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Books by John Goodrich
This book looks in detail at Paul's description of apostles in 1 Corinthians 4 and 9 as divinely ... more This book looks in detail at Paul's description of apostles in 1 Corinthians 4 and 9 as divinely appointed administrators (oikonomoi) and considers what this tells us about the nature of his own apostolic authority. John Goodrich investigates the origin of this metaphor in light of ancient regal, municipal, and private administration, initially examining the numerous domains in which oikonomoi were appointed in the Graeco-Roman world, before situating the image in the private commercial context of Roman Corinth. Examining the social and structural connotations attached to private commercial administration, Goodrich contemplates what Paul's metaphor indicates about apostleship in general terms as well as how he uses the image to defend his apostolic rights. He also analyses the purpose and limits of Paul's authority - how it is constructed, asserted, and contested - by examining when and how Paul uses and refuses to exercise the rights inherent in his position.
Edited Books by John Goodrich
Cascade, 2023
The Epistle to the Romans remains the centerpiece of all serious Pauline theological research. Ea... more The Epistle to the Romans remains the centerpiece of all serious Pauline theological research. Each of the major sections of Romans has received significant attention in recent scholarship, yet no consensus has emerged about how to read the opening chapters of Paul’s most important letter, Romans 1–4. This collection of essays returns to the beginning of Paul’s theological masterpiece to probe longstanding puzzles and to offer new readings and fresh insights on some of the most cherished chapters in the entire Pauline corpus.
Reading Hebrews in Context brings bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and c... more Reading Hebrews in Context brings bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast the theology and hermeneutical practices of the book of Hebrews with various early Jewish literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the ideas and emphases of Hebrews’ varied discourses. Following the rhetorical progression of Hebrews, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of Hebrews with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Hebrews.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largel... more Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largely faded from discussion in both the academy and the local church. To revive and reclaim this teaching for believers in the twenty-first century, editors John Goodrich and Mark Strauss have assembled an expert team of scholars to uncover what every New Testament book teaches about discipleship, providing a comprehensive, biblical picture. In addition, other contributors explore discipleship in the context of the local church, spiritual formation, and the life of the mind. Together, these essays point the way forward for becoming more like Jesus Christ, and helping others do the same, in our personal and corporate lives.
Reading Revelation in Context brings together short, accessible essays that compare and contrast ... more Reading Revelation in Context brings together short, accessible essays that compare and contrast the visions and apocalyptic imagery of the book of Revelation with various texts from Second Temple Jewish literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, Reading Revelation in Context examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Revelation's theology and the meaning and potency of John's visions. Following the narrative progression of Revelation, each chapter (1) pairs a major unit of the Apocalypse with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Revelation.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Building on the success of our Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, the pro... more Building on the success of our Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, the proposed volume seeks to bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast the viewpoints, theologies, and hermeneutical practices of Mark and his various Jewish contemporaries. Over the last several decades, the Jewishness of Jesus has been at the forefront of scholarship (e.g., the so-called Third Quest for the historical Jesus), and this volume will give lecturers a class resource that helps students see the contour and texture of Jesus’ engagement with his Jewish environment.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Mark’s theology and the nuances of his thinking. Following the narrative progression of Mark’s Gospel, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of the Gospel with one or more sections of a thematically-related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Mark.
The format and limited length of individual chapters (2,000-2,500 words) makes the volume appropriate for non-specialist students. Moreover, each essay will quote generously from Second Temple texts to improve their accessibility to readers. The focus of the essays is on educating students unfamiliar with the issues, rather than on new research or convincing scholars of a reading. As a result, some of the essays are summaries of arguments made elsewhere, in many instances from the author’s own previous research.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the textbook has other student-friendly materials that will help readers engage broader discussions. This includes an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. In addition to these general aids, the end of each chapter contains a list of other thematically-relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Readers of Paul today are more than ever aware of the importance of interpreting Paul’s letters i... more Readers of Paul today are more than ever aware of the importance of interpreting Paul’s letters in their Jewish context. In Reading Romans in Context a team of Pauline scholars go beyond a general introduction that surveys historical events and theological themes and explore Paul’s letter to the Romans in light of Second Temple Jewish literature.
