Early Christianity

“Different Answers to Different Issues: Israel, the Gentiles and Salvation History in Romans 9-11,” Journal for the Study of the New Testament 36 (1989): 95-123.

by Bruce Longenecker

In Romans 9--11 Paul attempts to address a problem that his argument in Romans 1--8 has provoked: Since God had... more In Romans 9--11 Paul attempts to address a problem that his argument in Romans 1--8 has provoked: Since God had entered into covenant relationship with Israel, and since salvation is granted now on a basis apart from race, can God be said to be faithful? Paul's case is worked out from various angles and approaches but underlying it all is a distinctively ethnic view of salvation history and Israel's role in it throughout its successive stages. Paul's elaborate argument maintains two fundamental convictions: (1) One does not need to adopt any ethnic symbols of the people of Israel in order to experience God's grace, and (2) God works the salvation of the world through an ethnic people, Israel. In Romans 9--11 Paul demonstrates that his is a universalism contained within the confines of Jewish ethnocentrism.--C.R.M. Abstract Number: NTA34-1990-1-268

“PISTIS in Romans 3.25: Neglected Evidence for the Faithfulness of Christ?,” New Testament Studies 39 (1993): 478-80.

by Bruce Longenecker

The phrase dia [tes] pisteos in Rom 3:25a should be regarded as an original part of the quoted formula, not an... more The phrase dia [tes] pisteos in Rom 3:25a should be regarded as an original part of the quoted formula, not an insertion by Paul. Thus Rom 3:25 reads: 'whom God put forward as an atoning sacrifice, through (Jesus') faithfulness by means of his blood.' The faithfulness of Christ is the basis through which covenant relationship with God is established.--D.J.H. Abstract Number: NTA38-1994-1-292

“The Unbroken Messiah: A Johannine Feature and Its Social Functions,” New Testament Studies 41 (1995): 428-41.

by Bruce Longenecker

Two areas of biblical study identified as ‘growth points’ are the sociological and narrative approaches to early... more Two areas of biblical study identified as ‘growth points’ are the sociological and narrative approaches to early Christianity and its literature. Although these two approaches may be the offspring of different departments within the university, they are intricately related: narratives relate to a social context to the extent that they reinforce or subvert socio-perspectives. This project explores the interface of the two, examining one aspect of the narrative of the Fourth Gospel and considering ways in which it might have functioned within the social context of Johannine Christianity. While some literary critics draw high walls around a text to contain the ‘text world’ and keep it from outside contamination, others work on the basis that narratives are often referential, pointing to other narratives and building their own storyline in relation to them in some fashion. The latter approach is the one taken here, as certain points in the Johannine storyline are considered in relation to two important stories within early Christian tradition and within Judaism. The starting-point for this investigation is the feeding miracle in John 6.

“Defining the Faithful Character of the Covenant Community: Galatians 2.15-21 and Beyond,” in J.D.G. Dunn (ed.), Paul and the Mosaic Law. Tübingen: J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) (1996): 75-97.

by Bruce Longenecker

“Contours of Covenantal Theology in the Post-Conversion Paul,” in R.N. Longenecker (ed.), The Road From Damascus: The Impact of Conversion on Paul’s Life, Thought and Ministry. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 125-146

by Bruce Longenecker

“Lifelines: Perspectives on Paul and the Law,” Anvil 16.2 (1999): 125-30

by Bruce Longenecker

The traditional perspective on Paul and the Law emphasizes human inability and legalism, while the new perspective... more The traditional perspective on Paul and the Law emphasizes human inability and legalism, while the new perspective stresses Jewish covenantalism and separatism. Pauline scholarship seems to be entering a period in which the 'either-or' terms of the recent debate may give way to an approach that embraces the legitimate contributions of both perspectives.--D.J.H. Abstract Number: NTA44-2000-1-326

