Emerson B. Powery                                 

Professor of Biblical Studies

I have recently joined the faculty at Messiah as a Professor of Biblical Studies. Most of my research, writing, and editing relates to the New Testament, including "Jesus Reads Scripture" (Brill, 2003) and "True to Our Native Land: An African American NT Commentary" (Fortress/Augsburg, 2007).

I serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Biblical Literature (2005-Present) and the editorial board for the Common English Bible; also, I am a recent past (regional) President of the Society of Biblical Literature (SE Region; 2006-2007). My current research projects include issues of empire, power, identity, and spirit in the Gospel of Mark and the function of the Bible in the 19th century ‘slave narrative’ tradition, including the narratives of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs.

When not dissecting some peculiar Greek phrase, wrestling with some cultural hermeneutical perspective, or listening to Bob Marley’s tunes, Kimberly (my spouse) and I--and our four sons--enjoy attending Mets games when they visit D.C. or Philly.

Education:                                                                   Contact Information:

Ph.D., 1999                                                                 Messiah College

   Duke University                                                       Box 3053

M.Div., 1992                                                                 E-mail: EPowery@messiah.edu   

   Princeton Theological Seminary                          Phone: (717) 796-1800 ext.3420

B.A., 1989                                                                     Fax: (717) 796-4790

   Lee University

A.A., 1986

   Miami Dade Community College