Acknowledgements
This monograph is a revision of my PhD dissertation at McMaster Divinity College (2022). I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people who helped me to finish such an arduous project, filled with much effort and toil. First and foremost, I thank my God. Though there were strenuous challenges in finishing this journey, God has strengthened me to complete this project.
Second, I thank my advisor Dr. Stanley E. Porter, whose expertise was invaluable in formulating the research questions and methodology. He has influen-ced me in many ways, not only with respect to academia but also as a person. His comments and insights are second to none. Dr. Porter always makes his students a priority even though he has a lot of work to get through on his desk every day. It is a great honor for me to study under the supervision of such a world-class scholar. I also thank my second advisor Dr. Christopher D. Land who contributed to this work by providing excellent comments. His advice broadened my perspectives and pointed out important aspects that I missed. I learned many things from his gentleness and kindness as an advisor and passion for New Testament Greek and Pauline studies.
Along with my advisors, I would also like to thank the McMaster Divinity College Linguistics Circle. Throughout the regular monthly meetings, I have greatly benefited from our discussions and comments. The meetings both challenged me as well as provided insights into my methodology and research questions. I also thank the faculty members, staff, and friends here at MDC. Throughout the courses of the Ph.D. program, I interacted with many professors via class and GA work. Their words, teachings, and remarks encouraged me and contributed to this work. Thank you, Dr. Cynthia L. Westfall, Dr. Phil Zylla, Dr. Mark J. Boda, Dr. Michael P. Knowles, Dr. Francis G. H. Pang, and all the other staff.
Lastly, I could not be more grateful for my family. Though I was not always available for my daughters, Vine and Esel were incredibly patient with me and understood my situation. Their very presence supported and strengthened me to finish this race. Most importantly, from the deepest of my heart, I give thanks to my wife, Ilae Moon. Without her implicit and even reckless support, I could not even imagine ending this whole process. I cannot even fathom the depth of her mental, emotional, and spiritual support for me. To produce a monograph was, at times, such a painstaking process to me as an author, and to her, who supported me all the time. From time to time, we struggled with many miscellaneous things. However, she has always been strong, sober, and wise amid difficult times. She is my best friend, the best support system, and the best woman on this planet. I would love to dedicate this book to my beloved and only woman, Ilae Moon.