Justin Winzenburg

Evoking Story for Transformation

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Nixon’s study offers an innovative investigation of the use of Jewish scriptures in the New Testament through the lens of Speech Act Theory. Very few have articulated, with as much methodological rigor, how New Testament authors hoped to transform their audiences through the use of these texts. This is an important contribution to recent discussions surrounding intertextuality and the use of Speech Act Theory in New Testament studies. I highly recommend!”

Paul the Storyteller

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Rarely have we seen such a meticulously crafted method for analyzing narratives in Paul. Heilig is quickly establishing himself as a leading scholar in the field. Both critics and proponents of narrative perspectives on Paul will find this book stimulating and useful, propelling the conversation beyond its current limits. Heilig articulates a way forward for analyzing Pauline stories with unmatched rigor, excavating at once both the grammar of narrative and higher-level concepts that drove Paul’s storied approach. If you hope to be spoon-fed quick aphorisms about Paul the storyteller, look elsewhere. Instead, expect a firehose of detailed textual work, grounded in the best narratological theory the field has to offer. It will take some time to digest, but Heilig’s work is a true interdisciplinary gem, unrivaled in its scope and thoroughly original. This study stands as the most comprehensive attempt to date at uncovering the mechanisms at work in the texts that shape Pauline narratives. Heilig’s work should challenge those sympathetic to narrative studies of Paul to reconsider the ways that we have uncritically and imprecisely applied narrative language to Paul’s letters, while also encouraging further movement toward recognizing that narratives are, in fact, an important component in the writings of the apostle.”