In this non-technical collection of short essays, beginning and intermediate students are given a chance to see firsthand what makes Paul a distinctive thinker in relation to his Jewish contemporaries. Following the narrative progression of Romans, each chapter pairs a major unit of the letter with one or more thematically related Jewish text, introduces and explores the theological nuances of the comparative text, and shows how these ideas illuminate our understanding of the book of Romans.
Part One 1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodr... more Part One
1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction
Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich, and Jason Maston
2. “Then I Proceeded to Where Things Were Chaotic” (1 Enoch 21:1): Mapping the Apocalyptic Landscape
David A. Shaw
Part Two
3. Apocalyptic as God’s Eschatological Activity in Paul’s Theology
Martinus C. de Boer
4. Apocalyptic Epistemology: The sine qua non of Valid Pauline Interpretation
Douglas A. Campbell
5. Apocalyptic as Theoria in the Letters of St. Paul: A New Perspective on Apocalyptic as Mother of Theology
Edith M. Humphrey
6. Apocalyptic and the Sudden Fulfillment of Divine Promise
N. T. Wright
Part Three
7. Some Reflections on Apocalyptic Thought and Time in Literature from the Second Temple Period
Loren T. Stuckenbruck
8. The Transcendence of Death and Heavenly Ascent in the Apocalyptic Paul and the Stoics
Joseph R. Dodson
9. Second-Century Perspectives on the Apocalyptic Paul: Reading the Apocalypse of Paul and the Acts of Paul
Ben C. Blackwell
10. Some Remarks on Apocalyptic in Modern Christian Theology
Philip G. Ziegler
Part Four
11. Righteousness Revealed: The Death of Christ as the Definition of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3:21–26
Jonathan A. Linebaugh
12. Thinking from Christ to Israel: Romans 9–11 in Apocalyptic Context
Beverly Roberts Gaventa
13. Apocalyptic Allegiance and Disinvestment in the World: A Reading of 1 Corinthians 7:25–35
John M. G. Barclay
14. After Destroying Every Rule, Authority, and Power: Paul, Apocalyptic, and Politics in 1 Corinthians
John K. Goodrich
15. Plight and Solution in Paul’s Apocalyptic Perspective: A Study of 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
Jason Maston
16. The Apocalyptic New Covenant and the Shape of Life in the Spirit according to Galatians
Michael J. Gorman
17. The Two Ages and Salvation History in Paul’s Apocalyptic Imagination: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Galatians
J. P. Davies
Articles by John Goodrich
Scholars often disagree about how to interpret the narrative description of Christ as a proclaime... more Scholars often disagree about how to interpret the narrative description of Christ as a proclaimer of peace in Ephesians 2.17. Most understand Ephesians to be either referring to the earthly ministry of Jesus or attributing to him the work of later apostolic preaching. This article argues that none of the existing interpretations is adequate, and instead maintains that Ephesians is advancing a metaphorical depiction of Christ as a diplomatic peace herald (caduceator) commissioned to call for the cessation of hostilities between God and humanity, and consequently between Jews and Gentiles. The article explores the purposes and practices of Greco-Roman diplomacy, paying special attention to the contribution of peace heralds in times of interstate conflict and how they came to signify the entire peacemaking process. The article then analyzes how Ephesians 2.11–22 deploys terminology commonly used to convey sociopolitical rivalry as a way to portray the Jew-Gentile relationship as one of figurative warfare. It is in within this symbolic world of ethnic conflict and diplomacy that Ephesians casts Christ in the image of a peace herald, whose metaphorical proclamation of peace to those far and near signifies the totality and finality of Christ’s conciliatory work.
This review essay critically evaluates and responds to several recent proposals on the salvation ... more This review essay critically evaluates and responds to several recent proposals on the salvation of “all Israel” in Rom 11:26. Those readings include the ecclesiastical view defended by N. T. Wright and Jason Staples, as well as the Jewish-remnant view defended by Ben Merkle, Christopher Zoccali, and Colin Kruse. By assessing these recent publications, this essay ultimately seeks to defend the conventional view—that “all Israel” refers to some totality of ethnic Jews who will be saved by faith in the Messiah following the incoming of the fullness of the Gentiles.
Tobit 14:3-7 and Romans 9–11 share several striking verbal and conceptual parallels that invite d... more Tobit 14:3-7 and Romans 9–11 share several striking verbal and conceptual parallels that invite detailed comparison. Most notably, both Tobit and Paul (1) deny the failure of God's word (Tob. 14:4a; Rom. 9:6a); (2) proceed to unveil a three-phase redemptive history for Israel (exile → partial restoration → full restoration); and (3) utilise their respective storylines to assure their readers in phase 2 that God will bring phase 3 to completion. These and other parallels show not only that Tobit and Paul share a common eschatological perspective, but that they deploy and develop almost identical thesis statements, thereby further demonstrating the proximity of Paul's discourse to contemporary Jewish modes of thought and argumentation.
Apocalyptic is the disquieting question which not only moves the apostle but apparently faces eve... more Apocalyptic is the disquieting question which not only moves the apostle but apparently faces every Christian, a question bound up with his task and his existence: who owns the earth? 1 At the beginning of his now famous essay "On the Subject of Primitive Christian Apocalyptic," Ernst Käsemann referred to apocalyptic as an "unfashionable theme" (unzeitgemäßes Thema). 2 Such cannot be maintained today. Following recent efforts to reconcile biblical and theological studies as interdependent disciplines, apocalyptic readings of the NT have come to abound in modern scholarship, and Pauline
The origin of Paul's δοῦλος metaphors has long captured the attention of NT interpreters. While m... more The origin of Paul's δοῦλος metaphors has long captured the attention of NT interpreters. While many scholars maintain that these images were principally influenced by one of the modes of physical slavery practiced in the Greco-Roman world, others propose that the metaphors derive exclusively from the servant/ slave of God motif enlisted throughout Jewish literature. Concentrating on Romans 6, this article provides a detailed survey of three recent contributions to the Jewish-only position (those by Richard Horsley, John Byron, and Tom Holland, respectively) before responding critically to them at three points. The article ultimately seeks to assert that Paul's δοῦλος metaphor in Romans 6 (and elsewhere), while functioning as an extension of a Jewish theological motif, was significantly influenced by Greco-Roman notions of domestic slavery.
Although Romans has been heavily mined for scriptural allusions in recent years, the influence of... more Although Romans has been heavily mined for scriptural allusions in recent years, the influence of Isaiah 49-50 on Rom 7.14-25 has gone largely unnoticed. Building on Philonenko’s work on the allusion to Isa 50.1 in the phrase “sold under sin” (Rom 7.14), this study seeks to identify additional echoes from LXX Isa 49.24-50.2 in Rom 7.14-25 and to interpret Paul’s discourse in the light of the sin-exile-restoration paradigm implied by both the source’s original context and Paul’s own strategic use of Isaiah in his portrayal of the plight of ἐγώ. The identification of these echoes, it is suggested, aids in interpreting the story of ἐγώ by connecting the allusions to Israel’s early history in Rom 7.7-13 to images of the nation’s later history in 7.14-25, thus showing the speaker’s plight under sin to be analogous to Israel’s own experiences of deception, death, and exile.
This book looks in detail at Paul's description of apostles in 1 Corinthians 4 and 9 as divinely ... more This book looks in detail at Paul's description of apostles in 1 Corinthians 4 and 9 as divinely appointed administrators (oikonomoi) and considers what this tells us about the nature of his own apostolic authority. John Goodrich investigates the origin of this metaphor in light of ancient regal, municipal, and private administration, initially examining the numerous domains in which oikonomoi were appointed in the Graeco-Roman world, before situating the image in the private commercial context of Roman Corinth. Examining the social and structural connotations attached to private commercial administration, Goodrich contemplates what Paul's metaphor indicates about apostleship in general terms as well as how he uses the image to defend his apostolic rights. He also analyses the purpose and limits of Paul's authority - how it is constructed, asserted, and contested - by examining when and how Paul uses and refuses to exercise the rights inherent in his position.
