The contributors to this volume (J.D. Punch, Jennifer Knust, Tommy Wasserman, Chris Keith, Maurice Robinson, and Larry Hurtado) re-examine the Pericope Adulterae (John 7.53-8.11) asking afresh the question of the paragraph's authenticity. Each contributor not only presents the reader with arguments for or against the pericope's authenticity but also with viable theories on how and why the earliest extant manuscripts omit the passage. Readers are encouraged to evaluate manuscript witnesses, scribal tendencies, patristic witnesses, and internal evidence to assess the plausibility of each contributor's proposal. Readers are presented with cutting-edge research on the pericope from both scholarly camps: those who argue for its originality, and those who regard it as a later scribal interpolation. In so doing, the volume brings readers face-to-face with the most recent evidence and arguments (several of which are made here for the first time, with new evidence is brought to the table), allowing readers to engage in the controversy and weigh the evidence for themselves.

The problematic literary relationship among the Synoptic Gospels has given rise to numerous theories of authorship and priority. Rethinking the Synoptic Problem familiarizes readers with the main positions held by New Testament scholars and updates evangelical understandings of this much-debated area of research. Contributors Craig L. Blomberg Darrell L. Bock William R. Farmer Scot McKnight Grant R. Osborne "An exciting and readable overview of the present state of the Synoptic problem. The entries are balanced, probing, and incisive, making the volume a valuable introduction for all who would learn more about the knotty but inescapable enigma at the heart of the Gospels." -David Dungan, University of Tennessee "This set of essays by first-class conservative New Testament scholars constitutes a fine case study of competing views on the Synoptic debate. This volume is eminently fair and helps the reader sort out complex evidence in the study of Gospel parallels. A commendable attitude of humility attends the discussion." -Royce G. Gruenler, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary David Alan Black (D.Theol., University of Basel) is professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. David R. Beck (Ph.D., Duke University) is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

This work offers students the most current discussion of the major issues in Greek and linguistics by leading authorities in the field. Featuring an all-star lineup of New Testament Greek scholars--including Stanley Porter, Constantine Campbell, Stephen Levinsohn, Jonathan Pennington, and Robert Plummer--it examines the latest advancements in New Testament Greek linguistics, making it an ideal intermediate supplemental Greek textbook. Chapters cover key topics such as verbal aspect, the perfect tense, deponency and the middle voice, discourse analysis, word order, and pronunciation.

According to David Alan Black, "People who teach or write about Greek grammar tend to treat the subject as though it were a green vegetable: "you may not like grammar, but it's good for you." It's Still Greek to Me offers an alternative approach. "I have tried to organize the book in a manner geared to the way people actually use the language, and I have done my utmost to make this book not only accurate but easy to understand and enjoyable to read," Black explains. "I have tried, in short, to produce a true user's guide to New Testament Greek for the twenty-first century. The only prerequisites on your part are a basic knowledge of Greek--and a healthy sense of humor." Like other intermediate grammars, It's Still Greek to Me provides a comprehensive survey of Greek syntax with chapters devoted to the nuances of Greek nouns, verbs, and clauses. Unlike other grammars, this one also takes students on a brief refresher tour of English grammar. It's Still Greek to Me is intended primarily for those who have finished one year of instruction in Greek and is thus best suited for second-year Greek classes or seminary exegesis courses. Its thirteen chapters can easily be covered in a one-semester course, with ample time for review and testing. Each chapter concludes with practice exercises and key terms for review.

Introduces Greek students to the field of linguistics and shows how its findings can increase their understanding of the New Testament.

A Practical Guide for Students and Pastors. 'Using New Testament Greek in Ministry' focuses on the transformation of exegesis into exposition, of studies into sermons. To prepare students toward this end, David Alan Black explains the process of using the Greek text and linguistic resources to study the New Testament and he recommends a basic library of reference books.

A concise companion to Ellis Brotzman's "Old Testament Textual Criticism." Introduces students to the process of comparing Greek texts and seeking the original wording.