“The Story of the Samaritan and the Inn-Keeper (Luke 10:30-35): A Study in Character Rehabilitation,” Biblical Interpretation: A Journal of Contemporary Approaches 17 (2009): 422-47

by Bruce Longenecker

The aphorism 'context is everything' has been a guiding principle in many studies of Jesus' parabolic sayings. This is... more The aphorism 'context is everything' has been a guiding principle in many studies of Jesus' parabolic sayings. This is true, for instance, of studies attempting to recover a parable's significance in relation to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, or in relation to its literary placement and function, or in relation to its polyvalent potential. It is also true of this study, which examines Jesus' narrative of the Samaritan—usually referred to as the 'parable of the good Samaritan'. It suggests that, when the Samaritan story is placed within a certain contextual configuration, its narrative features align themselves in ways that have either been conspicuously neglected or consciously avoided in the history of the story's interpretation. Rather than neglecting or avoiding the significance of these narrative features, this essay seeks to exploit their interpretative significance in a fresh manner, entertaining possibilities of meaning beyond the Lukan interpretative framework. In particular, consideration is given to the relationship between the Samaritan and the innkeeper as representing an exceptional partnership that testifies to the reign of God in making each party vulnerable to loss while promoting goodness towards others.

“A Humorous Jesus? Orality, Structure and Characterisation in Luke 14:15-24, and Beyond,” Biblical Interpretation: A Journal of Contemporary Approaches 16 (2008): 179-204

by Bruce Longenecker

If humour is uncharacteristic of the texts of the early Christian movement, sensitivity to rhetorical patterning in... more If humour is uncharacteristic of the texts of the early Christian movement, sensitivity to rhetorical patterning in oral/aural contexts permits the recognition of innocuous sexual humour in one of the parables attributed to Jesus. Whether or not the humour originates with Jesus, it is suggestive of the way that Jesus was remembered by some of his earliest followers, and lays down a guidepost as to how he might profitably be rendered in modern portraiture or characterised in modern narrative. To that end, this study closes with an assessment of four Jesus novels of the past decade in relation to their depiction of Jesus and humour.

“Rome’s Victory and God’s Honour: The Spirit and the Temple in Lukan Theodicy,” in G.N. Stanton, B.W. Longenecker and S.C. Barton (eds.), The Holy Spirit and Christian Origins: Festschrift for James D.G. Dunn (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), 90-102

by Bruce Longenecker

“Rome, Provincial Cities and the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3,” in P. Williams et al. (eds.), The New Testament in Its First Century Setting: Essays on Context and Background (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), 281-91

by Bruce Longenecker

“Lukan Aversion to Humps and Hollows: The Case of Acts 11.27-12.25,” New Testament Studies 50 (2004): 185-204

by Bruce Longenecker

Rhetoricians of the ancient world make reference to a technique useful for signalling that a transition is being made... more Rhetoricians of the ancient world make reference to a technique useful for signalling that a transition is being made from one text unit to another. Ancient texts spanning centuries and provenance testify to the utility of this technique, not least texts of the NT. In this essay, four Lukan examples of this technique are cited, focusing particularly on what is perhaps the most intriguing of them: Acts 11.27–12.25. After demonstrating the way in which this passage is animated by the transition technique under consideration, the structural implications of these Lukan transitions are discussed in relation to the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles.

“Evil at Odds with Itself (Matt. 12:22-29): Demonising Rhetoric and Deconstructive Potential in the Matthean Narrative,” Biblical Interpretation: A Journal of Contemporary Approaches 3 & 4 (double issue) (2003): 503-14

by Bruce Longenecker

Deconstructive analysis assumes that every text inevitably contains within itself the seeds of its own rhetorical... more Deconstructive analysis assumes that every text inevitably contains within itself the seeds of its own rhetorical self-destruction. The Matthean Gospel threatens to undermine its own rhetorical legitimisation in its depiction of evil, the cohorts of evil and evil's strategic incoherence. In Matt. 12:22-29 the story's central protagonist (Jesus) and his main antagonists (the Pharisees) are shown to hold different views on the character of evil. Within the course of the Matthean narrative, the view of the antagonists proves itself to be accurate, with the protagonist's view proving itself to be deficient. The reliability of the protagonist's discernment of things central to his own career and identity is thereby undermined. Comparison of the Matthean narrative with that of Mark suggests that this deconstructive tendency is to be credited to the Matthean evangelist in his efforts to demonise the synagogue of his contemporaries by means of a rhetoric of evil.

