Barrett's book consists of a complete revision of the four chapters, of the Didsbury Lectures, given at the British Isles Nazarene College, Manchester. The chapter titles indicate the content: From Jesus to the Church; Ministry; Sacraments; and The Developing Community. Barrett properly points out that "the church is at the same time central and peripheral." Likewise, the church is provisional, temporary, penultimate-an interim solution for the time between the resurrection/ ascension of Jesus and the heaven of the church. He also correctly notes the possibility and danger of an ecclesiological as well as christological Apollinarianism. Consequently, he emphasizes the human nature of Christ and human dimensions of the church.

An abbreviated edition, in paperback, of the two-volume commentary in the critically-acclaimed International Critical Commentary series.For those who lack the linguistic and historical grounding, or the time, to deal with the ICC volumes, this Shorter Commentary retains all the important elements of the introduction and commentary, but excludes foreign-language material, technical notes and excurses.

A valuable collection of C. K. Barrett's writings on Paul, the summation of a lifetime's work by the pre-eminent New Testament scholar.

This book contains a number of essays, some hitherto unpublished, on historical aspects of Paul's work. Sometimes Professor Barrett takes a broad view, often he looks sharply at important topics. Many of the themes are familiar, but Barrett always illuminates them from new angles, formulating fresh questions and approaches.

A new and extensive introductory essay examines the relation of Paul to Christian leaders in Jerusalem.

For over one hundred years, the International Critical Commentary series has held a special place among works on the Bible. It has sought to bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis -- linguistic and textual no less than archaeological, historical, literary and theological--with a level of comprehension and quality of scholarship unmatched by any other series.
No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought. The first paperback editions to be published cover the heart of the New Testament, providing a wealth of information and research in accessible and attractive format.

These seminal essays by two leading New Testament scholars of our day focus on the interface between Judaism and Christianity in the New Testament. Professor Hengel writes in a broad and incisive manner on "Early Christianity as a Jewish-Messianic Universalist Movement." He argues that Christianity grew entirely out of Jewish soil and that pagan influences in the New Testament were mediated through Hellenistic Judaism. With an increasing number of Jewish scholars, he therefore contends that the New Testament must be considered an important source for our knowledge of ancient Judaism. In a final portion of his essay, he comments in some detail on "the final separation" of Christianity and Judaism. Professor Barrett's "Paul: Councils and Controversies" addresses a more specific topic, though one with wide-ranging implications. His focus is the council described in Galatians 2 and Acts 15. What is the gospel of Jesus Christ for Jews and what is it for the Gentiles of the Pauline mission? Barrett explores the historical circumstances and the theological issues at stake. He traces the weakness of the initial compromise agreement between Paul and Peter to take the gospel to the uncircumcision and the circumcision respectively, as well as the significance of the later compromise decree of the council that made minimal demands upon the Gentiles. The inadequacy of both approaches is found in their failure to refer to the center or core of the gospel, that is, to Jesus Christ. A brief concluding chapter draws together some of the essays' themes, by summarizing responses to them by Fuller Seminary's New Testament department and proposing prospects for future discussion. An annotated bibliography is also included. Donald A. Hagner is George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Second Corinthans is one of the most difficult writings in the New Testament to interpret. Yet, this commentary, which follows Barrett's works on Romans and I Corinthians in the same series, is superb in every respect. The author's command of the Greek language, his skillful use of the Old Testament and background writings, and his sensitive handling of complex exegetical problems provide a panorama of a mature scholar's work which is at times almost breathtaking. Moreover, the restrained use of Greek and technical terms makes this commentary as useful for the layman or pastor as it is for the scholar. -Review and Expositor

In this useful work, C. Kingsley Barrett offers an insightful commentary on the book of John. Barrett seeks to view John in light of a variety of contexts, including that in which it was written, and its implications for modern-day readers. The book includes detailed notes and commentary on each chapter of John's Gospel.

For over one hundred years, the International Critical Commentary series has held a special place among works on the Bible. It has sought to bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis -- linguistic and textual no less than archaeological, historical, literary and theological--with a level of comprehension and quality of scholarship unmatched by any other series.
No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought. The first paperback editions to be published cover the heart of the New Testament, providing a wealth of information and research in accessible and attractive format.