An academic staple updated for the first time in fifteen years, David Alan Black's user-friendly introduction to New Testament Greek keeps discussion of grammar as non-technical as possible. The simplified explanations, basic vocabularies, and abundant exercises are designed to prepare the student for subsequent practical courses in exegesis, while the linguistic emphasis lays the groundwork for later courses in grammar. Revisions to this third edition include updated discussions and scholarship, further back matter vocabulary references, and additional appendices. "A streamlined introductory grammar that will prove popular in the classroom." --Murray J. Harris, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "Clear charts, clear examples, clear discussion--what more could one want from a beginning grammar!" --Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary " . . . combines the strengths of a fairly traditional sequence of topics, in generally manageable chunks with clear explanations fully abreast of modern linguistics." --Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary "Pedagogically conceived, linguistically informed, hermeneutically sensitive, biblically focused--unique among beginning grammars. It sets a new standard." --Robert Yarbrough, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

The contributors to this volume (J.D. Punch, Jennifer Knust, Tommy Wasserman, Chris Keith, Maurice Robinson, and Larry Hurtado) re-examine the Pericope Adulterae (John 7.53-8.11) asking afresh the question of the paragraph's authenticity. Each contributor not only presents the reader with arguments for or against the pericope's authenticity but also with viable theories on how and why the earliest extant manuscripts omit the passage. Readers are encouraged to evaluate manuscript witnesses, scribal tendencies, patristic witnesses, and internal evidence to assess the plausibility of each contributor's proposal. Readers are presented with cutting-edge research on the pericope from both scholarly camps: those who argue for its originality, and those who regard it as a later scribal interpolation. In so doing, the volume brings readers face-to-face with the most recent evidence and arguments (several of which are made here for the first time, with new evidence is brought to the table), allowing readers to engage in the controversy and weigh the evidence for themselves.

If you've been looking for a way to go from that surfboard to the Greek classroom, this is the book for you That's not your goal? Then how about following God's leading wherever it takes you? Dave Black believes it's all about mission, and living for God means just that. Your mission may be right in your own home, or it may take you on a journey into danger. Coming back alive may not be assured. But adventure is

What does Jesus mean when he says, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but each disciple, after being fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40)? This verse has been quoted, cited, and referenced in vast amounts of Christian education and discipleship literature. Nevertheless, the verse is nearly untouched in exegetical discussions with the exception of source-critical analyses. From this verse arises an undeveloped theme in the Gospel of Luke and the New Testament--the theme of likeness education. Using content analysis methodology, Luke 6:40--one of the keystone passages in Christian education literature--serves as the starting point for mining out the theme of likeness education in the New Testament. This study consists of three concentric areas of investigation: (1) Luke 6:40 and its immediate context, (2) Luke-Acts, and (3) the New Testament corpus. "Jesus commissioned his church to make disciples of all nations. In this carefully researched work, Thomas Hudgins fleshes out the methods and goals to achieve this divinely ordained assignment. I am thankful for the heart and passion of Thomas. You will find them emerging from the pages of this work." --Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina "The ultimate destiny for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest privilege of being conformed to the image of God's Son. Thomas Hudgins leads the reader on an excellent study of what it means to be a true follower of our Lord and Savior." --Dave Farnell, Professor of New Testament, The Master's Seminary, California Thomas W. Hudgins is Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Capital Seminary and Graduate School.

Over the last few centuries the authorship of the book of Hebrews has been a contentious topic, but lately a strong scholarly consensus has emerged that Paul was not the author. There is no similar consensus about who did author the book; the consensus is entirely negative. Nonetheless, it takes some courage for a scholar to risk his reputation by challenging a so thoroughly assured conclusion of many scholars. Yet this is precisely what Dr. David Alan Black has done. In this book he adapts some of his previous scholarly work for a broader audience, demonstrating both how one goes about determining the authorship of an ancient work, and also how one challenges a scholarly consensus. And that is also why we have chosen this volume as the inaugural volume of our Participatory Study Series - Topic Line Drives. Millions of churchgoers look to the introductions to various books in their study Bibles to answer questions of date, authorship, and background. But only those who read more than one introduction will be fully aware of the disagreements among scholars about those conclusions. How is it that scholars make a determination about authorship? This book is for those who want to dig deeper than the notes in a study Bible and who want to understand what stands behind those conclusions. Dr. Black has paid his dues in the practice of scholarship, and here he demonstrates how one challenges such a consensus. At the same time he will guide the reader through the various factors that influence a decision about the authorship of a book. We hope this book will give new life to your Bible study and will challenge you to study further, not just about this subject, but about many others.

