Can I Be a Witness? A Testimony and Tribute to Brian K. Blount

In this essay, I will pay tribute to Brian K. Blount by offering a critical personal narrative that explores the profound impact of his book, Cultural Interpretation: Reorienting New Testament Criticism, for my development as a New Testament scholar. Brian’s interpretative model influenced not only my teaching but also my preaching. The interpersonal concerns that I can bring to my interpretation also enrich my proclamation. Therefore, I will conclude this tribute by offering a third sermon, on Mark 16:1–8, my own “happy ending,” to Brian’s book with Gary Charles, Preaching Mark in Two Voices.