deSilva-1

DAVID A. deSILVA, Ph.D.

Trustees Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek
Ashland Theological Seminary 910 Center Street Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 289-1373 ddesilva@ashland.edu
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. (Religion/New Testament), Emory University, 1995. Dissertation: Despising
Shame: The Social Function of the Rhetoric of Honor and Dishonor in the Epistle to the
Hebrews (advisor: Luke T. Johnson).
M. Div., Princeton Theological Seminary, 1990. Thesis: Pauls Defense Of His
Apostolate In 2 Corinthians: Conflicting Understandings of Apostolic Legitimation and
Their Implications for the Gospel (advisor: J. Christiaan Beker).
A. B. (English), Princeton University, 1987. Thesis: Old Wine, New Wineskins: The
Reform of Anglican Homiletics during the Seventeenth Century (advisor: Seth Lerer).

ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT:
Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, OH
Professor, 2002-present; Associate Professor, 1998-2002; Assistant Professor,
1995-1998.
Courses taught: New Testament Introduction; Biblical Greek; Exegetical Greek;
Latin; Specialized Exegesis Courses (Galatians; 2 Corinthians; 1 and 2
Thessalonians; Hebrews; James & Jude; 1 Peter; the Revelation of John); Judaism
in the Second Temple Period; The Apocrypha and the Christian Church;
Apocalyptic Literature; Dead Sea Scrolls; Social-Scientific and Rhetorical
Approaches to Biblical Interpretation; Senior Seminar in Biblical Studies; Biblical
Foundations of Formational Counseling (D. Min. Program)
Colombo Theological Seminary, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Visiting Professor of New Testament, Fall 2010, Summer 2013
Courses Taught: Exegesis of Galatians (August 2010); Exegesis of Revelation
(September 2010); Hebrews (July 2013); 2 Corinthians (July 2013)
Trinity School for Ministry, Pittsburgh, PA
Visiting Professor of New Testament, Summer 2010

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Course Taught: Introduction to the Apocrypha, June 2010

Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
Visiting Professor of New Testament, Summer 2004
Course Taught: New Testament Exegesis: Exegesis of 1 Peter
Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA
Assistant Instructor, 1994-1995; Adjunct Faculty, 1992-1994;
Courses Taught: Exegesis of the Revelation of John (NT 339); Introduction to the
Apocrypha (OT 352); New Testament Greek (BL 331 and 333); Social Sciences and
NT Interpretation (NT 320).

PUBLICATIONS
1. ACADEMIC BOOKS
Galatians (Baylor Handbooks on the Greek New Testament; Waco: Baylor University
Press, 2014).
The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude: What Earliest Christianity Learned from the
Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2012).
The Letter to the Hebrews in Social-Scientific Perspective (Cascade Companions; Eugene,
OR: Cascade, 2012).
Jude, in James and Jude, with John Painter (Paideia Commentaries; Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Academic, 2012).
The Apocrypha (Core Biblical Studies; Nashville: Abingdon, 2012).
Global Readings: A Sri Lankan Commentary on the Letter to the Galatians (Eugene, OR:
Cascade Books, 2011). Sinhalese translation (Kohuwala, Sri Lanka: CTS Publishing,
2015).
Seeing Things Johns Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation (Louisville, KY:
Westminster John Knox Press, 2009).
Despising Shame: Honor Discourse and Community Maintenance in the Epistle to the Hebrews
(Revised Edition) (Studia Biblica 21; Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2008).

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4 Maccabees: Introduction and Commentary on the Greek Text of Codex Sinaiticus (LXX
Commentary Series; Leiden: Brill, 2006).
Reviewed by Jan Willem van Henten, Journal for the Study of Judaism in the Persian, Hellenistic and
Roman Period 39 (2008) 399-400; Robert J. Hiebert, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 69 (2007) 771-773;
Hans-Josef Klauck, Biblica 89 (2008) 284-288; Martin Rsel, Zeitschrift fr die alttestamentliche
Wissenschaft 120 (2008) 473; Michael F. Bird, Expository Times 118 (2007) 511.

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation (Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2004). Chinese translation (Taiwan: Campus Evangelical
Fellowship Press, 2013). Korean translation (Seoul: Christian Literature Crusade, 2013).
Arabic translation (Beirut: Dar Manhal al Hayat, 2014).
Reviewed by Russell Pregeant, Interpretation 60/1 (2006) 101; Peter Oakes, JSNT 27/5 (2005) 7-8;
Kevin L. Anderson, RBL 7 (2005) 286-88; Darian R. Lockett, Midwestern Journal of Theology (March
2005) 90-92; Andrew Gregory, Church of England Newspaper (July 1, 2005) 12-13; Donald G.
Mackay, The Monthly Record (September 2005) 14.

Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2002). Chinese translation, 2010.
Reviewed by John J. Collins, Expository Times 118 (2006) 44; Phillip J. Long, Trinity Journal, ns 27
(2006) 172-174; Simon J. Gathercole, JSNT 28 (2006) 117; B. Paul Wolfe, BBR 15/2 (2005) 309-310; P.
J. Harland, VT 55/2 (2005) 280-81; Eric Noffke, RBL (www.bookreviews.org) (2005); Don Polaski,
Interpretation 59/1 (2005) 89-90; Sarah Henrich, Word and World 24/1 (2004) 100-104; Stephen
Felder, RBL 6 (2004) 294-96; Herbert Bateman IV, JETS 47/3 (2004) 504-506; Charles Talbert, Pers
Rel Stud 30/4 (2003) 484-85; Jeremy Corley, CBQ 65/4 (2003) 619-21; Daniel J. Harrington, S.J.,
Theological Studies 64/4 (2003) 876; Daniel M. Gurtner, Trin J NS 24/1 (2003) 131-34; Kristen De
Troyer, Rel Stud Rev 29/4 (2003) 370; Robin G. Branch, OTE 16/3 (2003) 789-90; Hans-Josef Klauck,
Journal of Religion 83/4 (2003) 608-609; J. T. Williams, JSOT Book List Issue 27/5 (2003) 163; Richard
Allison, Ash Th J 35 (2003) 131-32; Stephen Dawes, Methodist Recorder (April 24, 2003) 17; Edith M.
Humphrey, RBL (www.bookreviews.org) (2003); John Byron, Themelios 29/2 (2003) 53-54.

New Testament Themes (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2001).

Reviewed by Charles Talbert, Pers Rel Stud 28/3 (2001) 309-10; Ronald Allen, Homiletic 27/1 (2002)
28-29.

