-fold type-scene taxonomy from Luke 10 and, moreover, thereafter recognizes its presence in ensuing episodes (185-86).

A notable amount of discussion that Matson includes in the main text of the book is extraneous to the study. For example, the author tends to insert references to possible intertextual connections with the Old Testament that have little relevance to his immediate discussion. A good example is the mention of a possible intertextual connection between 1 Kgs 8:10-11 and Acts 2:2 and 10:4-5, 18 in the chapter dealing with the conversion of Cornelius and his household (130-31). Perhaps an even more striking instance is the reference to possible intertextual connections with Old Testament household conversion narratives in the book's conclusion (185). Second, in the midst of his discussion on the narrative relevance of Luke 10 as a household conversion type-scene, Matson strays into an overview of scholarly opinion regarding its redactional history (30-32). Third, in the middle portion of the book the author seems to lose sight of the book's actual purpose by digressing into lengthy and tedious analyses of each household conversion narrative. Finally, in book's conclusion the author — following the lead of Mikeal Parsons, the chairperson of his dissertation — interjects a discussion on the narrative unity of Luke-Acts, maintaining that aspects of its narrative are in tension with one another (192-98). Why he includes this discussion is unclear, however, for he never identifies any facet of the household conversion stories that could be construed as in tension with the rest of Luke-Acts.

The value of the book lies primarily in its thesis that Luke 10 sets forth a pattern that is replicated in subsequent missionary activity of Luke-Acts. Had this thesis been better argued and presented, and had it rested on a more consistent methodology, its contribution to study of the Lukan narrative would be more persuasive.

Narrative Criticism and the New Testament

2007-02-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

Frustrated by the lack of intersection between biblical interpretation--and least the modernistic methods I knew at the time--and theology, I began a hermeneutical sojourn that traversed myriad methodological approaches. One of initial methodologies that I encountered was narrative criticism, an interpretive lens that proved quite useful--and continues to prove itself--in uncovering new vistas in texts that had withered in the modernistic sun. And while I've moved on to other interpretive approaches such as reader-response criticism, intertextuality, ideological criticism, feminist criticism, among others, I still find narrative criticism to be a very fruitful tool.

Hence, I was quite excited when James L. Resseuguie's Narrative Criticism of the New Testament appeared. And while the book lays a solid methodological foundation and contains various examples sprinkled into the discussion, it falls flat and the gap for a cogent introduction to narrative criticism and the New Testament remains. For more on Narrative Criticism of the New Testament, see my RBL review.

There are several other books on narrative criticism and the New Testament that scholars, lay teachers, and interested lay readers may find useful, including How to Read Bible Stories by Daniel Marguerat, Yvan Bourquin, and John Bowden, and What Is Narrative Criticism? by Mark Allan Powell.

Mandaeans, John the Baptist, and the Narrative Discourse of Luke-Acts

2007-02-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

Stephen Carlson recently blogged on the Mandaeans and included several links to different sites on the plight of the Mandaeans today. The links include several articles that provide detail on the persecution the sect is experiencing in Iraq and how, as a result, it has alarmingly dwindling numbers (with the State Department attempting to find ways to get them out of Iraq).

There is obstensible evidence that a John the Baptist following--sect--dates back to the first century CE. The best resource is John the Baptist by Charles Scobie. In my research on the narrative discourse of Luke-Acts, I find sufficient evidence for a John the Baptist following in the late first century CE, as the rhetorical posturing of the Lukan implied author (e.g., Jesus greater than John in the birth narratives and the episode in Lk. 7.18-35, the episodes involving Apollos in Acts 18.24-28 and John's disciples in Acts 19.1-7, etc.) seemingly indicates the presence of a competing group. Nonetheless, it isn't completely clear if this "group" is from within or outside the authorial audience. And, of course, it is unlikely the gnostic underpinnings that form a core of the Mandaean writings can be traced back to this first-century CE group of John the Baptist followers, as there is no indication of gnostic tradents.