Exegesis

About: Exegesis is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3017 publications have been published within this topic receiving 25212 citations. The topic is also known as: Bible interpretation.

Para-Mania: Beside, before and beyond Bible Studies

Abstract: (ProQuest-CSA LLC: denotes non-USASCII text omitted) When I was nominated to be the 115th president of the Society of Biblical Literature11 of course felt very honored and was not reluctant to accept, but I also felt a bit uncomfortable or unsure about the appropriateness of the choice Normally the presidency of the SBL alternates between "OT" and "NT" scholars, and my immediate predecessor (Lyn Osiek) clearly qualified for the latter category Although I have done some work on Greek Jewish scriptures ("LXX/OG"),21 can hardly be considered an "OT" person; indeed, I do not think of myself at all as a "Bible scholar" in a traditional sense, even though my career has included investigations of traditionally biblical subjects such as a master's thesis on the use of Jewish scriptures in the canonical Jesus traditions3 and occasional excursions into specific NT exegetical problems-Was the "Theophile" (in the vocative) to whom Luke-Acts is addressed a woman? Did the tradition reflected in the NT book of Acts about Paul being called "Saul" (from the tribe of Benjamin) originate with some of his opponents who identified him in an uncomplimentary manner with the Benjaminite king Saul of ancient Israel notoriety? Was Paul's identification with "Tarsus" due to a misunderstanding on the part of the author of Acts (or its sources) of Paul's occupational affiliation with the "Tarsian" guild of weavers in Judea?4 But those were unpublished exceptions, and along with some dabbling in Dead Sea Scroll studies5 and the aforementioned text-critical interests in that heterogeneous anthology of Old Greek translations that unfortunately has come to be known simplistically as "the Septuagint," pretty much summed up my qualifications to be considered a "Bible scholar," strictly speaking A little research into the history of the SBL and its presidents, however, helped put to rest any misgivings I may have entertained6 From the outset, its founders chose to call it the society of "bibli'car literature (and exegesis), not of "Bible" literature And from the outset, many of its representatives were, like me, travelers along the margins of Bible studies proper The very first president, Daniel Raynes Goodwin (1811-1890) began his stint while already a near septuagenarian and held the post for seven years ( 1880-87); he had made his mark as a teacher and a scholar, as well as an administrator and a churchman, especially in the fields of philology and "intellectual and moral philosophy," with some attention to NT translations and thought Interestingly, he had served as provost at my home institution, the University of Pennsylvania, from 1860 to 1868 before accepting the deanship of the Protestant Episcopal Philadelphia Divinity School, where he also taught until his death in 18907 In an address in 1873 to his alma mater, Bowdoin College, he presented his concept of a Christian liberal arts education as basic to the survival of civilization: All life is progressive; the college must be progressive or die If there be any folly greater than the pretended antithesis of science and religion, it is that other folly of the antithesis of science and classical learning Let both go on together, each helping instead of hindering the other Let us propose no such miserable alternatives as learning or science, science or religion; rather let our watchword and battle-cry be learning and science, science and religion, "now and forever, one and inseparable"8 The issue of the relationship between science, religion, and classical learning became a recurring motif in SBL presidential addresses and discussions9 While I do not intend to revisit that theme directly here, it should become obvious that, for me, learning responsibly about the ancient contexts from which derives what came to be "Bible" with associated religious interests is, well, paramount While Goodwin can hardly be classified as primarily a "Bible scholar," many of his colleagues and successors clearly were such-J …

First and Second Kings

Abstract: Richard Nelson examines the books of Kings and treats the text as theological literature, emphasizing the literary impact of this important part of the Old Testament canon. Nelson recognizes King's as a useful though uncritical source of historical information, its purpose to transform the beliefs of its first readers, to get them to re-evaluate their identity before God.Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.