Honor, Patronage, Kinship, and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture (Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000). Korean translation in process.
Reviewed by Carolyn Osiek, CBQ 64 (2002) 156-57; Kenneth Berding, JETS 45/2 (2002) 354-56;
Kenneth Litwak, Review of Biblical Literature 4 (2002) 322-34; Ritva H. Williams, Interpretation 55/4
(2001) 438, 440.

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Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews

(Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000).
Reviewed by Wolfgang Kraus, Neuere Anstze in der Exegese des Hebrerbriefes,
Verkndigung und Forschung 48/2 (2003) 65-80; Paul Ellingworth, Ev Q 74/1 (2002) 77-78; Gabriel
Lopez, Kairos 30/1 (2002) 127-28; Pamela Eisenbaum, Ang Theol Rev 84/2 (2002) 417-18; Harold W.
Attridge, Biblica 82/4 (2001) 584-86; James Thompson, Res Q 43/3 (2001) 187-89; Moschos
Goutzioudis, RBL 3 (2001) 463-66; Arnold S. Browne, JTS 52/1 (2001) 285-87; David M. Hay,
Interpretation 55/2 (2001) 191-192; Claus-Peter Mrz, Theologische Literaturzeitung 126/12 (2001)
1278-79; Charles Talbert, Pers Rel Stud 28/2 (2001) 141-42; Craig Koester, CBQ 62/4 (2000) 749-50;
Louise Lawrence, Theological Book Review (UK) 13/1 (2000); Lionel Wickham, Church Times (UK)
(November 24, 2000); Neville Clark, Exp T 112/1 (2000) 28.

The Hope of Glory: Honor Discourse and the New Testament (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical
Press, 1999; repr. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2009). Published in Portuguese as A
Esperana da Glria (So Paulo, Brazil: Paulinas, 2005).
Reviewed by N. Clayton Croy, Ash Th J 32 (2000) 115-17; Jerome H. Neyrey, Interpretation 54/2
(1999) 199-200.

4 Maccabees (Guides to the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha; Sheffield: SAP, 1998).

Reviewed by J. R. Bartlett, JTS 51/1 (2000) 217-18; J. Snaith, JSOT Book List Issue 84 (1999) 167;
Sarah Pearce, JJS 50/1 (1999) 152.

Despising Shame: Honor Discourse and Community Maintenance in the Epistle to the Hebrews
(Society of Biblical Literature Dissertation Series 152; Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1995).
Reviewed by Wolfgang Kraus, Neuere Anstze in der Exegese des Hebrerbriefes,
Verkndigung und Forschung 48/2 (2003) 65-80; Don N. Howell, Jr., JETS 42/1 (1999) 161-63; Peter
H. Davids, CBQ 60 (1998) 363-64; J. Verheyden, Eph Th L 73/1 (1997) 185-87; Hans-Friedrich
Weiss, Theologische Literaturzeitung 122 (1997) 667-69; Harm W. Hollander, Bibliotheca Orientalis
54/3-4 (1997) 484-86; Bruce J. Malina, JBL 116/2 (1997) 378-79; Ruth Ann Reese, JSNT 65 (1997)
124; Clayton Croy, AshTJ 29 (1997) 143-45.

2. BOOKS FOR ECCLESIASTICAL OR POPULAR AUDIENCES

Transformation: The Heart of Pauls Gospel (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelations Warning (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2013).
Apocrypha (Immersion Bible Studies; Nashville: Abingdon, 2013).

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Sacramental Life: Spiritual Formation through the Book of Common Prayer (Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity, 2008).
Invitation to the New Testament: Participant Guide (co-authored with Emerson Powery;
Disciple Short-Term Studies; Nashville: Abingdon, 2005).
Invitation to the New Testament: Digital Video Disk (with Emerson Powery and guests
Amy-Jill Levine, K. K. Yeo, and William Willimon; Disciple Short-Term Studies;
Nashville: Abingdon, 2005).
Afterlife: Finding Hope in the Face of Death (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2003).
Paul and the Macedonians (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2001).
Praying with John Wesley (Nashville, TN: Discipleship Resources, 2001).
Bearing Christ's Reproach: The Challenge of Hebrews in an Honor Culture (N. Richland Hills,
TX: Berkeley Institute for Biblical Archaeology and Literature Press, 1999).
Reviewed by Mouschos Goutzioudis, RBL 4 (2002) 438-440; Donald Senior, The Bible Today 39/4
(2001) 254.

The Credentials of An Apostle: Paul's Gospel in 2 Corinthians 1 through 7 (N. Richland Hills,
TX: Berkeley Institute for Biblical Archaeology and Literature Press, 1998).
Untold Stories of the Bible (co-authored with Dr. Victor Matthews; Lincolnwood, IL:
Publications International Ltd., 1998).

3A. BOOKS IN PRESS

Day of Atonement. A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2015).

3B. BOOKS IN PREPARATION (ANTICIPATED MS. COMPLETION DATES GIVEN):

Galatians (New International Commentary on the New Testament; Grand Rapids, MI:
Eerdmans, 2015).
A Socio-rhetorical Commentary on the Revelation of John (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans,
2016).

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The New Testament and Christian Formation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2015).
Discovering Revelation (London: SPCK, 2015).
2 Corinthians (New Covenant Commentary Series; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2016).
Studies in 4 Maccabees: Rhetoric and Reception (Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 2016).
A Day In the Life of Ephesus (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2017).
Exploring the World of the First Christians (London: SPCK, 2018).
Judea Under Greek and Roman Rule (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019).
An Introduction to the Pseudepigrapha (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2020).

4. SELECTED ARTICLES IN JOURNALS AND COLLECTIONS OF ESSAYS:

Second Temple Judaism
The Noble Contest: Honor, Shame, and the Rhetorical Strategy of 4 Maccabees, Journal
for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha 13 (1995) 31-57.
The Wisdom of Ben Sira: Honor, Shame, and the Maintenance of the Values of a
Minority Culture, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 58 (1996) 433-455.
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Early Christianity, Sewanee Theological Review 39 (1996) 285302.
Fourth Ezra: Maintaining Jewish Cultural Values Through Apocalyptic Rhetoric, in L.
G. Bloomquist and Greg Carey, eds., Vision and Persuasion: Rhetorical Dimensions of
Apocalyptic Discourse (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 1999), 123-139.
Why Did God Choose Abraham? Bible Review 16.3 (June 2000) 16-21, 42-44.
The Sinaiticus Text of 4 Maccabees, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 68 (2006) 47-62.
Seven Papyrus Fragments of a Greek Manuscript of Exodus, Vetus Testamentum 56
(2006) 143-70.
The Perfection of Love for Offspring: Greek Representations of Maternal Affection
and the Achievement of the Heroine of 4 Maccabees, New Testament Studies 52
(2006) 251-268.
Judith the Heroine? Lies, Seduction, and Murder in Cultural Perspective, Biblical
Theology Bulletin 36 (2006) 55-61.
And Not a Drop to Drink: The Story of Davids Thirst in the Jewish Scriptures,
Josephus, and 4 Maccabees, Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha 16 (2006) 1540.

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Never Without a Witness: The Apocrypha and Spiritual Formation, Ashland

Theological Journal 38 (2006) 77-89.
Five More Papyrus Fragments from a Greek Codex of Exodus, Bulletin of the
International Organization of Septuagint and Cognate Studies 40 (2007) 1-29.
Using the Masters Tools to Shore Up Our House: A Postcolonial Analysis of 4
Maccabees,Journal of Biblical Literature 127.1 (2007) 99-127.
Jesus and James in the School of Ben Sira: The impact of an extracanonical sage on the
first founders of Christianity, Theologie fr die Praxis 33 (2007) 84-97.
Jewish Martytology and the Death of Jesus, in Gerbern Oegema and James H.
Charlesworth, eds., The Pseudepigrapha and Christian Origins: Essays from the
Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (London: T. & T. Clark, 2008), 51-67.
An Example of How to Die Nobly For Religion: The Influence of 4 Maccabees on
Origens Exhortatio ad Martyrium, Journal of Early Christian Studies 17 (2009) 337-355.
A Bibliographic Guide to the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Ashland Theological
Journal 42 (2010) 61-109. Also published, in slightly modified form, as Apocrypha
and Pseudepigrapha in Christopher Matthews, ed., Oxford Bibliographies in Biblical
Studies (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010).
The Human Ideal, the Problem of Evil, and Moral Responsibility in 4 Maccabees,
Bulletin for Biblical Research 23 (2013) 57-78.
Jews in the Diaspora, pp. 272-290 in Joel B. Green and Lee M. McDonald, eds. The
World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts (Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2013).
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs as Witnesses to Pre-Christian Judaism: A ReAssessment, Journal for the Study of the New Testament 22 (2013) 21-68.
The Hellenistic Period, pp. 426-459 in Rick Hess and Bill Arnold, eds., Ancient Israels
History: An Introduction to Issues and Sources (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014).
Ambroses Use of 4 Maccabees in De Jacob et Vita Beata: Some Correctives, Journal of
Early Christian Studies 22 (2014) 287-293.
4 Maccabees, forthcoming in Randall Chesnutt, ed., Blackwell Companion to the Old
Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2014).
Letter to the Hebrews
Despising Shame: A Cultural-Anthropological Investigation of the Epistle to the
Hebrews, Journal of Biblical Literature 113 (1994) 459-481.
Exchanging Favor for Wrath: Apostasy in Hebrews and Patron-Client Relations,
Journal of Biblical Literature 115 (1996) 91-116.
The Epistle to the Hebrews in Social-Scientific Perspective, Restoration Quarterly 36
(1994) 1-21.
Hebrews 6:4-8: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation, Tyndale Bulletin 50 (1999) 33-57, 225235.

Eschatology, Rest, and the Rhetorical Strategy of Hebrews, Trinity Journal 21NS (2000)
25-43.

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The Invention and Argumentative Function of Priestly Discourse in the Epistle to the
Hebrews, Bulletin for Biblical Research 16 (2006) 295-323.
How Greek Was the Author of Hebrews? pp. 629-650 in Stanley Porter and Andrew
Pitts (eds.), Christian Origins and Greco-Roman Culture. Early Christianity in Its
Hellenistic Context. Volume 1 (Leiden: Brill, 2012).
The Revelation of John
The Social Setting of the Apocalypse of John: Conflicts Within, Fears Without,
Westminster Theological Journal 54 (1992) 273-302.
The Revelation to John: A Case Study in Apocalyptic Propaganda and the Maintenance
of Sectarian Identity, Sociological Analysis (now Sociology of Religion) 53 (1992) 375395.
The Image of the Beast and the Christians in Asia Minor, Trinity J. 12NS (1991) 185206.
The Construction and Social Function of a Counter-Cosmos in the Revelation of John,
Forum 9:1-2 (1993) 47-61.
Honor Discourse and the Rhetorical Strategy of the Apocalypse of John, Journal for the
Study of the New Testament 71 (1998) 79-110.
The Persuasive Strategy of the Apocalypse: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation of
Revelation 14:6-13, Society of Biblical Literature Seminar Papers 37 (1998) 785-806.
A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation of Revelation 14:6-13: A Call to Act Justly toward the
Just and Judging God, Bulletin for Biblical Research 9 (1999) 65-117.
Final Topics: The Rhetorical Functions of Intertexture in Revelation 14:14 16:21, pp.
215-241 in D. F. Watson, ed., The Intertexture of Apocalyptic Discourse in the New
Testament (Symposium Series; Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2002).
Toward a Socio-Rhetorical Taxonomy of Divine Intervention: Miracle Discourse in the
Revelation to John, in D. B. Gowler, L. G. Bloomquist, and D. F. Watson (eds.),
Fabrics of Discourse: Essays in Honor of Vernon K. Robbins (Harrisburg, PA: Trinity
Press International, 2003), 303-316.
The Revelation to John and the Practice of Christian Counseling, Asbury Theological
Journal, 60/1 (2006) 67-87.
What Has Athens To Do With Patmos? Rhetorical Criticism of the Revelation of John
(1980-2005), Currents in Biblical Research 6.2 (2008) 256-289.
X Marks the Spot? A Critique of the Use of Chiasm in Macro-Structural Analyses of
Revelation to John, Journal for the Study of the New Testament 30 (2008) 343-371.
The Strategic Arousal of Emotions in the Apocalypse of John: A Rhetorical-critical
Investigation of the Oracles to the Seven Churches, New Testament Studies 54 (2008)
90-114.
Seeing Things Johns Way: Rhetography and Conceptual Blending in Revelation 14:613, Bulletin for Biblical Research 18 (2008) 271-298.
The Strategic Arousal of Emotions in Johns Visions of Roman Imperialism: A
Rhetorical-Critical Investigation of Revelation 4-22, Neotestamentica 42 (2008) 1-34.

