Acknowledgments
As a runner, I liken this endeavor to the rigors of a marathon. But while the marathon is a solitary race, I have not run alone. My cloud of witnesses has been an invaluable, constant source of encouragement and support. I am grateful to have attended the University of Aberdeen (though from California) in the completion of this study.
I am honored and grateful to have had this manuscript accepted for publication with Brill. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Professor Paul N. Anderson for including this study in the Biblical Interpretation Series. Thank you for extending such a warm welcome into further dialogue about the Fourth Gospel. I have so enjoyed this. Thank you also to the excellent team at Brill, namely Noor Otten, Akiko Hakuno, and Nitzan Shalev; you have been wonderful to work with.
This project would never have materialized without the providential opportunity to study with Professor Grant Macaskill. His keen, creative intellect, his humility and wisdom, along with his kind and subtle guidance, have all been formative to my own development as a student of the Word. Thank you, Grant, for your consistent encouragement to not be afraid nor insecure about asking the different question. I also wish to extend gratitude to my thesis examiners, Dr Katy Hockey and Dr Catrin Williams. I appreciate the time invested in engaging with my research, posing incisive questions, and prompting the important adjustments needed to tighten up its articulation. This study is better for it. I am grateful for your insights.
To my lifeline friends in the PhD program—Kris Song, Melissa Tan, and Lisa Igram: you three are brilliant. I am all the better for your academic collaboration and insight. I am especially grateful for the camaraderie and laughter amid the hardships of this road. I am cheering for each of you as we continue this scholarly journey.
The Talbot School of Theology community has poured into me both as a student and professor for many years. There are simply too many to name them all, but several have contributed to my development toward this specific endeavor—with academic guidance, encouragement, letters of recommendation, teaching opportunities, and mentorship. Thank you to Mike Wilkins, Clint Arnold, Joanne Jung, John Hutchison, Doug Huffman, Scott Rae, Matt Williams, Crystal Melara, and Michelle Lee-Barnewall. Finally, I extend a shout-out of gratitude to my wonderful Biola undergrad biblical studies colleagues. I love serving alongside each of you.
I am grateful to my village of friends and family. At every water station along the course, dear friends have provided encouragement, confidence, childcare, laughter, permission to stop working, coffee, meals, prayers, and more. I have also been significantly shaped by my siblings, Julie, Stephanie, and Joseph (and their families). To my in-laws, Dwight and Vicki Hanger: thank you for your constant generosity, encouragement, and love. The same sentiments extend to my parents, Robert and Donna Pera. You have loved and championed me my whole life. Your persistent prayers have absolutely sustained me. I love you all.
Profound gratitude extends to my children—Bella, Emery, and Garrison— you three have always encouraged me, you make me laugh, and you have my whole heart. Finally, to Garrick, my best friend, husband, the one running this race by my side: you have been my biggest human source of confidence, making my dreams your own, and carrying my burdens. I know the sacrifices you have made on my behalf. I love you.
Finally (finally!), I am grateful to the One who forms the “we” of my first- person plural voice throughout this study. The presence of the Paraclete (John 14–16) is my closest confidante, whispering understanding into my running thoughts. My insights are ours, although I take responsibility for all errors and shortcomings in this project. As this part of the race draws to a close, my eyes remain fixed on the Author and Finisher of faith, with gratitude. All glory to God.