James R. Harrison

Communal Reading in the Time of Jesus

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“B. J. Wright’s masterly discussion of the communal reading of ancient texts, facilitated by an exhaustive analysis of twenty Graceco-Roman authors from the first-century CE and the Jewish literature, is the bedrock for his investigation of the New Testament writings. The author’s authoritative analysis of the New Testament documents demonstrates substantial continuities with ancient writers as far as communal reading practice, the strict control over literary tradition, and the broad spectrum of society involved in these public oral performances of texts from diverse geographic communities. This ground-breaking discussion provides another important pillar in arguments for the reliability of the New Testament oral and literary tradition.”

First and Second Thessalonians

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This commentary on First and Second Thessalonians is a scholarly tour de force, providing a state-of-the-art analysis of these controversial epistles. Brookins's mastery of the literary, numismatic, and epigraphic evidence in its Second Temple, Greco-Roman, and patristic contexts affords him sympathetic insight into--and incisive solutions for--the interpretative problems of the epistles. After addressing the authorial, textual, literary, structural, and ecclesial issues, Brookins expertly traces the philosophical, rhetorical, and social underpinnings of the epistles while unfolding the riches of the apostle's theological exegesis and paraenesis. Helpful selections from ancient sources are provided for scholars and lay readers alike along with stimulating discussions of major theological themes and their pastoral relevance. This is a major contribution to Thessalonian scholarship.”

Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“David deSilva's expanded and updated revision of his classic book highlights for a new generation of readers the sensation created by its original publication. For the first time it contextualized the New Testament documents against four of the driving cultural forces of antiquity (honor, patronage, kinship, and purity), paying meticulous attention to the ancient sources and drawing on modern sociology for further exegetical insights. The reader is swept up by the motivations animating the private and public life of the ancients, thereby exposing the ethical and social challenge posed by the countercultural gospel of the first believers. A masterpiece relaunched.”

Jesus, Paul, Luke-Acts, and 1 Clement

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“David Balch’s collection of methodologically innovative, historically rigorous, and exegetically challenging essays is a triumph of New Testament scholarship. Balch’s mastery of the visual evidence, the material finds of archaeological sites, the literature of ancient authors, and modern sociological scholarship leads the reader across unfamiliar terrain with great sensitivity, skill, and insight. Readers are challenged to understand Romans, Luke-Acts, and the rest of the New Testament in exciting new ways, socially, theologically, and pastorally.”

Loving Resistance and Resistance through Love

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Approaching Philemon through the narrative lens of Les Misérables, Alex Ip insightfully unveils the social and ecclesial impact of Paul’s approach to the complexities of first-century slavery though imaginative, source-based historical reconstruction, rhetorical analysis, and close attention to the apostle’s Greek terminology. Writing for the pastoral edification of the everyday reader, Ip powerfully argues that the epistle’s key theological motif is faith working in love, enabling believers to resist unconsciously held social norms and prejudices.”

Paul and Imperial Divine Honors

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Clint Burnett’s Paul and Imperial Divine Honors is a tour de force, overturning twenty-five years of scholarly debate on the topic by his insistence that only a localized, city-by-city approach to the imperial cult will lead to an accurate exegetical discussion of Paul’s epistles. A masterpiece in the literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and archaeological handling of the ancient evidence, accessible to general readers and scholars alike.”

Paul the Jew under Roman Rule

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The intersection of Jewish concerns and practices in antiquity with the rise of Roman imperialism and ‘empire’ is a major interest in ancient world studies. This crucial intersection is too often separated in Pauline studies: numerous scholars either situate Paul in his ‘Jewish’ context or within the wider ‘Roman world.’ However, the interlocutions between the two are insufficiently investigated. Neil Elliott’s masterful volume of essays is a scintillating scholarly and exegetical contribution to the field.”

Reimagining Philo

World Religions

“In this provocative reappraisal of Philo, Torrey Seland moves the Jewish thinker away from being an abstract engager of Graeco-Roman philosophies to living as a Jewish resident of Alexandria during the disrupted 30s and 40s CE. Adopting a postcolonial perspective, Seland unfolds Philo’s Alexandrian social world, as experienced under the Roman imperial presence. This approach opens exciting new reading strategies and vistas for Philo, wielded with consummate skill by the author. A highly stimulating read!”

The Kingship of Jesus in the Gospel of John

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Sehyun Kim has produced an impressively argued study of Jesus’ kingship in John’s gospel. Adopting post-colonial theory as his methodology, Kim examines how John’s Christology and Kingdom theology challenged the Roman colonisers, their Palestinian clients, and oppressive social structures. Kim has meticulously analysed the evidence of Second Temple Judaism and Graeco-Roman epigraphy and papyri, demonstrating keen theological insight throughout. Kim’s experience of living under the various colonisations of the Korean peninsula gives his book special urgency.”

Willows in the Breeze

Arts & Literature

“Felix Sennitt's collection of Christian verse is experiential, self-revelatory, confessional, reverential, and deeply theological. Each poem invites readers to reevaluate their walk with God, to rediscover the basis for their joy and freedom in Christ. In these tightly crafted poems, Sennitt moves beyond the standard stuff of traditional Christian poetry--the self-revelation of God in the beauty of his creation--to focus on the work of Christ in soul-refreshing ways. Definitely worth reading.”