This work addresses the question of the Apostle Paul's literary and theological influences on Polycarp of Smyrna. It analyzes Polycarp's dependence on earlier literature - both biblical and extra-biblical. This general analysis forms the basis for the study of three questions: Is Polycarp an imitator of Paul? Whom does Polycarp think is the author of the Pastoral Epistles? And, To what degree is Polycarp influenced by the theology of Paul? This work should be of interest to anyone studying the Apostolic Fathers, the reception of Paul in the second century, the concept of imitation, and the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles.
Kenneth Berding (Ken) is a professor of Biblical Studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University where he has served since 2002. He teaches courses such as Life & Letters of Paul, Biblical Interpretation & Spiritual Formation, Biblical Greek, and Pauline Theology: Romans. He previously taught full-time at Nyack College just north of New York City, and has taught as an adjunct professor at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York (and Ukraine and Anaheim).
Ken is happily married to Trudi, who has been his friend since his freshman year of high school. Like Philip in the Bible(!), he has four daughters, Lydia, Grace, Ela, and Ana. Ken and his wife Trudi lived in the Middle East for seven years and have many friends around the world. Both Ken and Trudi are quite involved at Whittier Hills Church in Whittier, California, where Ken is an overseer and teacher, and Trudi teaches and leads in women's ministry.
Ken is also a musician, playing four instruments: piano, guitar, drums, and saz (a Middle Eastern instrument). He has written many songs, including music for teaching. Some of these songs are aimed at helping people achieve biblical literacy; others for learning Greek grammar. It is not unusual to walk by one of his classes at Biola University and hear music coming out of the classroom!
Ken writes both academic and non-academic articles and books. His academic interests are in the New Testament (especially the Apostle Paul) and in the Apostolic Fathers (especially Polycarp). He is keenly interested that people understand the centrality of Jesus Christ, how to walk in the Holy Spirit, and how to live with an awareness of the brevity of life and the length of eternity.