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Out of Our Minds? Appeals to Reason (Logos) in the Seven Oracles of Revelation 2-3,
Journal for the Study of the New Testament 31 (2008) 123-155.
On the Sidelines of the Pi/stij Xristou~ debate: The View from Revelation, pp. 259274 in Michael Bird and Preston Sprinkle (eds.), The Faith of Jesus Christ Exegetical,
Biblical, and Theological Studies (Carlisle: Paternoster and Peabody: Hendrickson,
2009).
Reading Revelation in Sri Lanka, Asia Journal of Theology 27 (2013) 21-37.
Paul
Measuring Penultimate Against Ultimate Reality: An Investigation of the Integrity and
Argumentation of 2 Corinthians, Journal for the Study of the New Testament 52 (1993)
41-70.
Recasting the Moment of Decision: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 In Its Literary Context,
Andrews University Seminary Studies 31 (1993) 3-16.
No Confidence in the Flesh: The Meaning and Function of Phil 3:2-21, Trinity Journal
15NS (1994) 27-54.
Meeting the Exigency of a Complex Rhetorical Situation: Paul's Strategy in 2
Corinthians 1 through 7, Andrews University Seminary Studies 34 (1996) 5-22.
Worthy of His Kingdom: Honor Discourse and Social Engineering in 1 Thessalonians,
Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 64 (1996) 49-79.
Let the One Who Claims Honor Establish that Claim in the Lord: Honor Discourse in
the Corinthian Correspondence, Biblical Theology Bulletin 28 (1998) 61-74.
Neither Tamil Nor Sinhalese: Reading Galatians with Sri Lankan Christians, pp. 39-55
in Craig Keener and M. Daniel Carroll R. (eds.), Global Voices: Reading the Bible in the
Majority World (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2013).
Grace, the Law, and Justification in 4 Ezra and the Pauline Letters: A Dialogue, JSNT
37 (2014) 25-49.
A Rhetorical Analysis of Galatians 5.1-12, forthcoming in Stanley Porter and Brian
Dyer, eds., Paul and Ancient Rhetoric (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2015).
Miscellaneous
The Feast in the Text: The Sermons of Lancelot Andrewes, Anglican Theological Review,
76 (1994) 9-26.
At the Threshold of Heaven: The Preaching of John Donne as Sacrament of the Word,
Anglican & Episcopal History, 43 (1994) 5-34.
Investigating Honor Discourse: Guidelines from Classical Rhetoricians, Society of
Biblical Literature Seminar Papers 36 (1997) 491-525.
1 Peter: Strategies for Counseling Individuals on the Way to a New Heritage, Ashland
Theological Journal 32 (2000) 33-52.

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Embodying the Word: Sociological Exegesis of the New Testament, pp. 118-129 in S.
McKnight and G. Osborne (eds.), The Face of New Testament Studies (Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2004).
The Pattern for Preachers: Archbishop John Tillotson and the Reform of Ecclesiastical
Oratory in the Seventeenth Century, Anglican & Episcopal History 75 (2006) 368-400.
Turning Shame into Honor: The Pastoral Strategy of 1 Peter, pp. 159-186 in Robert
Jewett, Wayne Alloway, Jr., and John G. Lacey (eds.), The Shame Factor: How Shame
Shapes Society (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2010). Published with a new section
(Embodying 1 Peter Among Sri Lankas Elect Resident Aliens) in Journal of the
Colombo Theological Seminary 7 (2011) 21-56.
Attentive to the Word: Biblical Scholarship and the Devotional Life, Ashland
Theological Journal 45 (2013) 29-52.

5. CONTRIBUTIONS TO REFERENCE WORKS, ETC.:

Revelation, in Oxford Encyclopedia of Bible and Ethics (gen. ed. Robert Brawley; New
York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014).
Hebrews, pp. 625-653 in Fortress Commentary on the Bible: New Testament (ed. Margaret
Aymer, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, and David A. Sanchez; Minneapolis: Fortress,
2014).
Rhetorical Criticism, pp. 273-283 in Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation (gen.
ed. Stephen McKenzie; New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013).
Introductions and Annotations to Wisdom of Ben Sira, 2 Esdras, 4 Maccabees,
and Additions to Daniel, in The Common English Bible Study Bible (ed. Joel B.
Green; Nashville: Abingdon, 2013).
Introduction and Annotations to 4 Maccabees, Outside the Bible (3 vols.; ed. James Kugel,
Lawrence Schiffman, and Emmanuel Tov; Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society,
2013), 2362-2398.
The Apocrypha and the Old Testament Scriptures and The Apocrypha and the New
Testament, pp. 265-268 in Edward A. Engelbrecht (gen. ed.), The Apocrypha:
Lutheran Study Edition with Notes. English Standard Version (St. Louis, MO:
Concordia, 2012).
Pseudepigrapha, Encyclopedia of the Books of the Bible (ed. Michael Coogan; Oxford
and New York: Oxford University Press, 2011), 212-28.
Apocrypha, in Cambridge Dictionary of Judaism (ed. Judith Baskin; Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2011), 19-21.
Circumcision in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (ed. Joel B. Green; Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2011), 139-40.
Clean and Unclean in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (ed. Joel B. Green; Grand
Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), 145-47.

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Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (ed. Joel B. Green;

Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2011), 221-24.
Hebrews in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (ed. Joel B. Green; Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2011), 360-61.
Nations, Peoples, and Empires, Part II, in Gordon D. Fee and Robert Hubbard (eds.),
Eerdmans Companion to the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2011), 492-95.
Introduction and Annotations to 4 Maccabees, Oxford Annotated Bible, 4th edition (Oxford
and New York: Oxford University Press, 2010) 359-380.
Introduction and Annotations to Hebrews, The Wesley Study Bible (ed. Joel Green and
William Willimon; Nashville: Abingdon, 2008), 1483-1497.
Honor and Shame, in Tremper Longman and Peter Enns (eds.), Dictionary of the Old
Testament: Wisdom and Poetical Books (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008),
287-300.
Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, in Craig A. Evans (ed.), The Encyclopedia of the
Historical Jesus (NewYork and London: Routledge, 2008), 15-22.
Martyr and Martyrdom in Jewish Late Antiquity, in Craig A. Evans (ed.), The
Encyclopedia of the Historical Jesus (New York and London: Routledge, 2008), 386-393.
Maccabees, Fourth Book of in Katherine Doob Sakenfeld (gen. ed.), The New
Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2008), 746-750.
Social Scientific Criticism, NT in Katherine Doob Sakenfeld (gen. ed.), The New
Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2009), 311.
Hebrews, Epistle to the in Katherine Doob Sakenfeld (gen. ed.), The New Interpreters
Dictionary of the Bible. Volume 2 (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007), 779-786.
Gratitude, in Katherine Doob Sakenfeld (gen. ed.), The New Interpreters Dictionary of
the Bible. Volume 2 (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2007), 662-663.
Apocrypha/Deuterocanonicals, in Katherine D. Sakenfeld (ed.), New Interpreters
Dictionary of theBible. Volume 1 (Nashville: Abingdon, 2006), 195-200.
Cultural Relationships in the World of the New Testament, in Stanley Porter (ed.),
Dictionary of Biblical Criticism and Interpretation (London: Routledge, 2006), 67-69.
Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude in C. A. Evans (ed.), Bible Knowledge Background
Commentary, vol. 3, pp. 199-256 and 289-340 (Elgin, IL: Cook Communications/
Chariot Victor Publishing, 2005).
Introductions and Notes on 1-4 Maccabees and 1-2 Esdras, pp.1405-1470, 1493-1611 in
Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Walter Brueggemann, and Eugene Peterson (eds.),
The Renovar Spiritual Formation Bible (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2005).
Apocrypha, pp. 53-57 in K. J. Vanhoozer (gen. ed.), Dictionary for Theological
Interpretation of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005).
4 Maccabees, pp. 888-901 in J. D. G. Dunn and J. W. Rogerson, eds., Eerdmans
Commentary on the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003).
Honor and Shame, pp. 431-436 in D. W. Baker (ed.), Dictionary of the Old Testament:
Pentateuch (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002).

