Written by one of the world's leading authorities on the Dead Sea Scrolls, these groundbreaking essays explore the significance of the scrolls for our understanding of the New Testament and Christian Origins. Updated in the light of the most recent scrolls research these essays offer an overview of Dead Sea Scrolls research, ranging from an examination of 'The Essenes in History' to a study of 'Biblical Proof-Texts in Qmran Literature' Volume 56 in the Library of Second Temple Studies

"'Scholars who seek safe passage through the stormy seas of current 'revisionist' theories concerning the origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls will find this compact volume a delight. It provides a welcome and insightful evaluation of such opinions from a long-established Qumran scholar.' ~ Brian Capper, Vol 28.5, 2006" - Journal for the Study of the New Testament

"'[A] welcome addition...to the available literature on the Dead Sea Scrolls...This volume is well worth reading.'" - Themelios