Circles in the Stream: Index, Identification, and Intertext: Reading and Preaching the Story of Judah in Genesis 37–50

“One way in which we acquire a fresh read of Scripture is to read the text through a new methodological lens. This is the work Paul Koptak undertakes in this book. Koptak reads the Joseph narrative in the book of Genesis with reference to the communicative theory of Kenneth Burke. . . . Koptak is fully alert to the artistic wonder of the narrative and takes that artistry with attentive seriousness.”

—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary



“Paul Koptak’s Circles in the Stream is a gift to those preachers who feel that the burden of creating connections between text and listeners Sunday after Sunday rests on their shoulders. Koptak makes a compelling case that the connections are already there, waiting to be found. . . . Readers of Circles in the Stream will find that applying its methods will allow both text and life to shine light on each other.”

—Alyce M. McKenzie, Perkins School of Theology



“Though the later chapters of Genesis may be familiar to you, Koptak’s application of Burke’s rhetorical approach brings fresh insight and application to a familiar story. This is an important read for anyone seeking to better understand the character of Joseph, his family, and how they fit into the biblical narrative.”

—Bill Shereos, pastor, Evangelical Free Church of America



“Like a good docent, Koptak guides us through galleries of Burke’s literary-rhetorical theory. Then, like a good translator, he puts Burke-ology into language and concepts preachers can use for weekly sermon prep. Then, like a good coach, he demonstrates what close reading à la Burke looks like by offering his own sermons on Joseph and Judah (Genesis). . . . Koptak demonstrates that biblical authors, including the narrative artists of Genesis, used rhetoric to influence readers and listeners.”

—Jeffrey Arthurs, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary



“Koptak mines the fascinating work of Kenneth Burke, finding a treasure trove of riches. In a study the field has needed for a long time, Koptak uses Burke’s insights to crack open the meaning and relevance of biblical texts. Preachers, interpreters, and scholars—this is the book you need. Take and read!”

—Matthew Schlimm, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary



“Anyone who is interested in the art of reading Scripture—or in the art of how to bring Scripture to life—will benefit from this book. At the same time, preachers and teachers of Scripture will find Paul Koptak’s work especially valuable. Students and scholars of rhetoric will find an interesting, accessible, and immediately applicable introduction to the work of literary-rhetorical analyst Kenneth Burke.”

—Rebekah Eklund, Loyola University Maryland



“Pastors know better than anyone that Sundays come around with remarkable regularity, and Paul Koptak provides us preachers with some excellent tools to construct a bridge between the first century and the twenty-first on a weekly basis. Few scholars can exegete both culture and Scripture in equal measure the way Paul can, and he shares some solid insights, both rhetorical and practical, as we seek to feed the flock a nutritious meal on regular basis.”

—John R. Martz, pastor, The Evangelical Covenant Church