Cascade, 2023
The Epistle to the Romans remains the centerpiece of all serious Pauline theological research. Ea... more The Epistle to the Romans remains the centerpiece of all serious Pauline theological research. Each of the major sections of Romans has received significant attention in recent scholarship, yet no consensus has emerged about how to read the opening chapters of Paul’s most important letter, Romans 1–4. This collection of essays returns to the beginning of Paul’s theological masterpiece to probe longstanding puzzles and to offer new readings and fresh insights on some of the most cherished chapters in the entire Pauline corpus.
Reading Hebrews in Context brings bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and c... more Reading Hebrews in Context brings bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast the theology and hermeneutical practices of the book of Hebrews with various early Jewish literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the ideas and emphases of Hebrews’ varied discourses. Following the rhetorical progression of Hebrews, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of Hebrews with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Hebrews.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largel... more Although the concept of discipleship is an integral part of New Testament teaching, it has largely faded from discussion in both the academy and the local church. To revive and reclaim this teaching for believers in the twenty-first century, editors John Goodrich and Mark Strauss have assembled an expert team of scholars to uncover what every New Testament book teaches about discipleship, providing a comprehensive, biblical picture. In addition, other contributors explore discipleship in the context of the local church, spiritual formation, and the life of the mind. Together, these essays point the way forward for becoming more like Jesus Christ, and helping others do the same, in our personal and corporate lives.
Reading Revelation in Context brings together short, accessible essays that compare and contrast ... more Reading Revelation in Context brings together short, accessible essays that compare and contrast the visions and apocalyptic imagery of the book of Revelation with various texts from Second Temple Jewish literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, Reading Revelation in Context examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Revelation's theology and the meaning and potency of John's visions. Following the narrative progression of Revelation, each chapter (1) pairs a major unit of the Apocalypse with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Revelation.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Building on the success of our Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, the pro... more Building on the success of our Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism, the proposed volume seeks to bring together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast the viewpoints, theologies, and hermeneutical practices of Mark and his various Jewish contemporaries. Over the last several decades, the Jewishness of Jesus has been at the forefront of scholarship (e.g., the so-called Third Quest for the historical Jesus), and this volume will give lecturers a class resource that helps students see the contour and texture of Jesus’ engagement with his Jewish environment.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Mark’s theology and the nuances of his thinking. Following the narrative progression of Mark’s Gospel, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of the Gospel with one or more sections of a thematically-related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Mark.
The format and limited length of individual chapters (2,000-2,500 words) makes the volume appropriate for non-specialist students. Moreover, each essay will quote generously from Second Temple texts to improve their accessibility to readers. The focus of the essays is on educating students unfamiliar with the issues, rather than on new research or convincing scholars of a reading. As a result, some of the essays are summaries of arguments made elsewhere, in many instances from the author’s own previous research.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the textbook has other student-friendly materials that will help readers engage broader discussions. This includes an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. In addition to these general aids, the end of each chapter contains a list of other thematically-relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Readers of Paul today are more than ever aware of the importance of interpreting Paul’s letters i... more Readers of Paul today are more than ever aware of the importance of interpreting Paul’s letters in their Jewish context. In Reading Romans in Context a team of Pauline scholars go beyond a general introduction that surveys historical events and theological themes and explore Paul’s letter to the Romans in light of Second Temple Jewish literature.
In this non-technical collection of short essays, beginning and intermediate students are given a chance to see firsthand what makes Paul a distinctive thinker in relation to his Jewish contemporaries. Following the narrative progression of Romans, each chapter pairs a major unit of the letter with one or more thematically related Jewish text, introduces and explores the theological nuances of the comparative text, and shows how these ideas illuminate our understanding of the book of Romans.
