Abstract
This is the second volume of Eldon Epp’s collected essays to be published by Brill. The first volume, published in 2005, brought together essays that appeared in print between 1962–2004. The twenty-four essays in the first volume along with the twenty-two in the second volume assemble much of Epp’s scholarly output.
Many of the ‘essays’ are in fact more like mini-books. For instance the final essay in the volume, ‘Text-Critical Witnesses and Methodology for Isolating a Distinctive D-Text in Acts’, is an in depth discussion of some 74 pages (pp. 627–700). Such attention to detail and erudition are instantly recognisable hallmarks of the scholarship of Eldon Epp. While many of the essays will be familiar to those in the discipline, this collection will bring Epp’s penetrating insights to a wider audience. Furthermore, having these essays assembled in a single volume facilitates ease of reference and permits one to see the way in which Epp’s thinking developed and the manner in which he returned to related topics. The essays range in focus. Some tackle the details of textual variation, such as the second essay ‘Minor Textual Variants in Romans 16:7’ (pp. 41–58). Whereas other broach larger disciplinary issues, such as essay eight, ‘Textual Criticism and New Testament Interpretation’ (pp. 265–304). In many ways it is that range from mastery of the small details to the panoramic overview of the discipline and its wider bearing for New Testament Studies, which marks Epp out as so much more than a brilliant New Testament textual critic.
Now in his ninetieth year, these essays permit one to look back over the career of Eldon Jay Epp and to appreciate and celebrate the totality of his contribution. The relentless intellectual curiosity and unflagging commitment to understand the discipline of New Testament textual criticism as a whole are immediately apparent. This volume in combination with the earlier collection allows that holistic overview of fifty-five years of dedicated and exemplary scholarship. One can only hope that Epp will continue with his scholarly publications so that we might all continue to benefit from the fruits of his labours.