This collection of studies honors Professor R. Steven Notley''s research, collegiality, and friendship. In this volume, scholars--including Dr. Notley''s academic peers, colleagues, and former students--engage issues gathered around the study of biblical texts within their geographical, archaeological, and linguistic contexts. Throughout his career, Professor Notley has distinguished himself as a world-renowned historical geographer and researcher of the cultural and linguistic context of the Gospels. His voice has been influential in the so-called Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research, typified by an approach to the Gospels in which their Jewish historical and social contexts are central. This basic approach has grown significantly over recent decades and now constitutes a major area of New Testament study. Additionaly, Professor Notley has spent nearly forty years introducing groups of students and scholars to the land of Israel, stressing the importance of historical geography for study of the Bible. Especially noteworthy is his extensive scholarly collaboration over several decades with both Christian and Jewish scholars.
