Generically, theologically, and with respect to content Joseph and Aseneth and the Gospel of Mark are miles apart. But the two narratives also exhibit remarkable stylistic affinities. Each is paratactically structured, frequently employs verbs that are active in voice and imperfective in aspect, evokes Jewish Scriptures echoically rather than by…[Read more]

Generically, theologically, and with respect to content Joseph and Aseneth and the Gospel of Mark are miles apart. But the two narratives also exhibit remarkable stylistic affinities. Each is paratactically structured, frequently employs verbs that are active in voice and imperfective in aspect, evokes Jewish Scriptures echoically rather than by…[Read more]

Generically, theologically, and with respect to content Joseph and Aseneth and the Gospel of Mark are miles apart. But the two narratives also exhibit remarkable stylistic affinities. Each is paratactically structured, frequently employs verbs that are active in voice and imperfective in aspect, evokes Jewish Scriptures echoically rather than by…[Read more]

Generically, theologically, and with respect to content Joseph and Aseneth and the Gospel of Mark are miles apart. But the two narratives also exhibit remarkable stylistic affinities. Each is paratactically structured, frequently employs verbs that are active in voice and imperfective in aspect, evokes Jewish Scriptures echoically rather than by…[Read more]

Of the myriad approaches to the identity of the “I” in Rom 7:7–25, missing is any study that considers seriously the tragic Greek laments. This article offers a new perspective on the identity of the “wretched man” — rather, the “wretched woman” — in Rom 7:7–25. I contend, based on generic and inter-traditional arguments, that Eve, not Adam, is th…[Read more]

Of the myriad approaches to the identity of the “I” in Rom 7:7–25, missing is any study that considers seriously the tragic Greek laments. This article offers a new perspective on the identity of the “wretched man” — rather, the “wretched woman” — in Rom 7:7–25. I contend, based on generic and inter-traditional arguments, that Eve, not Adam, is th…[Read more]

Of the myriad approaches to the identity of the “I” in Rom 7:7–25, missing is any study that considers seriously the tragic Greek laments. This article offers a new perspective on the identity of the “wretched man” — rather, the “wretched woman” — in Rom 7:7–25. I contend, based on generic and inter-traditional arguments, that Eve, not Adam, is th…[Read more]

Life and Letters of Paul is a writing-intensive seminar taught on two-year rotation at Ferrum College.

Life and Letters of Paul is a writing-intensive seminar taught on two-year rotation at Ferrum College.

Jesus in History and Tradition is an upper level elective course at Ferrum College (VA).

Historians tend to turn data into stories. For those of us who study the ancient data typically categorized as early Judaism and early Christianity, few stories captivate as much as Jewish particularism and the tale of the “turncoat” general Josephus. The story of Jewish particularism during the first century often assumes an inevitable cul…[Read more]

In the second-century Protevangelium of James (henceforth PJ), Mary spins thread for a new temple veil. The episode has fascinated and perplexed both ancient and modern readers: Of all the jobs the author could have chosen for the protagonist, why this one? Scholars of PJ frame the significance of Mary’s work in a variety of ways. Some argue t…[Read more]

In the second-century Protevangelium of James (henceforth PJ), Mary spins thread for a new temple veil. The episode has fascinated and perplexed both ancient and modern readers: Of all the jobs the author could have chosen for the protagonist, why this one? Scholars of PJ frame the significance of Mary’s work in a variety of ways. Some argue t…[Read more]

This syllabus is for a senior-level biblical archaeology course taught at Ferrum College (VA) in fall of 2016.