Ben Witherington III, a distinguished American scholar, has garnered widespread recognition for his expertise in the field of New Testament studies, specifically within the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition. His academic career has been marked by a distinguished tenure as Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, a prestigious institution deeply rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness movement, situated in the charming town of Wilmore, Kentucky. Furthermore, Witherington III has also maintained an ordained status within the United Methodist Church, underscoring his commitment to both academic rigor and spiritual leadership.
Dr. Witherington, a renowned author of immense literary output, has penned a staggering collection of over sixty published works, showcasing his remarkable expertise and versatility as a scholar. Among his most notable contributions are commentaries on every book of the New Testament, a testament to his profound understanding of the sacred texts. Specifically, his book "The Gospel Code: Novel Claims About Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Da Vinci" (2004) has garnered significant attention for its thought-provoking exploration of the historical Jesus and the role of Mary Magdalene. Additionally, Dr. Witherington has tackled complex theological topics in "The Problem With Evangelical Theory: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, and Wesleyanism" (2005),a rigorous examination of the underlying principles that shape various Christian denominations. Furthermore, his book "The New Testament Story" (2004) offers a comprehensive narrative of the New Testament, providing readers with a rich and engaging portrait of the early Christian community.
Dr. Ben Witherington's remarkable literary endeavor, "The Jesus Quest: The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth", published by InterVarsity Press in 1995, received widespread recognition and admiration, earning the prestigious title of top biblical studies book of 1995 from both Christianity Today and the esteemed Academy of Parish Clergy.
This monumental work presents a meticulous and in-depth examination of the contemporary Christological landscape within the realm of New Testament scholarship, offering a unique and insightful perspective on one of the most contentious and far-reaching religious debates of the past decade, a subject that has garnered significant attention and discussion among scholars and theologians alike.
Dr. Witherington's remarkable scholarly achievements continued to unfold in the late 1990s, as he was honored with the esteemed Christianity Today book award for a second time, this notable distinction being bestowed upon him in 1999 for his groundbreaking work, The Paul Quest: The Renewed Search for the Jew of Tarsus.
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Dr. Witherington's expertise in the field of New Testament studies was further showcased through his appearance in the BBC and PBS special, The Story of Jesus, a testament to his status as a leading authority in his area of academic specialization.
