Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Paul Anderson and Brill for welcoming this project into the Biblical Interpretation Series. Paul’s encouragement and helpful remarks along the way have improved this manuscript which originally began as a (humble) term paper for Craig S. Keener’s Seminar in the Historical Jesus (Spring 2016) at Asbury Theological Seminary. I also extend my deep gratitude to Craig for serving as my dissertation advisor and for being a great mentor, and to Ben Witherington, III and Michael R. Licona for serving on my committee; I was long acquainted with their work before meeting any of these men in person. Fred Long of Asbury encouraged me to attend Asbury some ten years ago, and his friendship and mentorship along the way have been extraordinary.
I am exceedingly thankful for those who instilled within me a love for studying history and the Bible. Harding University’s Department of History and Political Science (notably Julie Harris and Jared Dockery) and Harding School of Theology have left an enduring, positive impression. Particularly, I must mention Professor Emeritus of New Testament Allen Black, and Professor of New Testament Richard Oster, whose teaching, scholarship, service to the church, and academic and professional guidance over the years continue to inspire me. Thank you for teaching me the ministry of study.
A special word of thanks goes to Dr. Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary for his help in procuring an early copy of a book he edited which proved especially valuable for my concluding chapter.
As iron sharpens iron, so these friends have sharpened me: I express my gratitude to Kei Hiramatsu, Steve Knisely, Brian Shockey, Jim Wilson, Tim Christian, Drew Holland, Murray Vasser, T. Wright, Ben Snyder, Tom Lyons, Joy Vaughan, Ryan Giffin, Garrett Best, Ben Wiggershaus, Joe Hwang, Lee Hagewood, Ross Harriman (whose suggestions for improvement on an earlier stage of my manuscript proved most valuable) and many others for their friendship and encouragement over the years.
My parents, Brian and Carol Burr—whose love and support have been extraordinary as I have sometimes meandered, sometimes sprinted through my academic journey—deserve the highest praise. Lastly, and most importantly, I am eternally grateful to my loving wife, Linnea, whose hard work over the last several years has been instrumental in providing for our family in innumerable ways. Without her this would be impossible. And finally, to our wonderful sons, Peter and Samuel: I love you 3,000.