For the first day of class in my John course, I will be doing a short devotional on John17:3 where the Johannine Jesus explains “eternal life” as knowledge of “the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (NRSV). I have always wondered how to understand the affirmation of “one true God” and the addition of “Jesus Christ.” Which one is it, John? Make up your mind! One might get the impression that there is some confusion on... Read more

In the latest issue of Catalyst Online (A Methodist periodical; the link sometimes does not work, not sure why), Joel Green weighs in on how to best build your Gospels & Acts commentary library. To be brief, here are his recs: Matthew R.T. France (NICNT) – “lucid, stimulating….mature reflections” J. Nolland (NIGTC) – “insightful engagement and critical detail…” on the Greek text; narrative focus C.S. Keener (Eerdmans) – socio-historical study M. Simonetti (Ancient Christian Commentary) – best Christian writing on... Read more

It looks like 2013 is off to a good start in terms of good academic scholarship! The latest issue of NTS (59.1, 2013) boasts articles by Kelly Iverson (Mark), L.L. Welborn (2 Cor), Sigurd Grindheim (Galatians), and several others, including a reflection by John Barclay (journal editor) on the life of Friedrich Avemarie who passed away in 2012. See here. Read more

Helen Bond is one of the sharpest Jesus scholars in academia today. I just finished reading her Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed (Continuum). It is an absolutely brilliant read (I will have more to say about this on a later occasion). She has written a helpfully succinct set of reflections on her writing of the book. You can read it here. Interestingly, Helen has a general appreciation for the criteria of authenticity for HJ studies, though she does not... Read more

Currently I am enjoying reading M. Eugene Boring’s new massive reference book An Introduction to the New Testament (WJK, 2012). I will have much more to say about this book on another occasion, but I will say right now that Boring is extremely well-versed in almost every major critical issue in the study of the NT. However, one statement he made in his chapter on John’s Gospel took me off guard. I am curious what you think: In general, the Johannine Jesus... Read more

I just came to know that 2013 will see the publication of an OT theology by Walter Moberly of Durham University (Baker Academic). The “Christian Theology and the Bible” section of SBL will have a panel discussion. The title of the book is: Old Testament Theology: Reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian Scripture. Let me say, Moberly is absolutely brilliant – deeply theological, philosophical, and concerned with making sense of Scripture in the modern world. So, this will be no stale... Read more

Congrats and best wishes to Catrin Williams (Univ of Wales) who is now the editor of JSNT (following Simon Gathercole). Two reasons why I love JSNT – they are open to publishing theologically-focused pieces and they have a very good turn-around time for assessing articles. Simon was an outstanding editor (with laser-precision in editorial criticism which, in the end, is always a good thing!). I am sure Catrin will do a fabulous job as well. Read more

There are a number of good introductions to the Gospels, but there is nothing quite like Jonathan Pennington’s new Reading the Gospels Wisely: A Narrative and Theological Introduction (Baker, 2012). In this book, Pennington attempts to develop a robust method for interpreting the Gospels. It is almost like a hermeneutics primer just for the Gospels. He relates reading the Gospels to the idea of building a house. On the foundation level you have questions about genre, reception, and meaning (chs. 1-8): what... Read more

Big news in New Testament studies – Baylor University just announced that Beverly Gaventa has just been appointed “Distinguished Professor of New Testament” at Baylor beginning fall 2013. I imagine this will be a bit of a “game-changer” in terms of doctoral study. Some students who had considered PhD work in NT at PTS will undoubtedly reconsider and imagine trading in their snow shovels for sunblock (Waco-TX style!). With scholars like Longenecker, Gaventa, and Todd Still (who is at Truett),... Read more

I am putting the finishing touches on my Colossians commentary before sending it off to some proof-readers and editors. I am working through the Household Code at the moment and I just had to laugh at this sidebar I created regarding the treatment of slaves in the Roman empire. Augustus, a Slave, and Flesh-Eating Lampreys Publius Vedius Pollio, an official under Augustus, once had the pleasure of entertaining the emperor as a dinner guest. When Pollio’s slave accidentally dropped a... Read more