Ben C Blackwell
My research interests are captured in the intersection of NT and Patristic studies. The majority of my work has focused on the reception of the life and letters of Paul by his patristic interpreters, e.g., the Acts of Paul, the Apocalypse of Paul, Irenaeus, and Cyril of Alexandria. In addition to his wider reception, the topic of theosis is of particular interest to me.
Houston Baptist University (2011-Present)
Assistant Professor of Christianity
Director, Graduate Theology Programs (2013- Present)
Interim Dean, School of Christian Thought (2015)
Chair, Department of Theology (2013-2015)
Ph.D. (2010)
Durham University
New Testament and Historical Theology
Houston Baptist University (2011-Present)
Assistant Professor of Christianity
Director, Graduate Theology Programs (2013- Present)
Interim Dean, School of Christian Thought (2015)
Chair, Department of Theology (2013-2015)
Ph.D. (2010)
Durham University
New Testament and Historical Theology
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Series edited by Ben C Blackwell
John Kincaid (University of Mary)
Ben Blackwell (Houston Theological Seminary)
James Prothro (Augustine Institute)
Editorial Board:
Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology)
Michael Gorman (St. Mary's Seminary and University)
Jennie Grillo (University of Notre Dame)
Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary)
Isaac Morales, OP (Providence College)
Lucy Peppiatt (Westminster Theological Centre)
Lectio Sacra is to be a series of monographs, published by Cascade Books, where close readings of biblical texts engage theological questions with interpreters both ancient and modern. The goal is to recover for the church readings that reflect the way the early Jews, Christians, and early theologians read their scriptures as sacred texts and to utilize them for the ongoing tasks of exegesis and theology. Interpreters in antiquity, as today, came with varied presuppositions and approaches to exegesis, but they were united in their approach to Scripture as a sacred text, and they were unafraid to ask explicitly theological and transcendent questions of it. Lectio Sacra aims to follow them in this spirit of exegesis and to utilize their insights and approaches for contemporary dialogue.
Each volume will, in various ways, engage the range of interpretative history, paying particular attention to the exegetical, philosophical and theological judgments of interpreters within this tradition. Some volumes will be anchored in exegesis of the biblical text and, from that basis, engage issues of their ancient interpretation or their bearing on contemporary questions of theology, ethics, etc. Other volumes may be grounded in ancient reception of Scripture, unpacking its relevance for the ongoing task of exegesis and theology. A number of the volumes will incorporate both emphases, the exegesis and the text’s reception into a biblical-theological synthesis of a core theological question. All of the volumes will facilitate conversation about and with Scripture as a sacred text, listening closely to other readers who have done the same. The series will thus contribute to the continued conversation about the task of explicitly theological exegesis. By engaging relevant questions through text and reception, the series will also make ancient interpreters intelligible and relevant for today’s readers.
In sum, this series will not simply contribute to ongoing debates but offer an integration of exegesis and the theological task that will make a real contribution to the world of contemporary biblical and theological scholarship. In short, this series will attempt to model what it entails to be a “master of the sacred page” in the 21st century.
Books by Ben C Blackwell
Many see aspects of orthodox theology as speculative, irrelevant to authentic Christianity and to personal spirituality. Why do these ideas matter? They don't really seem to fit with the Bible, and they don't relate to modern life, so the question that many have is this: orthodoxy, who cares? But what if you could see how theology is relevant and foundational to the church? Rather than being speculative, it arises from the story of the Bible. Rather than being irrelevant, it speaks to the questions and realities that we face in the modern age. Rather than being merely intellectual, it shapes our spiritual lives.
Engaging Theology is an introductory theology textbook that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance:
Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church, showing students that orthodox theology matters and introducing them to most of the key theologians in the history of the church.
Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements while clarifying heterodox perspectives. Integrated with the narrative account this section also models the contextualized nature of theology. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence.
Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to the modern setting and concerns, including interaction with heterodox and non-Christian faiths. It identifies current theological problems besetting the church and shows how a proper understanding and integration of orthodox theology addresses these problems. It also points to other problems the church is facing for interesting discussion starters.