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Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, pp. 58-64 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds.,

Dictionary of New Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,
2000). Repr. in D. G. Reid, ed., Dictionary of the New Testament (Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity, 2004).
Honor and Shame, pp. 518-522 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of New
Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
Patronage in the Greco-Roman World, pp. 766-771 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds.,
Dictionary of New Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2000).
Ruler Cult, pp. 1026-1030 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of New
Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove. IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
Sirach, pp. 1116-1124 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of New Testament
Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
Testament of Moses, pp. 1192-1199 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of
New Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
3 and 4 Maccabees, pp. 661-666 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of
NewTestament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
Wisdom of Solomon, pp. 1268-1276 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds., Dictionary of
New Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).
Writing and Literature Jewish, pp. 1289-1299 in C. A. Evans and S. Porter, eds.,
Dictionary of New Testament Backgrounds (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2000).
Grace, pp. 524-526 in D. N. Freedman, ed., Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand
Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000).
Maccabees, Third and Fourth Books of, pp. 839-841 in D. N. Freedman, ed., Eerdmans
Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2000).
Exaltation, Enthronement, pp. 359-63 in P. H. Davids and R. P. Martin, eds.,
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments (Downers Grove:
InterVarsity, 1997).
Heaven, New Heavens, pp. 439-43 in P. H. Davids and R. P. Martin, eds., Dictionary of
the Later New Testament and Its Developments (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1997).
Repentance, Second Repentance, pp. 1011-15 in P. H. Davids and R. P. Martin, eds.,
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments (Downers Grove:
InterVarsity Press, 1997).
Visions, Ecstatic Experience, pp. 1194-98 in the Dictionary of the Later New Testament
and Its Developments (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1997).

6. BIBLE TRANSLATION AND EDITORIAL WORK

Contributing Editor, Lexham Septuagint Project, Logos Research Systems (2005-2007).
Developed prospectus for project and guidelines for the work of contributors, and
recruited scholars to work on each book.

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Apocrypha Editor, The Common English Bible, Abingdon Press (2007-2011). Recruited
translation teams for each book of the Apocrypha; edited their work after receiving
reports from readability consultants and reading groups. Also served as first
translator for Prayer of Manasseh, Psalm 151, and 4 Maccabees; consulting
translator for the Epistle to the Hebrews; and editor for the Revelation of John.
Published in The Common English Bible With the Apocrypha (Nashville: Abingdon,
2011).
Translator/Reviser, The Apocrypha: English Standard Version, Oxford University Press.
Responsible for the translation/revision of Sirach 1-26, Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of
Manasseh, Psalm 151, 3 Maccabees, 2 Esdras, and 4 Maccabees. Published in The
English Standard Version Bible with the Apocrypha (New York: Oxford University
Press, 2009), pp. 1237-64, 1299-1301, 1378-1438.

7. SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS
Grace, the Law, and Justification in 4 Ezra and the Pauline Letters: A Dialogue, Third
Enoch Seminar Nangeroni Meeting, June 22-26, 2014 (Rome, Italy).
Reading Revelation in Sri Lanka, John's Apocalypse and Cultural Contexts Ancient
and Modern Section, 2012 National SBL Meeting (Chicago, IL).
Progymnastic Training and the Rhetorical Composition of Hebrews, Rhetoric and
New Testament Section, 2012 National SBL Meeting (Chicago, IL).
The Contribution of 4 Maccabees to Ambrose's De Jacob et vita beata, Function of
Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha in Early Judaism and Early Christianity Section,
2012 National SBL Meeting (Chicago, IL).
Neither Tamil Nor Sinhalese: Reading Galatians in Sri Lanka, 2011 Annual Meeting of
the Institute for Biblical Research (San Francisco, CA).
Panelist, Review of The Common English Bible, 2011 Annual Meeting of the Society of
Biblical Literature (San Francisco, CA).
James and the Testament of Job: The Evidence for Intertextuality, Letters of James,
Peter, and Jude Section, 2010 National SBL Meeting (Atlanta, GA).
Panel Review of Seeing Things Johns Way, Rhetoric and New Testament Section, 2009
National SBL Meeting (New Orleans, LA).
How Greek Is the Author of the Letter to the Hebrews: A Study of the Authors
Location in Regard to Greek Paideia, Hebrews Group, 2008 National SBL Meeting
(Boston, MA).
Out of Our Minds? Appeals to Reason (Logos) in the Seven Oracles of Revelation 2-3,
Rhetoric and the New Testament Section, 2008 National SBL Meeting (Boston, MA).
An Example of How to Die Nobly For Religion: The Influence of 4 Maccabees on
Origens Exhortatio ad Martyrium, Non-canonical Literature Section, 2007 National
SBL Meeting (San Diego, CA).

