There are many English commentaries on these letters, but none so replete with quotations (some quite extensive) from extra-biblical materials, whether Hellenistic, Jewish, or Christian, that bear on the linguistic and conceptual problems the letters contain.

Explicates and comments on each verse in an historical and theological context and provides extensive notes on the translation from the Greek text.

"Conzelmann's work seeks to describe each group in the light of its selfunderstandings and devotes particular attention to the question of salvation history. The results are often interesting and will no doubt stimulate debate. The is an historically responsible and theologically penetrating investigation of the ancient contributions to the scandal of anti-Semitism. Conzelmann's erudition is copious. The sheer wealth of references alone practically guarantees the work's value." -Richard I. Pervo, University of Minnesota "Since it is so important to reject an inhumane anti-Semitism and to encourage the formation of a truly human relationship between Christians and Jews, it is indispensable to investigate the history of their mutual relations as precisely as possible. In his historical account, worked out from beginning to end in direct engagement with the primary sources, Hans Conzelmann attempts to create the necessary presuppositions for dialogue by urging that the real problematic not be masked by explanations made too quickly. He wants to emphasize the theological significance of the basic issues that bear on the discussion." -Bishop Eduard Lohse, University of Goettingen, Emeritus Hans Conzelmann (1915-1989) dedicated himself to New Testament studies at the universities of Tubingen, Heidelberg, and Goettingen in Germany. His acclaimed The Theology of Saint Luke (Fortress Press, 1982) introduced a new epoch in the interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels, followed by landmark studies on Jesus and Paul. Among his many influential works are his three Hermeneia Commentaries on 1 Corinthians (1975), The Acts of the Apostles (1987) and, with Martin Dibelius, The Pastoral Epistles (1975). M. Eugene Boring is A. A. Bradford Professor of Religion-Studies at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas. He is the translator of Theological Ethics of the New Testament by Eduard Lohse (Fortress Press, 1991).

Filled with compact, almost aphoristic observations about the text, its background, and its theology. Its insight should sustain its value for a full generation.