The letters of 1 and 2 Peter and of Jude come from a time in Christian history about which we know little; thus they represent rare voices from a crucial time in Christianity's development. And the picture of early Christianity suggested by these letters is a fascinating one.

In them, Christianity seems to exist as an intersection of readings of the Old Testament, stories and traditions about Jesus, and the demands of living in the Roman world and the still-emerging church. Donelson's illuminating commentaries show that each letter reflects those forces in its own way. Viewed collectively, these documents portray communities deep in conflict, both with outsiders and with insiders. However, the letters also portray communities full not only of enormous theological resources but theological creativity as well.

The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.

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Lewis R. Donelson is Ruth A. Campbell Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. His books include From Hebrews to Revelation and Colossians, Ephesians, First and Second Timothy, and Titus, both available from WJK.