Firstly, happy thanksgiving! Ok, a perceptive commenter asked what I look for in a good textbook. Here are a few things: (1) SIMPLE – scholars rarely really understand just how little students know. Keep it simple. If you give advanced information, do so in an appendix or in footnotes. (2) CLEAR – going along with #1, make sure the textbook progresses in a clear way, from paragraph to paragraph and chapter to chapter. I am using a textbook next quarter... Read more

When I walked past the Eerdmans stall at SBL, there was a poster board for a new book from James D.G. Dunn called Jesus, Paul, and the Gospels. By doing a bit of internet research, I discovered that, while the book sells itself as a “primer” for New Testament studies, it appears to be a number of lectures that Dunn has given in the past that have been brought together into a collection. In any case, I am excited for... Read more

I noticed this year that SBL annual meeting is completely different for me now that I am “on the other side” of the Phd. Before, during the thesis-research time, I was stressed out, moving from one session of relevance to the next, trying to absorb as much information as I could that would further refine my thoughts and enhance my expertise. Can’t say it did all that much, but that was my hope. Now, I approach the conference completely differently.... Read more

This year’s conference travel was enjoyable for me. I had two “paper” responsibilities. I was invited by Linda Belleville to give a review of Tom Wright’s Justification book at ETS in a Pauline Studies session, alongside Mark Seifrid and Michael F. Bird. I have never attended ETS, I am not a member and I had no plans on ever going, but I was pleased that a Methodist was invited to a Reformed and Baptist (and Reformed Baptist) stronghold. Plus, because... Read more

It has just come to my attention that Robert Traina (known for his Methodical Bible Study approach) died on November 9, age 89. I did not know him personally, but I taught a modified-form of his Bible study approach when I was teaching at Ashland Theological Seminary. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues at Asbury. See notice HERE. Read more

On behalf of the editors and the academic board, I would like to introduce you to the Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters with Michael F Bird as editor (and me as his lackey!). Mike has done a fantastic job recruiting world-class scholars to serve as board members – like Michael Gorman, Mark Nanos, Douglas Campbell, Susan Eastman, Stanley Porter and many, many others. Mike and I will have much more to say about why we think... Read more

In the fine textbook Exploring the NT (Wenham and Walton), particularly the volume on Gospels and Acts, an analogy is made of how Jesus is the Word of God in John – think about a cartoon in print where a character has a word-bubble coming from his or her mouth. That word-bubble is an act of communication, yet visible. It carries a message, but it is clearly distinguishable from the person – and yet it cannot be understood apart from... Read more

An astute commenter from a previous post asked me if I knew of a Philippians commentary that approaches Paul’s theology from the so-called  New Perspective on Paul. Good question. When one looks at the range of commentaries, many follow a more traditional view of law and righteousness, esp. in the early part of ch. 3. First, I would say that Tom Wright’s forthcoming ICC commentary Philippians will fill this gap nicely, though it is a long way off, as I... Read more

I know it is unusual for someone to celebrate such a thing, but it is my first one! See HERE. Read more

Now that I am about halfway through the quarter, I feel that I have a pretty good read on what Philippians resources are out there. So, I (humbly) offer here my favorite books on Philippians. For each category, I have tried to limit it to 2 items. That means that many resources I LOVE will not make the list, but for it to be a helpful list I wanted some restriction. TOP TECHNICAL COMMENTARY 1. O’Brien (NIGTC) 2. Fee (NICNT)... Read more