Synopsis: In this practical book every occurrence of astheneia and its cognates in the Pauline Epistles is examined, both in its immediate context and in its relation to Pauline thought as a whole. The analysis begins, first, by examining both secular and Septuagintal Greek usages of astheneia as well as its usage in the non-Pauline New Testament writings. It then proceeds, secondly, by defining Paul's astheneia termini from letter to letter and context to context. All the passages in the Pauline literature where the words appear undergo a detailed exegetical examination. The Pauline weakness motif is then summarized, with the conclusion that the concept of weakness is foundational to Paul's anthropology, Christology, and ethics. Endorsements: "David Alan Black has done excellent work in analyzing the Greek word astheneia and its cognates in the context of the Pauline Epistles. I also appreciate his effort to relate the word study to different aspects of Paul's theology. I am delighted to recommend it." --Victor (Sung Yul) Rhee, Associate Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Talbot School of Theology "The theme of weakness in the Pauline Epistles is very important to Paul's theological perspective. David Alan Black provides a treatment of the subject that is academically excellent and yet accessible to the ordinary reader. . . . Seldom does one find in the same book this level of academic excellence combined with such great practical relevance." --Donald A. Hagner, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary "For those in Christ, his way must be our way Through weakness, our Savior redeemed us. Through weakness, our Savior sanctifies us on the way to glory. Of these marvelous truths this book makes abundantly clear." --Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "A model of careful and detailed exegetical analysis, fair and balanced in its conclusions, David Alan Black's revision of his work on astheneia and its cognates in Paul's writings is a welcome addition to contemporary discussions within Pauline scholarship. Exemplifying scholarly depth and thoroughness, Black's writing is nonetheless eminently readable and extremely practical for all who seek to understand God's manifestation of his power through our human frailty." --David R. Beck, Professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary "The theme of power in weakness in Paul's letters remains important, timely, and countercultural, and one both our society and the church need to learn more than ever. It is a blessing for this book to be back in print." --Craig L. Blomberg, Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary Author Biography: David Alan Black (ThD, University of Basel) is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. His recent publications include Perspectives on the Ending of Mark, Why Four Gospels?, and The Jesus Paradigm. He and his wife live on a 123-acre working farm in southern Virginia and are self-supporting missionaries to Ethiopia.

The church in America has come to depend on professionals to "do ministry." In many churches, the pastor, paid to do the job, is the one who is expected to carry out all functions of the church. But it was not always this way. Jesus came as God-in-the-flesh. The pattern portrayed in the New Testament is that every Christian is part of the body of Christ, and the function of Christ's body is to be incarnational, to be Jesus Christ for the world (John 20:21). Author David Alan Black takes on this attitude of outsourcing our mission in his shortest book, yet one he has said might be the most important that he has written: Will You Join the Cause of Global Missions? If you expect here a call to go to seminary and become a professional missionary, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, Dave calls for us to replace outsourcing with insourcing. Instead of looking for professionals to do the ministry while the rest of us fill the pews, he is pointing us back to the Gospel Commission and the call on every Christian life to fulfill that Commission. It is not enough in the 21st century to put a little bit of money into the church and expect the pastor and paid staff to do the work. Each one of us is called to also give of our time and talents. This little book might be dangerous. You may not be able to put it down without seeing your life radically changed. In fact, the book ends with a call to make precisely that promise. So will you join the cause of global missions?

In Why Four Gospels? noted Greek and New Testament scholar David Alan Black, concisely and clearly presents the case for the early development of the gospels, beginning with Matthew, rather than Mark. But this is much more than a discussion of the order in which the gospels were written. Using both internal data from the gospels themselves and an exhaustive and careful examination of the statements of the early church fathers, Dr. Black places each gospel in the context of the early development of Christianity.Though Markan priority is the dominant position still in Biblical scholarship, Dr. Black argues that this position is not based on the best evidence available, that the internal evidence is often given more weight than it deserves and alternative explanations are dismissed or ignored. If you would like an outline of the basis for accepting both early authorship of the gospels and the priority of Matthew, this book is for you.