Geza Vermes has a unique view on the Dead Sea Scrolls. His entire academic life has literally been devoted to their study, almost from the time of their discovery. No other living academic can claim such an association. As a result, it's possible that no one has read them as carefully as he.  Capping a long and full academic career, Geza Vermes acts as editor of the Journal of Jewish Studies.

Writing in Standpoint.online, Geza Vermes adds to the debate begun by Rachel Elior over the possible fabrication of the Essenes by Philo and Josephus and the suggestion that the scrolls were written by the Sadducees.

Of course in this day of instant response, Elior is able to proffer a response online as well as to generate other dialogues on her views.

The give-and-take in this area is intriguing. But more than that, it is refining and enhances our ability to appreciate the environment in which these scrolls were written, which was also the cradle in which Jesus Christ and the early church lived and worked.

H/T to James Davila of PaleoJudaica for the links.