Kirjahaku

Professor Epp's purpose in this investigation is to discover to what extent textual variants in the New Testament were caused by dogmatic interference with the text. Codex Bezae Cantabrigiensis, a late fifth-century manuscript of the Gospels and Acts, is the leading Greek representative of the so-called 'Western' text, and a natural starting point for an inquiry into theological bias behind the striking variants in that textual tradition. Professor Epp makes a detailed comparison between the 'Western' text and the 'Neutral' text of Acts, and discloses a strongly heightened anti-Judaic tendency in the Western text. He concludes that a theological motive for these variants can hardly be questioned, since the Western text of Acts is more consistent in delineating its particular viewpoint and more abundant in its evidence than could reasonably be expected of an aberrant textual tradition. This theological approach to textual criticism is not new, but it has been confined hitherto to isolated passages.

The name "Junia" appears in Romans 16:7, and Paul identifies her (along with Andronicus) as "prominent among the apostles." In this important work, Epp investigates the mysterious disappearance of Junia from the traditions of the church. Because later theologians and scribes could not believe (or wanted to suppress) that Paul had numbered a woman among the earliest churches' apostles, Junia's name was changed in Romans to a masculine form. Despite the fact that the earliest churches met in homes and that other women were clearly leaders in the churches (e.g., Prisca and Lydia), calling Junia an apostle seemed too much for the tradition. Epp tracks how this happened in New Testament manuscripts, scribal traditions, and translations of the Bible. In this thoroughgoing study, Epp restores Junia to her rightful place.

Eldon Jay Epp’s second volume of collected essays consists of articles previously published during 2006-2017. All treat aspects of the New Testament textual criticism, but focus on historical and methodological issues relevant to constructing the earliest attainable text of New Testament writings. More specific emphasis falls upon the nature of textual transmission and the text-critical process, and heavily on the criteria employed in establishing that earliest available text. Moreover, textual grouping is examined at length, and prominent is the current approach to textual variants not approved for the constructed text, for they have stories to tell regarding theological, ethical, and real-life issues as the early Christian churches sought to work out their own status, practices, and destiny.

Filled with compact, almost aphoristic observations about the text, its background, and its theology. Its insight should sustain its value for a full generation.

This commentary, the fruit of years of research, is a gold-mine for clergy and an indispensable resource for students and scholars. Achtemeier brings to this text his characteristic mastery of scholarship, theological insight and balanced judgment.