What's in the Word

Ben Witherington III is Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary. His publications include Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism (2007), Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper (2007), The Living Word of God: Rethinking the Theology of the Bible (2007), and The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, Wesleyanism, and Pentecostalism, Revised and Expanded Edition (2015).

Invitation to the Dance Chapter One: Oral Examination: How Did 'Oral' Texts Function in a Rhetorical Culture? Chapter Two: Canonical Pseudepigrapha Is It an Oxymoron? Chapter Three: Rethinking and Redescribing Scribal Culture Chapter Four: The Question of Sermons and Homilies in the New Testament Chapter Five: Rom. 7.7-25- Retelling Adam's Tale Chapter Six: What's in a Name? Rethinking the Historical Figure of the Beloved Disciple in the 4th Gospel Chapter Seven: What's in a Word? Part One: Eidolothuton Chapter Eight: What's In A Word? Part Two Porneia Chapter Nine: What's in a Phrase? 'No Male and Female' (Gal. 3.28) Chapter Ten: Christianity in the Making': Oral Mystery or Eyewitness History? Chapter Eleven: Rethinking the Canonizing of the New Testament Chapter Twelve: Sign Posts along the Way On Taking the Less Travelled Path

"... [Witherington] easily demonstrates that history and theology simply cannot be separated." -- ?Review of Biblical Literature (May 2012) "... a fascinating discussion. ... [Witherington] is correct that social history and Greco-Roman rhetoric are now more purposely employed in interpretation and have made significant advances in our understanding of the NT--advances he masterfully demonstrates throughout this volume. --Duane F. Watson, Interpretation (2011, 65:3) "Witherington here shows how fruitful socio-rhetorical perspective can be. His lively and accessible style make for stimulating reading." --Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews "This book's fascinating observations give stimuluating guidance in hearing the texts as they were very likely meant to be heard." --Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary "This book tackles a series of contentious subjects with clarity and verve. It may even change your mind on some." --Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary ... interesting, varied, provocative, well written and worthwhile. -- David Wenham -- Journal for the Study of the New Testament