Exploring Discourse Analysis in Biblical Studies: A Review by Max Turner

The latest book edited by Stanley E. Porter and Jeffrey T. Reed has caused quite a stir in the academic world. Titled “Discourse Analysis and Other Topics in Biblical Greek,” this collection of essays delves deep into the world of linguistics and Discourse Analysis (DA) as it relates to the New Testament.

Porter and Reed, both well-known scholars in the field, have brought together a diverse range of approaches to DA in NT studies. From Systemic-Functional Linguistics to Literary-Semantic Structure approaches, the book covers a wide array of methods used in analyzing biblical texts.

The strength of the book lies in the practical application of these approaches to specific texts in the Gospels, Acts, Pauline Corpus, and General Epistles. The contributors each bring their unique tools to the table, offering fresh insights into the narratives and discourses found in the New Testament.

One standout essay in the collection is Martin-Asensio’s analysis of the Stephen narrative in Acts, shedding new light on this familiar story. Additionally, Erickson’s examination of the semantic structure of Romans 5:12–21 provides a helpful framework for understanding Paul’s writing.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for scholars and students alike, offering a deeper understanding of the linguistic nuances present in biblical texts. With contributions from leading experts in the field, “Discourse Analysis and Other Topics in Biblical Greek” is sure to spark further discussion and research in the realm of NT studies.