Graham Maxwell is emeritus professor of New Testament at Loma Linda University. He was born in England, attended college in California, and earned his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, New Testament, from the University of Chicago Divinity School.
His dissertation dealt with the elements of interpretation that have entered into the translation of the New Testament, and especially Romans. Romans has continued to be a subject of research and writing ever since. Other publications include I Want to Be Free, You Can Trust the Bible, Servants or Friends? Another Look at God, and Be Careful Who You Trust.
For nineteen years he taught Bible and Biblical languages to college and ministerial students at Pacific Union College. In 1961 he moved to Loma Linda to serve as director of the division of religion and teach Bible to medical, dental, and other professional students.
His favorite course has been a year-long trip through the whole Bible to discover the picture of God in each of the sixty-six books. He has taught this course 140 times, not only in the classroom, but in churches and homes, to groups ranging in size from a dozen to 700.
People in 118 different countries have shared in this book by book study of the Bible with the help of tape recordings. But as one man wrote from the Falkland Islands, “I want you to know that I always read the book in the Bible before I listen to the tape.
Maxwell has watched the effect of such Bible study on over 10,000 people, “Something seems to happen,” he says, “When people of all cultures discover in the Bible a consistent picture of God—an infinitely powerful but equally gracious Person, who values nothing higher than their freedom and friendship.” That’s what led to the writing of this book.
