In this remarkably readable volume, which includes chapters by Jeffrey Weima and N.T. Wright, Rhetoric, History, and Theology acts as an enriching guide into the complexities of the New Testament while simultaneously honoring the seventieth birthday of a preeminent Methodist biblical scholar. Pick up andread is good advice. But familiarizing yourself with the rhetorical goals, culture and history, and thetheological and Christological commitments of the various authors is an indispensable aid in picking upand reading the New Testament. This book is a great companion guide as it provides some of that contextfor readers to build from when dealing with most influential book in human history.

VoegelinView

Ben Witherington is one of the most premiere biblical scholars of our age—his powers of insight are matched only by his immense productivity. It is hard to honor a man who has written commentaries on every book of the New Testament. Even so, the editors of this volume have assembled a great team of leading scholars who have written erudite essays on topics that intersect with Witherington’s own work. A tremendous collection of essays that honors a wonderful man of scholarship and faith.

Rev. Michael F. Bird, Ridley College

Ben Witherington’s prolific body of work has ranged broadly across the canon of the New Testament. This fine collection of essays honors him by focusing on the topics that have animated his scholarship: social history, ancient rhetoric, and the theology of the New Testament documents. All who share these interests will find their understanding expanded and deepened by the excellent essays in this fitting tribute volume.

Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School, emeritus

A must-read for anyone interested in joining what are all too often separated—historical, rhetorical, and theological approaches to biblical texts. Essay after essay models how historically-situated rhetoric illuminates the theological shape of the text. The result is a strong collection that will challenge you to resist adopting a one-dimensional approach in your interpretation and even to rethink typical ways of treating tricky texts. This outstanding volume thus not only honours Ben Witherington, but also makes an important contribution to biblical scholarship that will serve students and scholars alike.

Elizabeth Shively, University of St Andrews