To understand the New Testament, we can go to this rich compendium of sources [...] to provide a broader context for our exegetical inquiries. I hope it will be widely used and stimulate fresh discussions of the Jewish traditions it collects.
—Richard Bauckham, emeritus professor of New Testament, St Andrews University, Scotland
“If I knew how to read German”, a friend of mine exclaimed recently, “the first thing I would do would be to read Strack-Billerbeck”! Of course, it is well-known that the volumes are flawed. But the problem is that this has led to an unhappy neglect of the wealth of information the volumes truly offer. So this English translation gets straight to the point and presents a vital introduction by David Instone-Brewer, who outlines how best to use the text. The result is, as David Instone-Brewer puts it, that “no New Testament scholar should limit themselves by working without the riches of Strack-Billerbeck”! And now not only my aforementioned friend but scholars around the world have reason to be deeply grateful for Joseph Longarino’s capable translation and Jacob Cerone’s watchful editorial eye. What a tremendous service to the academic community for providing an English translation of this multifaceted, rich, and deeply learned resource!
—Chris Tilling, head of research and senior lecturer in New Testament studies, St Mellitus College, England
Thanks to this highly ambitious and commendable translation, Strack and Billerbeck’s venerable text, long-established as a critical reference work for New Testament exegesis, will now gain a new international readership. For the first time, it can fulfill its destined role as a gateway to the world of rabbinic theology, enticement to independent literary exploration, and most especially—in light of the recent rise of dialogue—an invitation to the discussion concerning Jewish-Christian relations. One can only hope that Strack and Billerbeck’s comprehensive Commentary will now receive the newfound appreciation it so richly deserves.
—Christfried Böttrich, professor in New Testament, Universität Greifswald, Germany
Everyone interested in the Jewish context of New Testament literature will welcome the appearance of the English translation of Strack and Billerbeck’s classic commentary that provides myriads of parallels with rabbinic literature. As an added bonus, David Instone-Brewer’s introduction very helpfully clarifies the proper use of this valuable tool and at the same time answers the criticisms leveled against it in its original German form. I salute editor Jacob Cerone, translator Joseph Longarino, and Lexham Press for a job well done!
—Craig A. Evans, John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins, Houston Baptist University
I have long wished for an English translation of Strack-Billerbeck. The person who would use this resource properly must read David Instone-Brewer’s introduction. Following his guidelines, this is an unparalleled resource for Old Testament, Second Temple Jewish, and especially rabbinic uses of keywords, phrases, and concepts in the New Testament—book by book and verse by verse. Some books and portions of books are treated in far more detail than others, but what is available here is simply not found together in one given work anywhere else. Many, many thanks to Lexham for completing a project a long time in the works.
—Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