Spiritual Relevance: Since orthodox theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's personal and corporate life.
Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith.
Blackwell first examines two major Greek patristic interpreters of Paul — Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria — to clarify what deification entails and to determine which Pauline texts they used to support their soteriological constructions. The book then focuses on Paul's soteriology expressed in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 3-5 (with excursuses on other passages) and explores how believers embody Christ's death and life, his suffering and glory, through the Spirit. Blackwell concludes by comparing the patristic view of deification with Paul's soteriology arising from the biblical texts, noting both substantial overlap and key differences.
Edited Books by Ben C Blackwell
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the ideas and emphases of Hebrews’ varied discourses. Following the rhetorical progression of Hebrews, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of Hebrews with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Hebrews.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, Reading Revelation in Context examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Revelation's theology and the meaning and potency of John's visions. Following the narrative progression of Revelation, each chapter (1) pairs a major unit of the Apocalypse with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Revelation.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Mark’s theology and the nuances of his thinking. Following the narrative progression of Mark’s Gospel, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of the Gospel with one or more sections of a thematically-related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Mark.
The format and limited length of individual chapters (2,000-2,500 words) makes the volume appropriate for non-specialist students. Moreover, each essay will quote generously from Second Temple texts to improve their accessibility to readers. The focus of the essays is on educating students unfamiliar with the issues, rather than on new research or convincing scholars of a reading. As a result, some of the essays are summaries of arguments made elsewhere, in many instances from the author’s own previous research.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the textbook has other student-friendly materials that will help readers engage broader discussions. This includes an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. In addition to these general aids, the end of each chapter contains a list of other thematically-relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction
Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich, and Jason Maston
2. “Then I Proceeded to Where Things Were Chaotic” (1 Enoch 21:1): Mapping the Apocalyptic Landscape
David A. Shaw
Part Two
3. Apocalyptic as God’s Eschatological Activity in Paul’s Theology
Martinus C. de Boer
4. Apocalyptic Epistemology: The sine qua non of Valid Pauline Interpretation
Douglas A. Campbell
5. Apocalyptic as Theoria in the Letters of St. Paul: A New Perspective on Apocalyptic as Mother of Theology
Edith M. Humphrey
6. Apocalyptic and the Sudden Fulfillment of Divine Promise
N. T. Wright
Part Three
7. Some Reflections on Apocalyptic Thought and Time in Literature from the Second Temple Period
Loren T. Stuckenbruck
8. The Transcendence of Death and Heavenly Ascent in the Apocalyptic Paul and the Stoics
Joseph R. Dodson
9. Second-Century Perspectives on the Apocalyptic Paul: Reading the Apocalypse of Paul and the Acts of Paul
Ben C. Blackwell
10. Some Remarks on Apocalyptic in Modern Christian Theology
Philip G. Ziegler
Part Four
11. Righteousness Revealed: The Death of Christ as the Definition of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3:21–26
Jonathan A. Linebaugh
12. Thinking from Christ to Israel: Romans 9–11 in Apocalyptic Context
Beverly Roberts Gaventa
13. Apocalyptic Allegiance and Disinvestment in the World: A Reading of 1 Corinthians 7:25–35
John M. G. Barclay
14. After Destroying Every Rule, Authority, and Power: Paul, Apocalyptic, and Politics in 1 Corinthians
John K. Goodrich
15. Plight and Solution in Paul’s Apocalyptic Perspective: A Study of 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
Jason Maston
16. The Apocalyptic New Covenant and the Shape of Life in the Spirit according to Galatians
Michael J. Gorman
17. The Two Ages and Salvation History in Paul’s Apocalyptic Imagination: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Galatians
J. P. Davies
In this non-technical collection of short essays, beginning and intermediate students are given a chance to see firsthand what makes Paul a distinctive thinker in relation to his Jewish contemporaries. Following the narrative progression of Romans, each chapter pairs a major unit of the letter with one or more thematically related Jewish text, introduces and explores the theological nuances of the comparative text, and shows how these ideas illuminate our understanding of the book of Romans.