Part One 1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodr... more Part One
1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction
Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich, and Jason Maston
2. “Then I Proceeded to Where Things Were Chaotic” (1 Enoch 21:1): Mapping the Apocalyptic Landscape
David A. Shaw
Part Two
3. Apocalyptic as God’s Eschatological Activity in Paul’s Theology
Martinus C. de Boer
4. Apocalyptic Epistemology: The sine qua non of Valid Pauline Interpretation
Douglas A. Campbell
5. Apocalyptic as Theoria in the Letters of St. Paul: A New Perspective on Apocalyptic as Mother of Theology
Edith M. Humphrey
6. Apocalyptic and the Sudden Fulfillment of Divine Promise
N. T. Wright
Part Three
7. Some Reflections on Apocalyptic Thought and Time in Literature from the Second Temple Period
Loren T. Stuckenbruck
8. The Transcendence of Death and Heavenly Ascent in the Apocalyptic Paul and the Stoics
Joseph R. Dodson
9. Second-Century Perspectives on the Apocalyptic Paul: Reading the Apocalypse of Paul and the Acts of Paul
Ben C. Blackwell
10. Some Remarks on Apocalyptic in Modern Christian Theology
Philip G. Ziegler
Part Four
11. Righteousness Revealed: The Death of Christ as the Definition of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3:21–26
Jonathan A. Linebaugh
12. Thinking from Christ to Israel: Romans 9–11 in Apocalyptic Context
Beverly Roberts Gaventa
13. Apocalyptic Allegiance and Disinvestment in the World: A Reading of 1 Corinthians 7:25–35
John M. G. Barclay
14. After Destroying Every Rule, Authority, and Power: Paul, Apocalyptic, and Politics in 1 Corinthians
John K. Goodrich
15. Plight and Solution in Paul’s Apocalyptic Perspective: A Study of 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
Jason Maston
16. The Apocalyptic New Covenant and the Shape of Life in the Spirit according to Galatians
Michael J. Gorman
17. The Two Ages and Salvation History in Paul’s Apocalyptic Imagination: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Galatians
J. P. Davies
Scholars often disagree about how to interpret the narrative description of Christ as a proclaime... more Scholars often disagree about how to interpret the narrative description of Christ as a proclaimer of peace in Ephesians 2.17. Most understand Ephesians to be either referring to the earthly ministry of Jesus or attributing to him the work of later apostolic preaching. This article argues that none of the existing interpretations is adequate, and instead maintains that Ephesians is advancing a metaphorical depiction of Christ as a diplomatic peace herald (caduceator) commissioned to call for the cessation of hostilities between God and humanity, and consequently between Jews and Gentiles. The article explores the purposes and practices of Greco-Roman diplomacy, paying special attention to the contribution of peace heralds in times of interstate conflict and how they came to signify the entire peacemaking process. The article then analyzes how Ephesians 2.11–22 deploys terminology commonly used to convey sociopolitical rivalry as a way to portray the Jew-Gentile relationship as one of figurative warfare. It is in within this symbolic world of ethnic conflict and diplomacy that Ephesians casts Christ in the image of a peace herald, whose metaphorical proclamation of peace to those far and near signifies the totality and finality of Christ’s conciliatory work.
This review essay critically evaluates and responds to several recent proposals on the salvation ... more This review essay critically evaluates and responds to several recent proposals on the salvation of “all Israel” in Rom 11:26. Those readings include the ecclesiastical view defended by N. T. Wright and Jason Staples, as well as the Jewish-remnant view defended by Ben Merkle, Christopher Zoccali, and Colin Kruse. By assessing these recent publications, this essay ultimately seeks to defend the conventional view—that “all Israel” refers to some totality of ethnic Jews who will be saved by faith in the Messiah following the incoming of the fullness of the Gentiles.
Tobit 14:3-7 and Romans 9–11 share several striking verbal and conceptual parallels that invite d... more Tobit 14:3-7 and Romans 9–11 share several striking verbal and conceptual parallels that invite detailed comparison. Most notably, both Tobit and Paul (1) deny the failure of God's word (Tob. 14:4a; Rom. 9:6a); (2) proceed to unveil a three-phase redemptive history for Israel (exile → partial restoration → full restoration); and (3) utilise their respective storylines to assure their readers in phase 2 that God will bring phase 3 to completion. These and other parallels show not only that Tobit and Paul share a common eschatological perspective, but that they deploy and develop almost identical thesis statements, thereby further demonstrating the proximity of Paul's discourse to contemporary Jewish modes of thought and argumentation.
