Searching the Scriptures: Studies in Context and Intertextuality(The Library of New Testament Studies)

This work critically engages the hermeneutical methods used to analyse the New Testament writings, so that the lenses through which studies of the texts have been traditionally viewed can be revised. Jeremy Hultin contributes an article on the rhetorical use of the chosen citations by Jewish rabbis in their commentary on scripture, while Mark Gignilliat writes on the potential implications for viewing Old Testament Scripture in the manner of the early Church exegetes and theologians. With these two contributions providing a frame for the other chapters, the essays explore a range of topics including the significance of the number 42 in Matthew; the study of Wisdom in Matthew, the extent to which the four gospels are underlined by Hebrew material, if any; the use of Hebrew material in shaping New Testament writings; and the uses of Scripture in the letters of Paul and the letters to the Hebrews. Read separately, these articles provide fascinating insights and revisions to established ideas on intertextuality between the Old/Hebrew Bible and the New Testament writings. Taken together, the collection presents a solid argument for the fundamental revision of our current hermeneutical practice in Biblical Studies.

Table of Contents:
Preface Abbreviations List of Contributors Introduction General Studies 1: Singing Women and Promised Seed Isaiah 54: 1-3 as Christian Scripture Mark S. Gignilliat, Beeson Divinity School, USA 2: Genesis Rabbah 48:1-6: Reflections on Thematic Unity and Exegetical Method Jeremy F. Hultin, Murdoch University, Australia Studies in the Gospels 3: Metaphorty-Two? The Wilderness and the People of God in Matthew 1: 1-17 Jason B. Hood, Christ United Methodist Church, USA 4: “The Rejection of Wisdom's Call": Matthew's use of Proverbs 1:20-33 in the Parable of Children in the Marketplace (Matthew 11:16-19/Luke 7: 31-35) Brian C. Dennert, Loyola University, USA 5: John, Elijah and Naboth: What Does 1 Kings 21 Have to do with Matthew 14? Jesse Rainbow, Harvard University, USA 6: Jesus as a Nazarite in Mark 14:25 Par., and Joseph's Reunion Meal in Judaic Tradition Roger D. Aus, Lutherkirchengemeinde Alt-Reinickendorf, Germany 7: The Hebrew Scriptures in the Third Gospel R. Steven Notley, Nyack College, USA and Jeffrey Garcia, New York University, USA 8: Intertextual Wisdom: Luke 12:13-34 and the Sapiental Conversation on Death and Possessions Matthew S. Rindge, Gonzaga University, USA 9: Jesus said "Keep the Commandments" and the Rich Man asked "Which Ones?" The Decalogue as a Law Summary in the Story of the Rich Man Diane Hakala, University of Cambridge, UK 10: They Shall Look Upon the One they have Pierced: Intertextuality, Intra-textuality, and Anti-Judaism in John 19:37 Ruth Sheridan, Charles Sturt University, Australia Studies in the Letters 11: Toward a Theory of Narrative Transformation: The Importance of Both Contexts in Paul's Scriptural Citations J. R. Daniel Kirk, Fuller Theological University, USA 12: Dominical Shame Tradition in Paul: An Allusion (Rom 1:16) to Jesus' Use of Shame Language (Mark 8: 38) from the Book of Daniel Yongbom Lee, Los Angeles Antioch Presbyterian Church, USA 13: ‘We Know that Whatever Law SAys…’: Romans 3:9–20 as a Narrative Utilization of Intertextuality Developing its own Theory of Intertextuality Alain Gignac, Universite de Montreal, Canada 14: Crushing Satan: Genesis 2-3 in Romans 16: 17-20A Brian LePort, University of Bristol, UK 15: The Convergence of Adamic and Merkabah Traditions in the Christology of Hebrews Silviu N. Bunta, University of Dayton, USA Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Craig A. Evans is the Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University, Canada. Jeremiah J. Johnston is Associate Professor of Early Christianity at Houston Baptist University, USA.

Review :
The book has a greater coherence than some other edited collections, since all the chapters are linked by a particular emphasis on the question of hermeneutical method, a very important and timely subject ... a great strength of [many of the studies in this collection] is that they offer a close reading of New Testament texts employing Old Testament quotations or allusions but seek to draw out the wider hermeneutical implications of their conclusions. This approach produces some interesting new insights ... This volume contains ... individual chapters which will be of value to those interested in a particular text, but also works effectively as a whole collection to engage the reader with the significant and topical question of the methodologies which can be applied to illuminate the New Testament use of scripture. The essays demonstrate the continuing vibrancy of the topic, with the use of new methods ... , new proposals ... , older methods used on new topics ... , and re-evaluation of older hypotheses ... In my judgement, [readers] will not be disappointed.