From the Editor

The stewardship of institutions is a moral responsibility. It is easy to diminish them unthinkingly or even willfully to demonize them, because institutions have done, and can do, terrible things. But they can also do very good things, particularly by combining the focus and energy of multiple individuals in a common undertaking. Through institutions we can do more together than we can do alone.This journal is that kind of undertaking and consequently that sort of responsibility. It was founded in 2007 by Joel Green at a time when renewed attention was being given to the theological interpretation of Scripture. The main purpose of JTI has therefore always been, and still is, to provide an ongoing venue for an academic conversation about theological interpretation and to further that conversation through new scholarship and an expert exchange of considered perspectives.To aid that exchange of views, JTI includes biblical scholars and theologians on its editorial board. An effort is made to have each submission reviewed by scholars in both these disciplinary groups, broadly construed. Brevard Childs, my esteemed teacher, used to speak of the "iron curtain" between biblical studies and theology in his day. In many respects, that situation has improved. Indeed, one of the primary motivations for the new attention to theological interpretation at the beginning of the twenty-first century, and one of the main consequences of it, has been enhanced discussion and more joint initiatives between biblical scholars and theologians.Joel edited the journal faithfully and wisely for eleven years (2007–2017). Thankfully, he remains on the masthead, continues to review submissions, and gives important counsel about the journal's identity and mission. He was followed by Murray Rae (2018–2019), who provided a year of leadership to see the journal through an important time of transition. Murray remained on the editorial board and rotates off this year. We thank him for his service.Beginning in 2019—along with Myk Habets, who also gave key transitional help that first year as co-editor—and through the end of 2023, JTI has been edited by Tim Meadowcroft, who has been a model of editorial precision, careful organization, thoughtful decision-making, and academic collegiality. He deserves the gratitude of everyone who cares about the conversation that JTI represents. I would like to express my personal thanks to Tim for being so kind and helpful during the journal's most recent change of leadership. Tim is also remaining on the board and will provide invaluable assistance, not only in reviewing submissions but helping to chart the journal's future.Thanks are due as well to Amy Peeler, who has served as associate editor alongside Tim. Amy brought her own expertise to that role and has added significantly to the journal's range of perspectives and concerns. She is remaining on the editorial board too.As I now take on the journal's editorial role, I am humbled by the faithfulness and insight of those who have preceded me, even as I am awed by the scale of the task at hand. I hope and pray that I will do it justice.You can help! Although JTI is entering its eighteenth year with this issue, it remains a relatively young periodical. Please consider a personal subscription. Please also ask your institution to subscribe. We do have a steady stream of submissions, but we would happily receive more. So please send your essays our way and encourage your colleagues and students to do the same.At this point, the journal is established and healthy. But I would like to broaden its readership and expand its scope even further. If you have ideas about particular topics that you would like to see JTI explore in its future issues, I hope that you will write and let me know. JTI is for you.