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Five Fragments of a Greek Codex of Exodus, International Organization for

Septuagint and Cognate Studies, 2006 National SBL Meeting (Washington, DC).
Seeing the World Through Johns Eyes: Rhetography in Revelation, Rhetoric of
Religious Antiquity Seminar, 2006 National SBL Meeting (Washington, DC).
Seven Fragments of a Greek Manuscript of Exodus, International Organization for
Septuagint and Cognate Studies, 2005 National SBL Meeting (Philadelphia, PA).
Panelist for discussion on The Strategic Evocation and Shaping of Story in the New
Testament, Rhetoric of Religious Antiquity Seminar, 2005 National SBL Meeting
(Philadelphia, PA).
The Sinaiticus Text of 4 Maccabees, Short Paper, 2005 SNTS Meeting (Halle,
Germany).
Panelist for discussion on Priestly Discourse in the New Testament, Rhetoric and
New Testament Section of the 2004 National SBL Meeting (San Antonio, TX).
Panelist for discussion on Miracle Discourse in the New Testament,Rhetoric and New
Testament Section of the 2001 National SBL Meeting (Denver, CO).
Final Topics: The Rhetorical Functions of Intertexture in Revelation 14:14 16:21,
presented as part of panel discussion on The Intertexture of Apocalyptica
Discourse, Rhetoric and New Testament Section of the 1999 National SBL Meeting
(Boston, MA).
The Persuasive Strategy of the Apocalypse: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation of
Revelation 14:6-13, 1998 National Meeting of the SBL (Orlando, FL).
Investigating Honor Discourse: Guidelines from Classical Rhetoricians, 1997 National
SBL Meeting (San Francisco, CA).
Honor Discourse and the Socio-Rhetorical Strategy of Matthew's Gospel, 1997
Midwest Regional Meeting of the SBL (Chicago, IL).
Worthy of God's Kingdom: Honor Discourse and Social Engineering in 1
Thessalonians, 1996 National SBL Meeting (New Orleans, LA).
The Wisdom of Ben Sira: Honor, Shame, and the Maintenance of Minority Cultural
Values, 1995 National SBL Meeting (Philadelphia, PA) and Regional Meeting of
SECSOR (Gainesville, FL).
Despising Shame: A Cultural-Anthropological Investigation of the Epistle to the
Hebrews, 1994 National SBL Meeting (Chicago, IL); 1994 Southeastern Regional
Meeting (Atlanta, GA).
Meeting the Exigencies of a Complex Rhetorical Situation: An Investigation of the
Integrity of 2 Corinthians 1-7, 1993 Southeastern Regional Meeting of the SBL,
Charleston, SC.

8. INVITED LECTURES:
Reading Revelation in the (2)1st Century, Second Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY,
January 17, 2015.

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Transformation: The Heart of Pauls Gospel, Educational Opportunities Tours

Journeys of Paul tour, November 1-12, 2013 and October 11-24, 2014.
The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude, 2013 Spring Ecumenical Lecture,
Mount Aloysius College, April 11, 2013.
Attentive to the Word: Biblical Scholarship and the Devotional Life, The Fire of the
Word (Renovare Conference, Denver, CO), May 4-5, 2012.
Revelation and Roman Imperial Ideology: Apocalypse as Call to Resistance, New
Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, April 12, 2012.
The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude: The impact of Ben Sira, Tobit, and 1
Enoch, Florida Southern College, April 2, 2012.
Heeding the Book of Revelation Without Playing End-games, Educational
Opportunities Tours Sixth Celebration Cruise, January 15-24, 2012.
Menschenbild, the Problem of Evil, and the Problem of Theodicy in 4 Maccabees,
Institut fr Evangelische Theologie, Universitt Osnabrck, August 23, 2011.
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: Jewish or Christian? A Re-assessment, EnglishGerman Colloquium, Institute for the Study of Early Christianity and the
Evangelische-theologisches Seminar, Universitt Tbingen, July 18, 2011.
Turning Shame into Honor: The Pastoral Strategy of 1 Peter, St. Marks United
Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE, October 25, 2010.
Is Your Bible Thick Enough? Challenging the New Testament Canon, Colombo
Theological Seminary, Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 1, 2010.
The Apocrypha and Evangelical Christians, Colombo Theological Seminary,
Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 17, 2010.
The Challenge of Revelation for Christian Formation, Vanderbilt Presbyterian
Church, Naples, FL, March 20, 2010.
Preaching Through Hebrews, Pastors Clinic, Sandberg Leadership Center, Ashland
Theological Seminary, August 2009.
The Heart of the New Testament Message: Toward a Biblical Theology, 2008 Fall
Lecture Series, Ashland Theological Seminary.
Preaching Through Revelation, Pastors Clinic, Sandberg Leadership Center, Ashland
Theological Seminary, February 2009.
Jesus and James in the School of Ben Sira, Theologisches Seminar Reutlingen,
Germany, June 13, 2007.
Honor, Shame, and Paul, McManis Lecture, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, April
2006.
The Jewish Teachers of Jesus and James: What the Leaders of Judean Christianity
Learned from the Apocrypha University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, February 22,
2006.
The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and the author of Hebrews: What early Christian
Leaders learned from the Apocrypha, Hampden-Sydney College, October 27, 2005.
Never Without a Witness: The With-God Life in the Intertestamental Period,
Renovar 2005 International Conference (Denver, CO).

deSilva-16

Living Like Youll Live Forever, Ashland University Spring Convocation, March 23,
2005.
Reading the Bible at Qumran, Alexandria, and Ephesus, public lecture given on April
4, 2004, From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Forbidden Book exhibit, John S. Knight
Center, Akron, Ohio.
Across this Threshold, Ashland University Baccalaureate Service, May 11, 2001.

9. SELECTED BOOK REVIEWS:

Jewish and Greco-Roman Environments
J. J. Collins, The Scepter and the Star, Interpretation 50 (1996) 426-428.
Alan K. Bowman, et al, eds., The Cambridge Ancient History: Volume X, The Augustan
Empire, 43 B.C.-A.D. 69, Asbury Theological Journal 52 (1997) 91-92.
J. J. Collins, Jewish Wisdom in the Hellenistic Age, Ash T J 33 (2001) 114-115.
J. W. van Henten, The Maccabean Martyrs as Saviours of the Jewish People, Ash T J 33
(2001) 115-116.
Peter Enns, Exodus Retold: Ancient Exegesis of the Departure from Egypt in Wis 10:1521 and 19:1-9, Ash T J 33 (2001) 115.
Social World of the New Testament
Bruce J. Malina, The New Testament World and Windows on the World of Jesus; Pheme
Perkins, Gnosticism and the New Testament, Perspectives in Religious Studies, 22
(1995) 79-82.
L. Michael White and O. Larry Yarbrough, eds., The Social World of the First Christians:
Essays in Honor of Wayne A. Meeks, Christian Century 113 (1996) 237-239.
Halvor Moxnes (ed.), Constructing Early Christian Families: Family as Social Reality
and Metaphor, Andrews University Seminary Studies 37 (1999) 327-329.
Gospels and Acts
David Bauer and Mark Powell (eds.), Treasures Old and New: Contributions to
Matthean Studies, Ash Th J 30 (1998) 115-16.
Jerome Neyrey, Honor and Shame in the Gospel of Matthew, AUSS 38 (2000) 166-168.
Paul
Jrgen Becker, Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, Christian Century, 111 (1994) 504.
Daniel Boyarin, A Radical Jew: Paul and the Politics of Identity, Christian Century, 112
(1995) 581-82.
Don Garlington, Faith, Obedience and Perseverance: Aspects of Paul's Letter to the
Romans, Critical Review of Books in Religion 9 (1996).

