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The interpretation of the phrase ''the testimony of Jesus'' in the Book of Revelation has been the centre of much debate, with no clear consensus regarding its meaning. One of the most important but often neglected issues is whether or not the phrase can be read consistently across each instance of its occurrence. The opening lines of the Apocalypse clearly specify that ''the testimony of Jesus'' is a moniker for the book of Revelation itself, indicating that the phrase is an internal self-reference to the book''s own message. Nevertheless, most interpreters are reluctant to apply this interpretation to the phrase in other parts of the book, leading to varied and inconsistent interpretations of the phrase.Following the intratextual pattern of the apocalyptic books of Daniel and 1 Enoch we can see that it is entirely possible that ''the testimony of Jesus'' is a reference to Revelation''s own message, an interpretation which is then supported by Dixon''s in-depth study of each of the passages in which the phrase occurs. The exploration of the rhetorical impact of interpreting the phrase in this way shows that ''the testimony of Jesus'' is not just another title for John''s writing, but is something that is given to and even characterizes those who hear the message of the Apocalypse.

Analyses the methods used to approach Revelation's relationship with Old Testament texts and shows that, although there is literature on Revelation's imitative and multi-vocal nature, these aspects of the text have not yet been explored in sufficient depth.

Like all skilful authors, the composer of the biblical books of Luke and Acts understood that a good story requires more than a gripping plot - a persuasive narrative also needs well-portrayed, plot-enhancing characters. This book brings together a set of new essays examining characters and characterization in those books from a variety of methodological perspectives. The essays illustrate how narratological, sociolinguistic, reader-response, feminist, redaction, reception historical, and comparative literature approaches can be fruitfully applied to the question of Luke''s techniques of characterization. Theoretical and methodological discussions are complemented with case studies of specific Lukan characters. Together, the essays reflect the understanding that while many of the literary techniques involved in characterization attest a certain universality, each writer also brings his or her own unique perspective and talent to the portrayal and use of characters, with the result that analysis of a writer''s characters and style of characterization can enhance appreciation of that writer''s work.

Sean A. Adams and Seth M. Ehorn have drawn together an exciting range of contributors to evaluate the use of composite citations in Early Jewish, Greco-Roman, and Early Christian authors (up through Justin Martyr). The goal is to identify and describe the existence of this phenomenon in both Greco-Roman and Jewish literature. The introductory essay will help to provide some definitional parameters, although the study as a whole will seek to weigh in on this question. The contributors seek to address specific issues, such as whether the quoting author created the composite text or found it already constructed as such. The essays also cover an exploration of the rhetorical and/or literary impact of the quotation in its present textual location, and the question of whether the intended audiences would have recognised and ''reverse engineered'' the composite citation and as a result engage with the original context of each of the component parts.In addition to the specific studies, Professor Christopher Stanley provides a summary reflection on all of the essays in the volume along with some implications for New Testament studies.

This is the second of two volumes that investigate the phenomenon of composite citations. The first collection of essays evaluated the use of composite citations in Early Jewish, Graeco-Roman, and Early Christian authors. This volume builds on the findings of the first and provides a fresh investigation of all the composite citations by New Testament authors. The following topics are covered: (1) the question of whether the quoting author created the composite text or found it already constructed as such; (2) the question of the rhetorical and/or literary impact of the quotation in its present textual location, as opposed to simply unpacking how the author appears to be interpreting the source text; and (3) the question of whether the intended audiences would have recognized and ''reverse engineered'' the composite citation in question and as a result engaged with the original context of each of the component parts.

Jesse's Lineage explores the interconnections between David, Jesus, and Jesse James.

This volume describes the attitudes towards Gentiles in both ancient Judaism and the early Christian tradition. The Jewish relationship with and views about the Gentiles played an important part in Jewish self-definition, especially in the Diaspora where Jews formed the minority among larger Gentile populations. Jewish attitudes towards the Gentiles can be found in the writings of prominent Jewish authors (Josephus and Philo), sectarian movements and texts (the Qumran community, apocalyptic literature, Jesus) and in Jewish institutions such as the Jerusalem Temple and the synagogue. In the Christian tradition, which began as a Jewish movement but developed quickly into a predominantly Gentile tradition, the role and status of Gentile believers in Jesus was always of crucial significance. Did Gentile believers need to convert to Judaism as an essential component of their affiliation with Jesus, or had the appearance of the messiah rendered such distinctions invalid? This volume assesses the wide variety of viewpoints in terms of attitudes towards Gentiles and the status and expectations of Gentiles in the Christian church.

A narratological reading of 1 Peter which links the themes and structure of the epistle with God's actions on behalf of Israel.