000 Preface

Preface A VOLUME that travels through as wide a field as the study of the Bible today soon takes the specialist beyond all the old familiar landmarks out into strange and bewildering territory. In this situation his only hope lies in obtaining local guides who will not suffer his feet to stumble into a crevasse hidden from him by his ignorance. To the many who have tried to keep the author’s feet upon the straight and narrow path, he here makes grateful acknowledgment.

Most of all he is indebted to his colleague. Professor William A. Irwin, who read the manuscript in more than one of its stages and made numerous suggestions which have greatly increased its value, especially in the Old Testament area. He did this with characteristic unselfishness at a time when he was heavily burdened with other work. If the book meets the need it was designed to serve, a large part of the credit for its success must go to Mr. Irwin.

Thanks are due also to Professor S. J. Case, Dean of the Divinity School, who read and criticized one of the recensions of the manuscript; to my colleagues in the New Testament Department Professor H. R. Willoughby, who read the first two chapters, and Professor. D. W. Riddle, who made valuable suggestions for the section on interpretation and to Mr. B. LeRoy Burkhart, Fellow in the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, whose patient, accurate, and stimulating assistance is deeply appreciated. In the field of linguistic study the author has long been indebted to Professor J. M. Steadman of Emory University; the chapter on translation owes much to his teaching. No one of these scholars is to be held responsible for the positions taken by the author or for any of the errors in this work. The International Council of Religious Education, owner of the copyright, kindly gave permission for the use of the American Standard Version of Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-9; Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39. This version is published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, New York City.

ERNEST CADMAN COLWELL UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO February 19, 1937