deSilva-17

Ben Witherington, III, Conflict and Community in Corinth: A Socio-Rhetorical

Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians, Andrews University Seminary Studies 35 (1997)
156-158.
Gordon Fee, Paul's Letter to the Philippians, CBQ 59 (1997) 577-78.
Hebrews and General Epistles
George H. Guthrie, The Structure of Hebrews: A Text-Linguistic Analysis, CBQ 57
(1995) 395-97.
Thomas Long, Hebrews, Theology Today 54/4 (1998) 576-77.
Victor Pfitzner, Hebrews, CBQ 61 (1999) 163-64.
N. C. Croy, Endurance in Suffering: Hebrews 12.1-13 in its Rhetorical, Religious, and
Philosophical Context, RBL 2 (2000) 452-54.
Barth Campbell, Honor, Shame, and the Rhetoric of 1 Peter, RBL 2 (2000) 459-62.
Luke T. Johnson, Hebrews, Interpretation 62/2 (2008) 198-200.
Revelation and Apocalyptic Literature
Philip E. Hughes, The Book of Revelation, Trinity Journal, 13NS (1992) 106-108.
Jrgen Roloff, The Revelation of John, Princeton Seminary Bulletin, 15 NS (1994) 207-209.
Jean-Pierre Prvost, How to Read the Apocalypse, Biblical Theology Bulletin 25 (1995) 94.
Bruce Malina, On the Genre and Message of Revelation: Star Visions and Sky Journeys,
JBL 116 (1997) 763-65.
Sverre Be, Gog and Magog: Ezekiel 38 39 as pre-text for Revelation 19,17-21 and
20,7-10, JSNT 26 (2003) 127-128.
Stephen Smalley, The Revelation to John, Biblical Theology Bulletin, forthcoming.
New Testament Introduction, Biblical Interpretation and Theology
John Carroll and Joel Green, The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity, TrinJ 18NS (1997)
102-105.
D. A. Carson, D. J. Moo, and Leon Morris, An Introduction to the New Testament,
Christian Century, 109 (1992) 497-98.
Vernon Robbins, Exploring the Texture of Texts and The Tapestry of Early Christian
Discourse, Ash Th J 30 (1998) 123-26.
Ian G. Wallis, The Faith of Jesus Christ in Early Christian Traditions, CBQ 58 (1996) 568569.

10. PUBLISHED SERMONS

What On Earth Are Good Protestants To Do With Saints? Ashland Theological Journal
44 (2012) 35-39.
A Summons to Sobriety, Preaching 19/3 (Nov/Dec 2003) 53-54.
Keeping Gods Sabbath, Preaching 18/1 (July-August 2002) 39-42.

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Whats Wrong With a Little Murder, Preaching On-line, July 2001.

Our Wake-Up Call, Preaching 16/3 (2000) 29-32.
Giving Rebirth for Immortality, Preaching 14/6 (1999) 32-37.
Convictions, Pulpit Digest, January/February 1995, 64-70.
Scribes Trained for the Kingdom, Ashland Theological Journal 29 (1997) 1-6.

11. PUBLICATIONS FOR DEVOTIONAL USE AND CHURCH-RELATED CURRICULUM:

Remember Your Baptism: Living Out the Christian Rite of Transformation,
Conversations 8.1 (2010) 86-91.
Before Baptism: John the Baptizer and Jewish Purification Rites, Adult Bible Studies
Illustrated 2/1 (2009) 19-22.
Philippians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, in New International Lesson Annual 2009-2010 (ed.
Nan Duerling; Nashville: Abingdon, 2009).
1 John and Revelation: Gods Community Now and in the Future, in New International
Lesson Annual 2006-2007 (ed. Nan Duerling; Nashville: Abingdon, 2006).
1 and 2 Corinthians: Called to Community, in New International Lesson Annual 20052006 (ed. Nan Duerling; Nashville: Abingdon, 2005), 345-454.
Introduction to Hebrews, video segment for Disciple I: Revised Videos (Nashville:
United Methodist Publishing House, 2005).
Hebrews: Living in Faith, Adult Bible Studies June-July-August 2004 (Nashville: United
Methodist Publishing House, 2004).
An Advent Sonnet, Trinity Seminary Review 25.1 (2004) 67.
A Sure Foundation, pp. 327-333 in The Upper Room Disciplines 2003: A Book of Daily
Devotions (Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2002).
Link-tionary (Nashville: United Methodist Publishing House), November 1999,
March 2000, July 2000, December 2000, April 2001, and August 2001 issues. This
material has been re-issued in three annuals edited by Douglas Wingeier, Keeping
Holy Time: Year A, Year B, and Year C (Nashville: Abingdon, 2001-2003).
Introduction to Daniel, video segment for Disciple IV (Nashville: United Methodist
Publishing House, 2001).
The Sermon on the Mount, Adult Bible Studies Teacher (United Methodist Publishing
House) 9/1 (September-November 2001) 8-10.
The Churches at Philippi, Ephesus, and Colossae, Adult Bible Studies Teacher (United
Methodist Publishing House) 8/4 (June-August 2000) 2-5.
The Uniqueness of the Gospel of Mark, Adult Bible Studies Teacher (United Methodist
Publishing House) 6/3 (March-May 1998) 2-4.
Clement of Alexandria, William Tyndale, and John Donne, in For All the Saints
(ed. Clifton Guthrie; Akron, OH: Order of Saint Luke Publications, 1995).

