“the University prohibit any student from addressing those present in a lecture, seminar or tutorial prior to the commencement of the lecture, seminar or tutorial on any subject matter. A breach of the prohibition may be considered misconduct.” Am I reading that right?

Warren Carter on Matt 27:24. Pilate doesn’t claim innocence and doesn’t hand over responsibility. ὑμεῖς ὄψεσθε = ‘you’ll see’.

I need to work harder when I do travel to spend time with the people I want to spend time with and not rely on chance. And, while I have dear US colleagues, the greatest joy and loudest laughs and deeper conversations tend to happen with past British or current Australia/NZ/Pasifika colleagues.

4. There is no point in offering a 30% if you haven’t brought multiple copies and then insist on charging postage to anywhere outside the US. Kudos to Baylor and Eerdmans who bring stock, discount properly, and make it worthwhile purchasing at SBL…

3. A tightly run session: everyone on time, chaired effectively, quality content and delivery, is great to experience. My paper was in such a session. But,have heard several horror stories about time /organisation mismanagement, and sat through too many people gabbling through 3000 words in 20 mins…

2. I’m kind of done with the large receptions. Too noisy, too many superficial conversations, too little proper food to mitigate these problems…

1. I don’t think I can or want to come every year any more. The demands of the journey (20 hours plus each way from Melbourne) and ecological factors weigh more heavily each year….

That will be it! Thanks Jonathan.

Thanks Matt. This is very helpful.

Paper on Matthew 5:5 in imperial context. ‘The meek shall possess the land’.

Lots of other changes as well. But all that can wait for conversation over a drink, perhaps in San Diego this week. Hopefully, I’ll get to see many friends old and new. /end

For those who haven’t heard I am about to move to a position at Whitley College here in Melbourne, as Dean of Research and Director of NT. Back into Baptist life, and rebuilding with a great team of colleagues. /2