"Years ago Ernst Käsemann asserted that Jewish apocalyptic was the mother of Christian theology. If you want to understand that claim, read Rick Murphy's masterful guide to all the relevant ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic texts. This remarkable synthesis is a fitting memorial to a beloved teacher, respected scholar, and fine human being.
-Daniel J. Harrington,
SJ, professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Lucidly written, accessible, and reliable, Murphy's book is an ideal textbook for college courses. Its distinctive strength lies in its exposition of the role apocalypticism plays in the New Testament.
-John J. Collins,
Holmes Professor of Old Testament, Yale Divinity School
A master teacher, Professor Murphy has left us a legacy in this volume that will serve students for years to come. He covers the entire range of apocalyptic imagery and eschatology from its roots in the prophetic texts of the Hebrew Bible through the Dead Sea Scrolls and other Jewish works of the Second Temple period. Text boxes, charts, illustrations, and extensive bibliographies make this a classroom-friendly volume.
-Pheme Perkins,
professor of theology, Boston College
This book is without a doubt the most comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to apocalypticism available. It was written by a master scholar and teacher whose many years of intimate acquaintance with the ancient texts and whose pedagogical adeptness in communicating the material are evident on every page. This superb study will benefit both those who are new to the apocalyptic genre and worldview and those who are ready for a fresh and deeper look into a subject whose importance for understanding early Judaism and Christianity cannot be exaggerated.
-Daniel C. Harlow,
professor of religion, Calvin College; coeditor of The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism