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12. MUSIC PUBLICATIONS:

Johannine Benediction, SATB anthem, Folio Vol. 2.3, pp.30-31, Abingdon Press, 1992;
re-release, World Library Publications, 2010.
Behold the Lamb, SATB anthem, Abingdon Press, 1995.
Ring We Now of Christmas, handbell arrangement, Abingdon Press, 1998.
O Clap Your Hands, SATB anthem, Abingdon Press, 2001.
Comfort, Comfort Ye, My People, SATB anthem with ensemble, Abingdon Press,
2001; re-release, Concordia Publishing House, 2010.
Transfiguration Prayer, SATB a capella anthem, World Library Publications, 2008.
Renaissance Suite (organ arrangements of five dances by Tielman Susato), Church
Music Workshop vol. 11, nos. 1 (Jan-Apr), 2 (May-Aug), and 3 (Sep-Dec), Abingdon
Press, 2001.
O Clap Your Hands, TTBB anthem (re-arrangement of SATB anthem), Abingdon
Press, 2009.
Two Renaissance Suites (organ arrangements of ten dances from Tielman Susatos
Danserye [1551]), Concordia Publishing House, 2011.
Chorale Prelude on Allein Gott in der Hh (All Glory Be to God on High), pp. 54-57 in
Hymn Prelude Library, volume 1, edited by Kevin Hildebrand, Concordia Publishing
House, 2012.
Chorale Prelude on Die gldne Sonne (The Golden Sun), for Hymn Prelude Library,
volume 3, edited by Kevin Hildebrand (Concordia Publishing House, 2013).
A Time to Dance: Baroque Gigues for Organ (arrangements of gigues by Handel, Pachelbel,
and Bach), Beckenhorst, 2014.
The Lord at First Did Adam Make, SATB anthem, Concordia Publishing House, 2014.
Chorale Preludes on Herzlich tut mir verlangen (more commonly, O Sacred Head, Now
Wounded) and Kings Weston (At the Name of Jesus), for Hymn Prelude Library,
edited by Kevin Hildebrand (Concordia Publishing House, forthcoming in 2014).
Chorale Prelude on Nicaea (Holy, Holy, Holy), for Hymn Prelude Library, edited by
Kevin Hildebrand (Concordia Publishing House, forthcoming in 2015).
Seven Renaissance Dances (organ arrangements of seven additional dances by Tielman
Susato), Concordia, 2015.
One Thing Have I Desired, SATB anthem, Concordia Publishing House, 2015.

ACADEMIC HONORS, AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS:

Lilly Faculty Fellows Grant (2010-2011).
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow (2006-2007); Renewal (Summer 2011).
Appointed the sixth Trustees Distinguished Professor of Ashland University (2005).

deSilva-20

ECPA Gold Medallion Award Finalist, Reference and Academic Books, 2005 (An
Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation
[InterVarsity, 2004]).
Elected to the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (2001).
SBL Regional Scholar (1995).
SBL (SECSOR) Graduate Student Paper Award (1994).
Emory University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Tuition Fellowship (1990-1991;
1991-1992); Graduate Fellowship (1990-1994); Assistant Instructorship (1994-1995).
ACADEMIC SERVICE:
Society of Biblical Literature
Co-chair (with Loren Johns), Function of Non-Canonical Literature Section (2009present).
Founding Chair, Rhetoric of Religious Antiquity Seminar (2005-2010).
Steering Committee, Rhetoric and the New Testament Section (2004-2010).
Steering Committee, Best Teaching Practices Consultation (2004-2010).
Ashland Theological Seminary
Department Chair, Biblical Studies (2005-2006; 2007-2010; 2011-2014)
Academic Affairs Committee (2005-2006; 2007-2010; 2011-2014)
Personal and Professional Development Committee (2001-2005; chair, 2004-2005).
Recruitment Committee, Ashland Theological Seminary (2002-2003).
Spiritual Formation, Chapel, and Student Life Committee (2003-2004, ex-officio as
interim Director of the Chapel; 2010-2011).
Library Committee (1995-2001; chair, 1997-2001).
Other
Editorial Board, Rhetoric of Religious Antiquity Project (1999-present).
Editorial Board, Emory Studies in Early Christianity (1999-present).
Editorial Board, Journal for the Study of New Testament (1997-2003).
External Dissertation Examiner, Fuller Theological Seminary
External Reviewer, Andrews University Seminary Studies; InterVarsity Press
Consultant, United Methodist Publishing House (Disciple Series)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS MAINTAINED

Society of Biblical Literature
Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS)
Ordination as an Elder in Full Connection in the Florida Annual Conference of the
United Methodist Church (Elder, 2004-present; Deacon, 1995-2004).

deSilva-21

EMPLOYMENT IN PASTORAL MINISTRY

One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio
(Summer 2003).
Substitute Preacher at various churches (primarily those where I have also been
employed as Minister of Music [see below]).
Intern at St. George's Episcopal Church, Helmetta, NJ (Fall 1989 to Spring 1990).
Campus Minister for Westminster Choir College, Nassau Christian Center, Princeton,
NJ (September 1987 to 1989).

EMPLOYMENT IN MUSIC MINISTRY

Organist/Director of Music, Port Charlotte United Methodist Church, Port Charlotte, FL
(July 2014-present).
Organist/Director of Music, Christ United Methodist Church, Ashland, OH (1998-2014).
Conference Organist, United Methodist Church Ohio East Area, 2009 and 2010.
Guest Organist, Friedenskirche (Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche), Tuebingen,
Germany (2006-2007).
Interim Chapel Co-ordinator, Organist, and Director of the Seminary Chapel Choir,
Ashland Theological Seminary (2003-2004).
Director of Choirs, First United Methodist Church, Ashland, OH (August 1995 to June
1998).
Interim Organist/Director of Ashland Seminary Chapel Choir (Spring 1997).
Organist/Choirmaster, Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, Riverdale, GA (August 1990
to July 1995).
Accompanist, Candler Choraliers, Emory University, Atlanta, GA (1991-1992).
Assistant Organist, Emory University, Atlanta, GA (Spring semester, 1991).
Organist/Choirmaster, St. George's Episcopal Church, Helmetta, NJ (September 1985 to
June 1990).
Tenor soloist with Candler Choraliers, Atlanta Bach Choir, Princeton University Glee
Club, Princeton Singers, and Musica Alta.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Family: Married to Donna Jean Heitman deSilva; three sons: James Adrian (3/16/1995),
John Austin (7/4/1998), and Justin Alexander (1/24/2001).
Religious Affiliation: United Methodist
Ethnicity: Sinhalese-American
Hobbies: Music, Racquetball, Swimming, Biking, Cooking.

deSilva-22

REFERENCES
Dr. Luke T. Johnson
Emory University
668 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Dr. James H. Charlesworth

Princeton Theological Seminary
CN 821
Princeton, NJ 08542

Dr. Daniel G. Reid

Senior Academic Editor,
InterVarsity Press
16736 235th Ave. S. E.
Issaquah, WA 98027