Westminster John Knox’s ‘New Testament Library’ is probably best known for having a commentary series (with recent volumes by Luke Timothy Johnson, Frank Matera, Jerry Sumney, and Ray Collins). I just acquired the latest commentary which is by Charles Cousar on Philippians (and a review will come in due time). On the back cover there is a list of the future titles for the completion of the commentary as well as other parts of the library such as ‘General Studies’.... Read more
What’s cookin’ with Baker this fall? Perhaps not as stellar of a fall line-up as in previous years, but certainly a few gems to lookout for at SBL. See HERE. Read more
Why do you go to SBL or British NT conference? I highly doubt that the answer will be: ‘I want to hear the papers.’ Don’t get me wrong – all day you attend papers, but is that really the main reason? Often you will be signing up for the conference before really knowing the paper titles. When you go home, do you really say: wow, I am so glad I went to all of those papers? No, usually one or... Read more
NB: This is a reflection on some badly chaired sessions at BNTC (I think). When a conference session is ‘chaired’, the convener has some responsibilities – orderly timing, introducing the speakers, speaking loudly and clearly, encouraging people to sit closer, etc… I am a bit annoyed when chairs are chosen who are quiet, timid, and obviously uncomfortable with speaking in front of people. Either they need to choose someone who is skilled in such things naturally or a society/conference needs... Read more
The common question that comes up is where to study in the UK for a Phd in New Testament – Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, etc…? The fact of the matter is that the answer changes depending on the particular scholars at these institutions. Cambridge seems to have always remained stably a safe and rewarding choice, but at this present time it has gone through a lot of changeover. You might want to follow a scholar to where he or she goes... Read more
I just returned from Aberdeen after a few days of conference-ing for the British New Testament Conference. This is usually a highlight of my year and this year I was not disappointed. Aberdeen itself is nice, and the university is very impressive. Since I am leaving the UK in a few days for good, I am glad to have gotten to see Aberdeen. Our host, especially Andrew Clarke, was witty, polite, and very helpful. The papers overall were OK –... Read more
I don’t normally post personal items, but I thought my recent trip to Rome would be interesting to some from a historical and cultural perspective. Also, I hope some may be inspired to visit Rome and also to come to England (esp. Durham) to study because such European cities are just an Easyjet flight away (cheap and direct!). Our first day we went to the former port city Ostia Antica which is one of the best preserved ancient sites around... Read more
I am trying out a new theme design for the blog. The picture is from Vatican City as I just returned from a short holiday in Rome – a city that I last visited about 15 years ago! Needless to say, it was all surreal and I enjoyed my time there very much. I really enjoy studying statues of Paul. This one (as well as the famous one of Peter holding the ‘keys’) was commissioned by Pope Pius IX in... Read more
The October issue of NTS is now online HERE. It is strange to recognize the titles of some of these article from their earlier lives as papers. The first piece, on Q (with much criticism), is by Francis Watson – he presented this as a paper in our Durham NT seminar. It was excellent and should be given serious attention. David Horrell, one of my favorite NT scholars, offers an excellent article entitled: ‘The Themes of 1 Peter: Insights from... Read more
When I lived in Massachusetts, my wife and I would go to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra once in a while. I like music as much as the next person, but I did not have enough technical knowledge of music theory and composition to really appreciate what was going on in each concert. It happened, though, that prior to the concert, on one particular evening, the conductor offered to give a lecture before the concert where he would help to... Read more
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