Yesterday I sent an email to my co-bloggers informing them that on June 20th this blog will no longer produce new content. On April 9th, 2009, I morphed what had been my personal blog into a “biblioblog” and later that year JohnDave Media joined me to make it a “group” blog. For over five years we’ve tried to use this online space to enhance our education while informing readers of important new books, websites, and other blogs. We were joined by several other bloggers over the years— T.C. Robinson, Mark Stevens, Josh Smith, Ishta Kutesa, Robert Jimenez, Jeremy Cushman, Kate Hanch, Daniel James Levy, Joshua Smith, and Michael Strachan. Each of these people helped make this a biblioblog that was “top five” at one point. It has been fun!
Unfortunately, I’ve come to realized that I don’t enjoy curating this blog anymore. I told myself long ago that it is a hobby (I’ve never made a profit off it) and a tool to supplement my studies. If the day came that I stopped having fun with it, or if I realized that biblioblogging was hindering me from using my time wisely, then I would stop. That time has come.
I will maintain an online presence at my personal website (brianleport.com) where I will blog a little here and there mixing personal and academic interest, but that is different than trying to maintain the “brand” and “place” that has come to be known at “Near Emmaus”. My co-bloggers may be creating new online spaces as well. As they do (if they do) I will be pointing you in that direction so that you can keep up with them.
This blog will not disappear. On June 20th I will write its last post. Sometime after that I will close the comments and rearrange the blog so that people can look up posts that have been written over the last five years. In the meantime, I have several books to which I owe a review before shutting down shop.
I hope that our readers have enjoyed this blog and that it has served its purpose over the years for creating an online community for those interested in biblical studies and theology as well as a resource. Also, I hope that whether it be through our personal blogs/websites or social media accounts that we can continue to keep in contact, share ideas and resources, and build friendships. Thank you for all your interaction over the years!
the archives near Emmaus 
Thanks for all your good blogging work Brian! I remember you finding my blog before I had even launched it. But I can only imagine that maintaining a blog like Near Emmaus must be very demanding, So I can understand that bringing it to an end in order to put one’s energies elsewhere makes a lot of sense. And it is good to hear that you will also be blogging in a less intensive manner on your personal blog. All the best, Wayne
Brian, I’m sorry to hear that Near Emmaus will no longer be producing new material. I have enjoyed the blog ever since I discovered it several years ago, and I will miss it, but I understand your reasons for wanting to “retire.” I never even started a blog myself. I am content to read and comment on other people’s blogs. I have also enjoyed getting to know you in an internet sort of way. I wish you all the best for your future. Paul.
I feel you, Brian. Makes perfect sense. I’ll look forward to still interacting with you online. All the best!
Sorry to hear it’s finishing up… Hope it proves refreshing for you!
I am new to blogging, but I have enjoyed this blog too. Thank you for your willingness to keep paying for the domain so we can read your old articles and book reviews.
Best wishes to you, Brian.
Brian, this decision must have been a difficult one to make (perhaps less difficult over time). Although I will miss a daily dose of ‘Near Emmaus’, believe your decision exposes great wisdom.
Knowledge supposes truth, but truth is only sometimes found in it [Job 15:2]. To move beyond blogging, waves blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine of human cunning, craftiness, and deceit, to study more deeply is to ‘restrain your words‘. At least, I believe that’s what is meant by [Pro 17:27].
This is/was an outstanding blog. I hope you’ll look back favourably on your experience here and retain what it has taught you. Nevertheless, you have gained knowledge, and ‘he who increases knowledge increases sorrow‘ [Ecc 1:18].
Even so, your diligent efforts have benefited your readers and co-bloggers in abundance.
Like others, I’m sad about the end but also understand the decision and am confident that it’s the right decision for you, Brian. Looking forward to interacting in other ways.
Thanks, Brian!
Thanks for all the work you have put into this blog over the years, Brian. I’ve only followed and never really commented (I don’t think…), but this has been one of my favorite biblioblogs for quite some time. I’m sad to see that it is coming to an end, but wish you (and all your co-bloggers) the warmest blessings in your future endeavors. I’ll make sure to stay tuned via your personal site!
I’ve enjoyed your posts over the years.
One of the major reasons I even considered seminary four or five years ago was because of this blog, Brian. Questions were asked here that weren’t being asked in my congregation or various other communities – questions that I wanted to discuss. It was (and still is) a great space to learn, discuss, discern, and grow in ways that I never would have in the everyday setting. To have been one of the bloggers here has been an incredible privilege and honor – for without blogs like this one, I probably would not have gone to seminary. Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done!
Thank you all for the kind words and the reminder that it was a worthwhile five year investment. I enjoyed blogging here for most of the time I did it, but more importantly I enjoyed the relationships and conversations that this blog created.
Thanks for your hard work. I have really enjoyed this blog and will be sad to see it go, but I completely understand. Times change, interests change and keeping things fresh and exciting is hard.
You’ve been a great help to me. I very much appreciate the time you took here. best wishes to you.
Well this is too bad, Brian! I think at one time I was one of your top commenters (as far as the number of comments particular people made at your blog). Your insights, in this format will be missed!, but I understand. I look forward to hearing good things from you in years to come, whatever venue or media that might be in.
Blessings,
Bobby
Brian, I am sincerely sorry to hear that the end is coming. I have enjoyed your posts so much for years, but I realize over the long haul that maintaining a blog can become a real burden. May our God continue to richly bless your work to produce great things in His Kingdom. I know He will.