Lawrence M. Wills

After Apocalyptic and Wisdom

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“"The terms wisdom and apocalyptic, the authors argue correctly, have been used in such a vague or simplistic way by many scholars that a series of corrections are necessary. Horsley and Tiller have worked separately and together on these issues for many years. Here they address the problems of genre definition, the social and political context of the texts, and the twentieth-century theological assumptions that lie behind the previous studies. They forge new conclusions about the interpretations of many important texts. The clarity with which they define the issues is admirable, and the debate will be illuminated for all parties. Now both the scholar and the student can in one volume reap the benefits of their results.”

Politics, Conflict, and Movements in First-Century Palestine

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Richard Horsley’s early exploratory articles, collected here, read as fresh, new analyses of the social and political movements of the first century. His goal was simple and revolutionary: in order to understand Judaism and the Jesus movement, one had to re-discover the larger politics of the eastern Roman world. These essays still have much to teach us today.”

The Book of Judith

Fiction

“Wendi Bernau’s charming and entertaining graphic novel brings the book of Judith to life again. She captures the sweeping action, the humor, and the whimsical nature of the original, along with Judith’s audacious deed! For many, this may be their first reading of this book from the Apocrypha, and it introduces it very well.”

The Literary Construction of the Other in the Acts of the Apostles

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Here Mitzi Smith provides a subtle and well-written analysis of how the various kinds of characters are portrayed in Acts and what that means for Luke's theology of mission. She moves far beyond the usual literary summaries of Acts: both the nature of language and the nature of story-telling are treated with sensitivity and sophistication, and yet her book is readable for a non-scholarly audience. A must-read for all those interested in the literary achievement of Luke and Acts and what it means for Luke's theology.”

The Pharisees and the Temple-State of Judea

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Richard Horsley’s groundbreaking essays on the Pharisees and Jewish society are now brought together for the scholar, student, or interested reader who wants to go beyond superficial accounts of this history. At every point Horsley rethinks our use of sources, asks new questions, and tries new approaches. The result is a challenging and refreshing dive into the reconstruction of Jewish groups and early followers of Jesus.”

The Pharisees, Jesus, and the Politics of Roman Palestine, Volume 1

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“For decades Richard Horsley has been a leading figure in reassessing the roles of Pharisees and scribal groups in the politics of ancient Judaism. These essays—all engaging and accessible—trace his investigations and will be welcomed by both the student and the scholar. The history of the Pharisees and their relation to early Christianity will be much discussed topics for years to come, and Horsley’s voice has been absolutely central to the ongoing debates.”

The Pharisees, Jesus, and the Politics of Roman Palestine, Volume 2

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Horsley brings his usual scholarly acumen to this second volume of essays on the Pharisees and the Jesus movement. Here he summarizes his findings on Pharisees and scribes and turns now to investigate the New Testament response. The Jesus movement in Judea, Galilee, and in the cities of the Mediterranean was engaged in a social and political struggle, and Horsley successfully traces the conflicts as evidenced in the texts of first-century Christianity.”

The Return of the Chaos Monsters

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The Bible was composed by storytellers, and, nearly alone among commentators, Mobley brings the Bible's narrative world, often an oral narrative world, to life.”