Apocalyptic is the disquieting question which not only moves the apostle but apparently faces eve... more Apocalyptic is the disquieting question which not only moves the apostle but apparently faces every Christian, a question bound up with his task and his existence: who owns the earth? 1 At the beginning of his now famous essay "On the Subject of Primitive Christian Apocalyptic," Ernst Käsemann referred to apocalyptic as an "unfashionable theme" (unzeitgemäßes Thema). 2 Such cannot be maintained today. Following recent efforts to reconcile biblical and theological studies as interdependent disciplines, apocalyptic readings of the NT have come to abound in modern scholarship, and Pauline
The origin of Paul's δοῦλος metaphors has long captured the attention of NT interpreters. While m... more The origin of Paul's δοῦλος metaphors has long captured the attention of NT interpreters. While many scholars maintain that these images were principally influenced by one of the modes of physical slavery practiced in the Greco-Roman world, others propose that the metaphors derive exclusively from the servant/ slave of God motif enlisted throughout Jewish literature. Concentrating on Romans 6, this article provides a detailed survey of three recent contributions to the Jewish-only position (those by Richard Horsley, John Byron, and Tom Holland, respectively) before responding critically to them at three points. The article ultimately seeks to assert that Paul's δοῦλος metaphor in Romans 6 (and elsewhere), while functioning as an extension of a Jewish theological motif, was significantly influenced by Greco-Roman notions of domestic slavery.
Although Romans has been heavily mined for scriptural allusions in recent years, the influence of... more Although Romans has been heavily mined for scriptural allusions in recent years, the influence of Isaiah 49-50 on Rom 7.14-25 has gone largely unnoticed. Building on Philonenko’s work on the allusion to Isa 50.1 in the phrase “sold under sin” (Rom 7.14), this study seeks to identify additional echoes from LXX Isa 49.24-50.2 in Rom 7.14-25 and to interpret Paul’s discourse in the light of the sin-exile-restoration paradigm implied by both the source’s original context and Paul’s own strategic use of Isaiah in his portrayal of the plight of ἐγώ. The identification of these echoes, it is suggested, aids in interpreting the story of ἐγώ by connecting the allusions to Israel’s early history in Rom 7.7-13 to images of the nation’s later history in 7.14-25, thus showing the speaker’s plight under sin to be analogous to Israel’s own experiences of deception, death, and exile.
Although Gal 4:1-2 has historically been interpreted as an analogy taken from Greco-Roman practic... more Although Gal 4:1-2 has historically been interpreted as an analogy taken from Greco-Roman practices of guardianship and inheritance, an increasing number of scholars, following the initial proposal of James M. Scott, have interpreted the passage as an allusion to the exodus. Seeking to defend the conventional interpretation, this study identifies a number of significant verbal and conceptual parallels between Gal 4:1-2 and P.Ryl. 2.153, the mid-second-century C.E. will of a Hermopolite gentleman, thereby showing that Paul’s rhetoric of inheritance in Gal. 4:1–2 resonates best within the metaphorical field of Roman guardianship and succession.
Many scholars, following C.E.B. Cranfield, interpret the phrase μέτρον πίστεως in Rom 12:3 as the... more Many scholars, following C.E.B. Cranfield, interpret the phrase μέτρον πίστεως in Rom 12:3 as the “standard of faith” evenly distributed by God and exercised by all believers for salvation. This article offers a critique of Cranfield’s position and contends with other recent interpreters that the phrase is better understood in the context of the ministry functions addressed in Rom 12:4-8. After an examination of Paul’s other uses of μέτρον and adjacent terminology in verse 3, the study turns to analyze the noun πίστις and shows that it commonly denoted “trusteeship” in various administrative contexts in antiquity. The study then argues that Paul used μέτρον πίστεως to mean “a measure of a trusteeship”—a reference to the charism discretely allocated to each believer—and then presents the implications of this reading for Paul’s theology of ministry.
Studies on Erastus, the Corinthian oikonomos (Rom 16.23), continue to dispute the fundamental mak... more Studies on Erastus, the Corinthian oikonomos (Rom 16.23), continue to dispute the fundamental make up of his identity, including his administrative rank, socio-economic standing, even his status as a believer. Ultimately seeking to defend the view that Erastus was a Christian who served as a Corinthian municipal quaestor, this article responds separately to two recent essays, replying initially to Weiss’ charge that Corinth did not have the municipal quaestorship, then critiquing Friesen’s proposal that Erastus was an unbelieving public slave.
