Robert F. O'Toole

"But God Raised Him from the Dead"

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This truly interesting and perceptive book contends that the conceptual background in Luke-Acts of Jesus' resurrection and ours is Jewish and associates these topics with the final restoration of God's people and the full establishment of his kingdom. Jesus' resurrection is very correctly interpreted as prefiguring and guaranteeing our own.”

1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“John Paul Heil offers new proposals for the structures and main themes of these three closely related letters. . . . Heil's very careful attention to the texts has revealed their chiastic structures, which convey the authors' thinking. With 'audience response' Heil clarifies the reactions sought in each letter and presents these to his own reader. The book is truly insightful; and, as always, Heil's treatment scholarly.”

By What Authority?

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“In By What Authority? Professor Jerome H. Neyrey, SJ, has written a truly fine volume that not only provides his reader with a clear understanding of the social science and rhetorical methodologies, but justifies Luke's right to write about what one needs to know about Jesus. Without Neyrey helpfully pointing out the evidence for this, the ordinary reader might not realize how Luke achieves it. Neyrey is insightful and gives us a deeper understanding and appreciation of Luke's thought and literary skills.”

Rethinking the Unity of Luke and Acts

“Professors Mikeal C. Parsons and Richard I. Pervo are well aware that they are framing the questions rather than seeking to settle issues once and for all. In fact, the importance of their book lies in the challenging questions they address to scholars and students of Luke-Acts. What is the precise understanding of 'Luke-Acts'? Do these two volumes have different genres, different theological constructs, and different 'narrators'?”

The Letters of Paul as Rituals of Worship

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“"The connection between communal worship and the NT is a fascinating topic. Understanding 'worship' comprehensively, Prof. Heil is the first to focus on all the letters attributed to Paul. Prof. Heil appreciates the uniqueness of each letter but notes they all begin with a prayer-greeting for divine grace, include ritualistic and liturgical language, and refer to both the ethical and liturgical worship of the audience. His book is insightful, instructive, and, as always, excellent scholarship.”