Description: This volume offers a comprehensive overview of one of the four New Testament gospels and brings a unique approach to the genre of Bible commentary. Featuring distinct Jewish and Christian voices in respectful conversation, Amy-Jill Levine and Ben Witherington, III methodologically break new ground in exploring why scholars disagree on questions of history (what actually happened, what is authorial invention, how do we address different versions of the same account), literature (what does this story tell us about Jesus and Peter, Mary Magdalene and Judas, among other characters), and theology (what can we say about resurrection and divine justice, or about Jesus as the Messiah). They show how Luke has been used to create both tragedy and hope, as well as to promote sexism, anti-semitism, and religious intolerance, thereby raising important questions regarding ethically responsible interpretation. This volume will be essential reading for theologians, clergy, and anyone interested in biblical studies and Jewish/Christian dialogue.
Brief description: Ben Witherington, III is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky and on the doctoral faculty at University of St Andrews, Scotland. Considered to be one of the leading evangelical scholars in the world, he is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies. Witherington has written over fifty books, including The Jesus Quest (1997) and The Paul Quest (2001), both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Patheos website.
Review Quotes: 'This volume takes an interesting tack. Levine (Vanderbilt Univ.) and Witherington (Asbury Theological Seminary) stand at nearly polar opposites on the theological spectrum. The former is a Jewish feminist agnostic, whereas the latter is an evangelical Methodist. Both authors are noted scholars with rich background in the New Testament. Their collaboration provides a rich dialectic between a 'liberal' and a 'conservative.' Their aim is not to retrace the ground traditionally covered by NT commentaries - authorship, date, and so on - but rather to delve into the text for the benefit of scholars, pastors, and interested laypersons ... The commentary is accessible throughout, and the authors demonstrate their awareness of pertinent extra-biblical works that shed light on the text.' Choice