Articles and Essays by Ben C Blackwell
Ben C. Blackwell, “Partakers of Adoption: Irenaeus and His Use of Paul,” Letter and Spirit 11 (2016): 35–64.
John Kincaid (University of Mary)
Ben Blackwell (Houston Theological Seminary)
James Prothro (Augustine Institute)
Editorial Board:
Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology)
Michael Gorman (St. Mary's Seminary and University)
Jennie Grillo (University of Notre Dame)
Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary)
Isaac Morales, OP (Providence College)
Lucy Peppiatt (Westminster Theological Centre)
Lectio Sacra is to be a series of monographs, published by Cascade Books, where close readings of biblical texts engage theological questions with interpreters both ancient and modern. The goal is to recover for the church readings that reflect the way the early Jews, Christians, and early theologians read their scriptures as sacred texts and to utilize them for the ongoing tasks of exegesis and theology. Interpreters in antiquity, as today, came with varied presuppositions and approaches to exegesis, but they were united in their approach to Scripture as a sacred text, and they were unafraid to ask explicitly theological and transcendent questions of it. Lectio Sacra aims to follow them in this spirit of exegesis and to utilize their insights and approaches for contemporary dialogue.
Each volume will, in various ways, engage the range of interpretative history, paying particular attention to the exegetical, philosophical and theological judgments of interpreters within this tradition. Some volumes will be anchored in exegesis of the biblical text and, from that basis, engage issues of their ancient interpretation or their bearing on contemporary questions of theology, ethics, etc. Other volumes may be grounded in ancient reception of Scripture, unpacking its relevance for the ongoing task of exegesis and theology. A number of the volumes will incorporate both emphases, the exegesis and the text’s reception into a biblical-theological synthesis of a core theological question. All of the volumes will facilitate conversation about and with Scripture as a sacred text, listening closely to other readers who have done the same. The series will thus contribute to the continued conversation about the task of explicitly theological exegesis. By engaging relevant questions through text and reception, the series will also make ancient interpreters intelligible and relevant for today’s readers.
In sum, this series will not simply contribute to ongoing debates but offer an integration of exegesis and the theological task that will make a real contribution to the world of contemporary biblical and theological scholarship. In short, this series will attempt to model what it entails to be a “master of the sacred page” in the 21st century.
Many see aspects of orthodox theology as speculative, irrelevant to authentic Christianity and to personal spirituality. Why do these ideas matter? They don't really seem to fit with the Bible, and they don't relate to modern life, so the question that many have is this: orthodoxy, who cares? But what if you could see how theology is relevant and foundational to the church? Rather than being speculative, it arises from the story of the Bible. Rather than being irrelevant, it speaks to the questions and realities that we face in the modern age. Rather than being merely intellectual, it shapes our spiritual lives.
Engaging Theology is an introductory theology textbook that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance:
Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church, showing students that orthodox theology matters and introducing them to most of the key theologians in the history of the church.
Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements while clarifying heterodox perspectives. Integrated with the narrative account this section also models the contextualized nature of theology. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence.
Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to the modern setting and concerns, including interaction with heterodox and non-Christian faiths. It identifies current theological problems besetting the church and shows how a proper understanding and integration of orthodox theology addresses these problems. It also points to other problems the church is facing for interesting discussion starters.
Spiritual Relevance: Since orthodox theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's personal and corporate life.
Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith.