Paul’s heir analogy in Gal. 4.1-2 has traditionally been interpreted against the backdrop of Grae... more Paul’s heir analogy in Gal. 4.1-2 has traditionally been interpreted against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman guardianship laws. However, because certain conceptual and terminological incongruities in the text have not been adequately explained, a relatively new typological reading, which identifies the analogy as an allusion to the Exodus, has begun to influence many interpreters. This study will defend the traditional interpretation, first by responding to the criticisms and exegetical insights introduced by those who interpret the text typologically, and second by demonstrating that Paul’s use of έπίτροποι and οἰκονόμοι as guardians of a minor—a widely acknowledged crux interpretum— corresponds accurately to Roman legal practice.
Erastus (Rom 16.23) has featured prominently in the ongoing debate over the social and economic m... more Erastus (Rom 16.23) has featured prominently in the ongoing debate over the social and economic make-up of the early Pauline communities, since how one renders his title (ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως) dramatically affects the range of economic stratification represented in the Corinthian church. Relying chiefly on epigraphy, including an important new inscription from the Achaean colony of Patras, this article engages the scholarly dialogue about the Latin equivalent of Erastus’ title, rebutting the arguments in favour of arcarius and aedilis, and contends that he served as quaestor, a high-ranking municipal position exclusively occupied by the economic elite.
Journal of Biblical Literature
... have in various ways enriched my postgraduate experience: David and Sian Baker, Jeremy and Ja... more ... have in various ways enriched my postgraduate experience: David and Sian Baker, Jeremy and Jackie Bergstrom, Heather Blackwell, Mindy Briones, Robert and Laurie Cavin, Amy Gupta, Pete Holt, Nick Kalena, Dr Mickey Klink, Megan Linebaugh, Luke ...
Religious Studies Review, 2013
Religious Studies Review, 2014
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
The Graeco-Roman Context of 1 Corinthians, 2012
John Goodrich provides a study of two critical passages from 1 Cor 4 and 9 where Paul employs the... more John Goodrich provides a study of two critical passages from 1 Cor 4 and 9 where Paul employs the word oikonomos and oikonomia for steward and administrator. What emerges is an engaging study with fresh insights on Paul, leadership, and authority. Goodrich's first chapter surveys apostolic authority broadly within 1 Corinthians. He rightfully notes how the letter of 1 Corinthians reveals in a unique way Paul's theology in practice, particularly how his gospel applies to real people and problems. Goodrich observes that several scholars have examined apostolic authority in various ways. Some consider how authority was constructed. J. H. Schütz examined Paul's authority concluded that Paul's authority rested on two figures of interpretation: the gospel and the apostle himself. Scholars such as K. H. Rengstorf, J. B. Lightfoot, and K. O. Sandnes have studied the word apostolos, aiming to expose the nature of apostleship by examining this title's origin. J. N. Collins has considered the word diakonos, while others like S. J. Joubert and T. J. Burke have studied Paul's metaphor of being a father. Others have examined instead how Paul's apostolic authority has been asserted. B. Holmberg, G. Shaw, E. A. Castelli, and S. H. Polaski have written regarding Paul's assertion of his authority. These studies have raised significant questions about the purity of Paul's motives and effects of Paul's apostolic authority. While E. Best, K. Ehrensberger, A. Long, and R. F. Talbott have also written about the assertion of Paul's authority, their studies provide a counter opinion. They claim that Paul's authoritarian practice can be explained more positively by other motives. For Best, Paul is using authoritative language that would naturally derive from the fact that he was the founder of the church at Corinth. For Ehrensberger, Long, and Talbot, any of Paul's language that would seem to be imposing was used to bring communities to an equal standing with Paul. Goodrich takes a different approach to authority than these previous studies. Rather than defining Paul's power by the means that he constructed it or asserted it, Goodrich examines Paul's authority in both ways by examining the word administrators (oikonomoi). A book length study of this image is absent within recent studies. Those that have considered this image are few and their results are out of date. This was published in Themelios Volume 38 Issue 1 April 2013
Religious Studies Review, 2015
Religious Studies Review, 2014
Religious Studies Review, 2014
Religious Studies Review, 2012
HOMER, THE ILIAD. Translated with an introduction and notes by Stephen Mitchell. New York: Free P... more HOMER, THE ILIAD. Translated with an introduction and notes by Stephen Mitchell. New York: Free Press, 2011. Pp. lxiii + 466. $35.00. Mitchell's Iliad translation is notable in part for what it leaves out: approximately 500 lines deemed questionable by M. L. West and others, the "baroque and nasty" book ten, and epithets that have no immediate bearing on their context. The result is strikingly direct and natural sounding, even if (arguably) incomplete. Mitchell's introduction focuses on a vivid portrait of the Homeric worldview that helps the reader understand how a mother can "rejoic[e] at her son's return from battle with the bloody armor of [his] enemy as if she were watching him. .. graduating from college." The translation is particularly effective when it comes to battle scenes and blunt Homeric insults (a dead man falls "like a tower"; Achilles calls Agamemnon an "insolent son of a bitch"). Scenes of domesticity and mourning are less stylistically distinct, but nonetheless skillfully rendered. Mitchell's translation is likely to be especially useful in the classroom or for any reader who wishes to experience the "filler" battle scenes as something fresh and new.
