The present study was accepted as a habilitation in December 2018 by the Theological Faculty of the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg.
My first heartfelt thanks go to my advisor, Prof. Dr. Peter Lampe, who made it possible for me to gain experience in research and teaching as an academic employee under his professorial chair for many years, allowing me the freedom to develop my own ideas while continuously inspiring further thinking and sharpening my thoughts. His example continues to inform my work. I would also like to thank my second reviewer, Prof. Dr. Helmut Schwier, who supported this work in the context of the New Testament departmental forum and enriched it with constructive criticism.
The Hessian LOEWE Research Cluster “Religious Positioning” enabled me to prepare the manuscript for printing. Special thanks are due to Prof. Dr. Ute E. Eisen for her intensive and competent guidance.
I would like to thank the editors Prof. Dr. Christoph Gregor Müller and Prof. Dr. Ruth Scoralick for including this work in the series. I am especially grateful to Professor Müller for his valuable advice, and to Rebecca Hagen, PD Dr. Martin Illert and Uwe Meier for their friendly support during the process of bringing the book to print.
My thanks also extend to family and friends who supported me during this time. In particular, I thank Dr. Pfeiffer and family, who provided an open home as host parents in Heidelberg during my years of commuting.
For the English translation of my book, I express my gratitude to Dr. Kathleen Ess, who excelled not only in language skills and accurate reading, but also with her New Testament expertise. I would also like to thank Dr. Joseph Longarino and Jaro Güttig for their competent editorial support.
The Hermann Sasse Award, granted to this book in 2023, covered costs for the translation and the SELK generously added more funding, for which I am deeply grateful. I further thank my scholarly supporters and friends, Prof. Dr. William Tabbernee and Prof. Dr. Peter Lampe, as well as the Engle Family Foundation (Sioux City), for generous funding of the translation work. Gratitude is further due to Martina Kayser of the Brill publishing house who kindly supported the translated and updated edition, including with a grant from the publishing house.
Cologne, Summer 2024 Heidrun E. Mader