“Galatians,” in J.D.G. Dunn (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to St Paul (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003), 64-73

by Bruce Longenecker

“The Narrative Approach to Paul: An Early Retrospective,” Currents in Biblical Research 1 (2002): 88-111. Reprinted in Paul Foster, ed., New Testament Studies: Benchmarks in Religious Studies (London: Sage Publications, 2010).

by Bruce Longenecker

An interest in 'narrative' has progressively been incorporated into recent scholarship on Paul and his letters. In... more An interest in 'narrative' has progressively been incorporated into recent scholarship on Paul and his letters. In this enterprise, scholars interest themselves not only in the 'surface level' of a Pauline letter but also in what lies 'beneath the surface'—imagining Paul's letters to be both animated and constrained by a narrative theology that comes to expression in Paul's theological discourse. Interest in the narrative dimension of Paul's thought has arisen in relation to several contributing influences within the theologi cal disciplines—influences both within and beyond the discipline of Pauline studies itself. This article outlines some ways in which 'narrative' is becom ing a key tool in studies of Paul's theology and letters, and suggests four factors behind the rise in this interesting enterprise.

“Narrative Interest in the Study of Paul: Retrospective and Prospective,” in Bruce W. Longenecker (ed.), Narrative Dynamics in Paul: A Critical Assessment (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 3-16

by Bruce Longenecker

“Sharing in Their Spiritual Blessings? The Story of Israel in Galatians and Romans,” in Bruce W. Longenecker (ed.), Narrative Dynamics in Paul: A Critical Assessment (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 58-84

by Bruce Longenecker

“Linked like a Chain: Revelation 22.6-9 in the light of an Ancient Transition Technique,” New Testament Studies 47 (2001): 105-117

by Bruce Longenecker

Rev 22.6–9 exhibits an elaborate structure. Fundamental to its structural complexity is the rhetorical technique of... more Rev 22.6–9 exhibits an elaborate structure. Fundamental to its structural complexity is the rhetorical technique of ‘chain-link’ construction, discussed by both Lucian of Samosata and Quintilian. Appearing in at least three other passages in the Johannine apocalypse, this transition device involves a back-and-forth (AbaB) arrangement of ideas that has not been adequately appreciated in modern scholarship. Rev 22.6–9 has occasionally been characterised as the product of a second-rate or ‘irregular’ mind. In fact, however, these verses evidence a structural feature commended by ancient rhetoricians concerned with presentational clarity and force.

“Revelation 19,10: One Verse in Search of an Author,” Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft 91 (2000): 230-37

by Bruce Longenecker

There is a paucity of evidence to support R. H. Charles's hypothesis that Rev 19:10 was an interpolation. His... more There is a paucity of evidence to support R. H. Charles's hypothesis that Rev 19:10 was an interpolation. His confident case concerning the influence of a redactor in this verse is supportable only by impressionistic conjecture, reliance on insubstantial textual evidence, misrepresentation of stylistic evidence, and incorporating interpretive distinctions that have no contextual merit. Consequently, the most prudent conclusion to draw is that 19:10 is integral to the text and originated with the author of Revelation.--D.J.H. Abstract Number: NTA45-2001-2-1213

“Until Christ is formed in you: Suprahuman Forces and Moral Character in Galatians,” Catholic Biblical Quarterly 61 (1999): 92-108

by Bruce Longenecker

As Paul envisaged the situation in Galatia, he perceived suprahuman forces at work that were fostering forms of moral... more As Paul envisaged the situation in Galatia, he perceived suprahuman forces at work that were fostering forms of moral character contrary to that of Christ and his people. The article first examines Paul's depiction of the Galatian agitators as wielders of the evil eye (see 3:1) and as sorcerers of enmity (4:16-17), both in relation to Paul's catalogue of vices (5:19-21). Then it considers Paul's analysis of the Galatians' moral character in 4:12-20 and offers suggestions about the theological coherence of this passage and its place within Paul's overall argument. The common thread in all this is the association of certain spiritual forces with certain forms of character. In this light the agitators are depicted negatively and Paul positively, while the Galatians are shown to be in danger of shifting from one context to another.--D.J.H. Abstract Number: NTA44-2000-1-363

“Moral Character and Divine Generosity: Acts 13.13-52 and the Narrative Dynamics of Luke-Acts,” in A.M. Donaldson & T.B. Sailors (eds), New Testament Greek and Exegesis: A Festschrift for Gerald F. Hawthorne (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003), 141-64

by Bruce Longenecker