Cornelis Bennema presents a new theory of characterization in the New Testament literature. Although character has been the subject of focused literary-critical study of the New Testament (and a point of connection with "character ethics") since the 1970s, Cornelis Bennema observes that there is still no consensus regarding how characterization should be understood in contemporary literary theory or in biblical studies. Many New Testament scholars seem to presume that characters in Greco-Roman literature are two-dimensional, "Aristotelian" figures, unlike the well-rounded, psychologized individuals who appear in modern fiction. They continue nevertheless to apply contemporary literary theory to characters in ancient writings. Bennema here offers a full, comprehensive, and non-reductionist theory for the analysis, classification, and evaluation of characters in the New Testament.

The last thirty years have seen an increased interest in the Bible as literature and story. Yet "character" appears to be neglected in both literary theory and narrative criticism. Indeed, there is not even agreement amongst scholars on how to approach, analyze and classify characters. Applying a comprehensive theory of character to the Gospel of John, Cornelis Bennema provides a fresh analysis of both the characters and their responses to Jesus. While the majority of scholars view most Johannine characters as "flat," Bennema demonstrates that many are complex, developing, and "round." John's broad array of characters and their responses to Jesus correspond to people and their choices in real life in any culture and time. This book highlights how John's Gospel seeks to challenge its readers, past and present, about where they stand in relation to Jesus.

This volume gathers writings about the Spirit and Christ by notable scholars including Richard Bauckham, D. A. Carson, James Dunn, and many others. Covering topics that are relevant for the worldwide church today -- the life-giving work of the Spirit, the Spirit in Luke and Acts, the gift of the Spirit in John 19-20, pneumatology and justifi cation, community life through the Spirit, and more -- the twenty essays included will be a welcome resource for scholars and ministers. The Spirit and Christ in the New Testament and Christian Theology is also a fitting tribute to honoree Max Turner, whose outstanding scholarship has focused on pneumatology and Christology. Contributors: Richard Bauckham Cornelis Bennema D. A. Carson James D. G. Dunn Conrad Gempf Joel B. Green Desta Heliso Veli-Matti Karkkainen Anthony N. S. Lane John R. Levison I. Howard Marshall Graham McFarlane Robert P. Menzies Steve Motyer Andre Munzinger Volker Rabens Mark L. Strauss John Christopher Thomas Chris Tilling Robert W. Wall Steve Walton