Ben Witherington III

American New Testament scholar and theologian, longtime professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, known for socio-rhetorical commentaries and accessible works on early Christianity and the historical Jesus.

Books

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This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Is There A Doctor In The House?

    An Insider's Story and Advice on Becoming a Bible Scholar
    Cover of 'Is There A Doctor In The House?' by Ben Witherington III

    A seasoned New Testament scholar blends memoir and manifesto to explain what biblical scholarship is for and how to pursue it well, offering candid, practical guidance on seminary and doctoral study, mastering languages, research and publishing, teaching, and the academic job market. Along the way he challenges anti-intellectualism in the church and calls for a robust integration of faith, learning, and ministry, sharing personal anecdotes and hard-won lessons to help readers discern their calling.

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  2. 2. The Acts Of The Apostles

    A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary
    Cover of 'The Acts Of The Apostles' by Ben Witherington III

    A socio-rhetorical commentary that reads the New Testament’s second volume through the lens of Greco-Roman historiography, rhetoric, and social dynamics, it explores how the narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome through the Spirit-empowered mission, the inclusion of Gentiles, and the leadership of Peter and Paul. Analyzing speeches, travel narratives, and cultural themes such as honor-shame, patronage, and civic identity, it offers passage-by-passage exegesis, engages ancient sources and modern scholarship, and argues for the work’s narrative coherence and substantial historical reliability while illuminating its theological aims.

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  3. 3. A Week In The Life Of Corinth

    Cover of 'A Week In The Life Of Corinth' by Ben Witherington III

    A concise, immersive narrative set over seven days in first-century Corinth, following a Roman freedman whose encounters with Paul and a fledgling house church reveal the city’s commercial bustle, patronage networks, pagan cults, and social hierarchies; interwoven historical notes illuminate dining in temples, civic festivals, and moral dilemmas as new believers struggle to live out their faith in a cosmopolitan port.

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