By Ashley Akeson

Lee University’s Dr. Brian Neil Peterson recently released his third book, “John’s Use of Ezekiel: Understanding the Unique Perspective of the Fourth Gospel.”

Dr. Brian Peterson

The inspiration of the book stemmed from Peterson’s dissertation and observations he made on the parallels between the gospel of John and the prophecies of Ezekiel.

According to the Fortress Press summary statement, “Peterson offers a remarkable explanation for some of the most unusual features of the fourth gospel, including the exalted language of the Johannine prologue; the focus upon Jesus as Word; the imagery of light and darkness, of glory and “tabernacling”; the role—and rejection—of prophecy; the early placement of Jesus’ “cleansing” of the temple and his relation to it; the emphasis on “signs” confirming Jesus’ identity; and the prominence of Jesus’ “I Am” sayings.”

Peterson joined the Lee faculty in 2011 as an assistant professor in the Theology Department of the School of Religion, where he presently teaches a variety of Old Testament classes and Hebrew at the undergrad and master’s levels.

Prior to Lee, Peterson taught at Gambia Theological Institute in West Africa, as well as spending a year as an Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Prairie Bible College in Alberta, Canada.

Peterson received his Doctor of Philosophy from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto in Hebrew Bible, a Masters of Theological Studies from Beeson Divinity School, and a Master of Old Testament from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He earned his Bachelor in Biblical Studies from Zion Bible College.

After spending over a decade as a licensed carpenter after high school, Peterson felt God calling him to a life of ministry.

He spends a portion of his summers involved with archaeology in Israel where Lee students often join him for a two- to- three- week dig. He is married to Christine Curley and they have two children, Madeline and Mark.

The book is available for purchase at the Lee University bookstore or Amazon.