Religious Studies Review, 2009
Although this book seems imbalanced as three-quarters of the work is essentially a history of sch... more Although this book seems imbalanced as three-quarters of the work is essentially a history of scholarship, it offers a very helpful introduction to an aspect of literary analysis that is rarely given the attention that it deserves amidst biblical scholars. While it does not succeed in its goal to provide "a comprehensive guide" to biblical point of view, it succeeds excellently in offering a general introduction to the phenomenon, accessible to all audiences.
Religious Studies Review, 2012
HOMER, THE ILIAD. Translated with an introduction and notes by Stephen Mitchell. New York: Free P... more HOMER, THE ILIAD. Translated with an introduction and notes by Stephen Mitchell. New York: Free Press, 2011. Pp. lxiii + 466. $35.00. Mitchell's Iliad translation is notable in part for what it leaves out: approximately 500 lines deemed questionable by M. L. West and others, the "baroque and nasty" book ten, and epithets that have no immediate bearing on their context. The result is strikingly direct and natural sounding, even if (arguably) incomplete. Mitchell's introduction focuses on a vivid portrait of the Homeric worldview that helps the reader understand how a mother can "rejoic[e] at her son's return from battle with the bloody armor of [his] enemy as if she were watching him. .. graduating from college." The translation is particularly effective when it comes to battle scenes and blunt Homeric insults (a dead man falls "like a tower"; Achilles calls Agamemnon an "insolent son of a bitch"). Scenes of domesticity and mourning are less stylistically distinct, but nonetheless skillfully rendered. Mitchell's translation is likely to be especially useful in the classroom or for any reader who wishes to experience the "filler" battle scenes as something fresh and new.
Religious Studies Review, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.
Religious Studies Review, 2012
Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives ... more Jerusalem to Rome is marked by a series of turf battles between the apostles and representatives of Hellenistic religious practices." Whether a clash with sorcerers at Samaria (Acts 8) or Paphos (Acts 13), pagan prophets at Philippi (Acts 16), or powerful brokers of the cult of Artemis at Ephesus (Acts 19), early Christian messengers required both familiarity with and necessary tools for confrontation with these varied beliefs and practices. Such narratives also echo countless pastoral warnings by Peter, John, and Paul concerning the former lives of believers who "had turned from idols to serve. .. God" (1 Thess. 1:9). Johnson exhibits disappointment with a long-standing scholarly tradition that gives minimal attention to the role of first century "pagan" religion or adheres to old and artificial structures that merely regionalize Judaism and Greco-Roman culture. To counter, Johnson identifies four pervasive religious domains. Seekers typically pursue salvation for personal benefits, moral transformation, transcendent experience, and/or societal stabilization. Each "type" shares various fundamental quests, yet interacts and competes with core dynamics of Christianity. This outstanding volume should become the standard for customary graduate/seminary courses on NT backgrounds. (Johnson includes over one hundred pages of footnotes filled with invaluable primary sources.) Finally, Johnson suggests proponents of contemporary Christian advancement require similar breadth for engagement of present-day religions; perhaps a more careful reading of the NT will encourage readers to better understand and wrestle with the complexities of our contemporary mosaic of global religions.