Does It Matter Who Wrote the Bible?

“The question of pseudonymity or anonymity is generally not problematic for pastors in Africa. Most tend to have a very high view of Scripture as both sacred and powerful. However, as the landscape of the global church changes, questions about authorship must be addressed if pastors are to be empowered to serve effectively. This book achieves that by providing valuable insights and anticipating issues that can become problematic for the future of the global church.”
—Elizabeth Mburu, associate professor of New Testament and Greek, Africa International University

“The gap between scholarly interests and the needs of the church are no more evident than the question of biblical authorship. When it comes to preaching God’s word, does it matter whether John the apostle is the author of the Fourth Gospel? Should church members care whether the so-called pastoral epistles are authentic letters of Paul? Since biblical interpreters tend to rely upon a canon within a canon, should critical scholarship determine which parts of Scripture ought to carry more weight for matters of faith and practice? Gathering a team of experts who offer their academic work in service of the church, David Capes hopes to bridge the gap by exploring the historical, social, theological, canonical, hermeneutical, and spiritual implications of anonymity, pseudonymity, and scriptural authority. A hefty volume of engaging reflections and sound advice, scholars and pastors need to read this book.”
—Rodney Reeves, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas