Acknowledgments
This book is a revised version of the dissertation I wrote in the doctoral program at the University of Cambridge. Although not immediately noticeable in its pages, it is the product of an incredibly formative experience I have enjoyed during forty-three months alongside people whose influence and contributions it is my honor to acknowledge.
I begin with my supervisor, Dr James Carleton Paget, whose influence went well beyond academics. The encouragement and kindness he continually expressed, along with the always helpful guidance in academic matters, were without any doubt what kept me on track and focused. I also benefited from the input of other members of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, especially Dr Nathan MacDonald. Moreover, I am thankful for the helpful comments from the readers at Tyndale House, the members of the SBL Mark Seminar, as well as Dr Ben Simpson, Dr Jeffrey Gibson, and Dr Elizabeth Struthers Malbon. I also thank Bobby Jamieson for reading the dissertation in its earlier version and for offering very helpful comments.
I wish to thank my good friends and fellow PhD candidates, whose dedication motivated me on a daily basis, and whose support and friendship were evident at crucial moments. Among them are Greg Lanier, Peter Gurry, Jim Prothro, Greg Salazar, Bobby Jamieson, Will Ross, Arthur Kiefer, Luke Wisley, Ruth Norris, Monique Cuany, Peter Malik, Peter Myers, Ferdie Mulder, Chris Fresch, Matthew Rowley, Sookgoo Shin, Flavien Pardigon, and Katy Smith. It has been an honor to walk ‘on the way’ alongside such a remarkable group of people.
I want to acknowledge those who were a source of inspiration for me throughout my academic journey. The faculty at Regent College during the years of 2009–2013, especially my friend and mentor, Dr Rikki Watts, whose enthusiasm for the person of Jesus (as well as Mark and Isaiah) inspired me to dedicate myself to the study of Scripture, and Dr Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn for her friendship and support. I also thank the resident and visiting scholars at Tyndale House: Peter Williams, Dirk Jongkind, Peter Head, Steve Walton, George Guthrie, Ed Glenny, Craig Blomberg, Buist Fanning, and Rebecca Idestrom. What I have learned over coffee with these people is immeasurable.
There were also personal friends whose kindness was a constant source of encouragement for our family. Most especially, Mark and Lois Robson, Ingmar and Carmita Scott, Steve and Kate Gaze, and Nathan and Claire MacDonald for their always warm hospitality; and Bernardo and Roberta Cho, Mark and Roz Arnold, Claudio and Stella Cholla and Fabio and Regiane Canellatto who, although geographically distant, were always very present in our lives.
I have been blessed with the opportunity of growing up in an incredibly supportive family and community. I thank, first of all, my loving parents, Waldemar and Celina de Campos, and my dear sister, Andrea de Campos Batistella and her family, whose love and example continue to shape me. I sincerely hope I have honored and will continue to honor the many sacrifices they have made for my benefit over the years. I thank my dear father- and mother-in-law, Pr. Cyllas and Leonor Marins—truly a father and a mother to me—whose unfailing support and care I will never be able to repay; my brother-in-law and friend Pr. Cyllas Marins Filho and his family, for their friendship, which has always been a safe harbor for our family; my home church, Igreja do Nazareno em Americana, whose very generous support made this possible, and more importantly, for helping to shape my character and my vocation, allowing me the privilege of being called their pastor for ten wonderful years.
I also want to thank Dr Scott Sunquist, president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, along with its remarkable faculty, who became to me very quickly a wonderful community of friends, among whom I have found the most caring support. Special thanks are directed to the members of the division of Biblical Studies, under the leadership of Dr Carol Kaminski. Their commitment to academic excellence continues to motivate me in my role as a professor and a scholar.
I want to thank my beloved children: my son and buddy, Matt, whose kindness and creativity make me the proudest father, and my beautiful daughter Zoe Victoria, whose unrelenting joy makes it all worthwhile.
Finally, I dedicate this work to my loving wife, Renata de Campos. I cannot express how thankful I am for your unwavering love and support. Your smile has been the constant source of light in the darkest days. This accomplishment is as much your triumph as it is mine. I am so glad that I have walked this journey with you by my side.