Blackwell first examines two major Greek patristic interpreters of Paul — Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria — to clarify what deification entails and to determine which Pauline texts they used to support their soteriological constructions. The book then focuses on Paul's soteriology expressed in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 3-5 (with excursuses on other passages) and explores how believers embody Christ's death and life, his suffering and glory, through the Spirit. Blackwell concludes by comparing the patristic view of deification with Paul's soteriology arising from the biblical texts, noting both substantial overlap and key differences.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the ideas and emphases of Hebrews’ varied discourses. Following the rhetorical progression of Hebrews, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of Hebrews with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Hebrews.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, Reading Revelation in Context examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Revelation's theology and the meaning and potency of John's visions. Following the narrative progression of Revelation, each chapter (1) pairs a major unit of the Apocalypse with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Revelation.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the book contains other student-friendly features that will help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. At the end of each chapter there a list of other thematically relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the context of Mark’s theology and the nuances of his thinking. Following the narrative progression of Mark’s Gospel, each chapter in this textbook (1) pairs a major unit of the Gospel with one or more sections of a thematically-related Jewish text, (2) introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparator text, and (3) shows how the ideas in the comparator text illuminate those expressed in Mark.
The format and limited length of individual chapters (2,000-2,500 words) makes the volume appropriate for non-specialist students. Moreover, each essay will quote generously from Second Temple texts to improve their accessibility to readers. The focus of the essays is on educating students unfamiliar with the issues, rather than on new research or convincing scholars of a reading. As a result, some of the essays are summaries of arguments made elsewhere, in many instances from the author’s own previous research.
In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, the textbook has other student-friendly materials that will help readers engage broader discussions. This includes an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism, a glossary of important terms, and a brief appendix suggesting what tools students might use to undertake their own comparative studies. In addition to these general aids, the end of each chapter contains a list of other thematically-relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for additional study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature.
1. Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction
Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich, and Jason Maston
2. “Then I Proceeded to Where Things Were Chaotic” (1 Enoch 21:1): Mapping the Apocalyptic Landscape
David A. Shaw
Part Two
3. Apocalyptic as God’s Eschatological Activity in Paul’s Theology
Martinus C. de Boer
4. Apocalyptic Epistemology: The sine qua non of Valid Pauline Interpretation
Douglas A. Campbell
5. Apocalyptic as Theoria in the Letters of St. Paul: A New Perspective on Apocalyptic as Mother of Theology
Edith M. Humphrey
6. Apocalyptic and the Sudden Fulfillment of Divine Promise
N. T. Wright
Part Three
7. Some Reflections on Apocalyptic Thought and Time in Literature from the Second Temple Period
Loren T. Stuckenbruck
8. The Transcendence of Death and Heavenly Ascent in the Apocalyptic Paul and the Stoics
Joseph R. Dodson
9. Second-Century Perspectives on the Apocalyptic Paul: Reading the Apocalypse of Paul and the Acts of Paul
Ben C. Blackwell
10. Some Remarks on Apocalyptic in Modern Christian Theology
Philip G. Ziegler
Part Four
11. Righteousness Revealed: The Death of Christ as the Definition of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3:21–26
Jonathan A. Linebaugh
12. Thinking from Christ to Israel: Romans 9–11 in Apocalyptic Context
Beverly Roberts Gaventa
13. Apocalyptic Allegiance and Disinvestment in the World: A Reading of 1 Corinthians 7:25–35
John M. G. Barclay
14. After Destroying Every Rule, Authority, and Power: Paul, Apocalyptic, and Politics in 1 Corinthians
John K. Goodrich
15. Plight and Solution in Paul’s Apocalyptic Perspective: A Study of 2 Corinthians 5:18–21
Jason Maston
16. The Apocalyptic New Covenant and the Shape of Life in the Spirit according to Galatians
Michael J. Gorman
17. The Two Ages and Salvation History in Paul’s Apocalyptic Imagination: A Comparison of 4 Ezra and Galatians
J. P. Davies
In this non-technical collection of short essays, beginning and intermediate students are given a chance to see firsthand what makes Paul a distinctive thinker in relation to his Jewish contemporaries. Following the narrative progression of Romans, each chapter pairs a major unit of the letter with one or more thematically related Jewish text, introduces and explores the theological nuances of the comparative text, and shows how these ideas illuminate our understanding of the book of Romans.
Ben C. Blackwell, “Partakers of Adoption: Irenaeus and His Use of Paul,” Letter and Spirit 11 (2016): 35–64.