Journal for the Study of the New Testament

http://jnt.sagepub.com 1. New Testament General

Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2007; 29; 1 DOI: 10.1177/0142064X07080156 The online version of this article can be found at: http://jnt.sagepub.com

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JSNT 29.5 (2007) 1-10 Copyright 2007 SAGE Publications (Los Angeles, London, New Delhi and Singapore) http://JSNT.sagepub.com DOI: 10.1177/0142064X07080156

1. New Testament General

A Beginners Guide to New Testament Exegesis: Taking the Fear out of Critical Method Richard J. Erickson
Downers Grove: IVP, 2005, 0-8308-2771-4, $18.00, 239 pb

Richard Ericksons book is an introduction to New Testament exegesis developed from teaching exegesis over twenty years. He writes for beginning exegetes giving them milk rather than meat. The book has ten chapters for ten teaching weeks but could be adapted for a semester course (up to fteen weeks). After a preface, the initial ve chapters are: Framing Your Mind, Text and Tools, Texts and Their Structure, Syntactical and Discourse Analysis, and History and Culture in Exegesis. The remaining ve chapters are: Letters, Narratives I, Narratives II, Apocalypse and Moving On. His chapters are supported by useful gures, a Glossary, Annotated Bibliography, Subject Index and Scripture Index. A website (www.ivpacademic.com) provides further exercises and material (search by his book title). This is a very readable and enjoyable beginners guide written from the perspective of an experienced teacher for his students. Readers are gently led through the chapters with ample illustrations and encouragement. Its aims are realistic. His intention of providing milk for learners, rather than too much meat, is achieved. He addresses The Importance of the Original Languages (p. 21) and the value of learning (and using) New Testament Greek. Consequently, he uses Greek but also provides references in English. Erickson clearly states that he writes as a teacher and as a Christian (for Christians and the church). In this he helpfully makes his assumptions explicit. Ericksons interest shines throughout his engaging book, which will excite readers and help in taking the fear out of critical method. Highly recommended.
Robert S. Dutch

How the Bible was Built Charles Merrill Smith & James W. Bennett
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005, 0-8028-2943-0, $12.00, 7.99, xi + 97 pb

This book presents itself as a concise, factual overview of the Bibles construction. The introductory chapter describes origins of the book (Bennetts revision of Smiths manuscript, written between 1980 and his death in 1985). Then we nd chapters on How the Bible was Built (an overview, explaining the house-building simile which

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Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29.5 (2007)

runs throughout the book), the First Wingthe Old Testament, the Apocrypha Passageway from Old to New, the New Wingthe New Testament, the Canon: or, Who Said: This is the Ofcial Bible?, and nally Decorating the HouseTranslating the Bible into English. This book is clearly written, in accessible English without footnotes, genuinely suitable for a general reader. It contains no argument or discussion, simply telling the reader the facts. But what are the facts? What is said is well balanced and generally reects scholarly opinion (at least in 19801985). Nevertheless you will be told that that Jewish rabbis met at the Council of Jamnia around AD 90, that ten letters are undisputedly Pauline and that no New Testament scholars, whether of the conservative disposition or otherwise believe that the Pastorals were written by Paul, and that the approach of Johns Gospel uses ideas in a way that Jews did not but Greeks did. Here we see that the beauty of this book is also its undoing: everything is presented as if the assured results of scholarship really were assured. Even in an accessible easy-to-read guide, I would look to see some attempt to help others understand and assess disagreements, not simply a projection of a set of facts.
Jeremy Duff

An Introduction to the Bible, rev. edn J.W. Rogerson

BW; London: Equinox, 2005 (1999), 1-84553-039-X, $24.95, 14.99, xvii + 176 pb

This revised edition of Rogersons 1999 book presents the subject matter in eight chapters: ch. 1, What is the Bible?; ch. 2, How Biblical Writers Wrote; ch. 3, The Making of the Old Testament; ch. 4, The Making of the Apocrypha; ch. 5, The Making of the New Testament; ch. 6, The Canon of the Bible; ch. 7, The Study of the Bible, ch. 8, The Use of the Bible. Also included are maps, tables and a glossary of technical terms. The book succeeds in its aim to provide a survey of the history and composition of the (categories of) books of the Bible and their meaning in the light of contemporary biblical criticism and modern knowledge. The origin of the different major English editions of the Bible and their respective relationships to the ancient Hebrew, Greek or Latin editions is presented. The history of the major Christian churches and Bible Societies is explored in relation to their role in shaping Bible editions (both before and after the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls) according to their respective canon and doctrines, and the impact of this on study and worship. This detailed volume makes an excellent tool for a guided introduction or revision course in any formal study setting. For the next edition, perhaps a table outlining the major historical events related could be included, and the technique of using the ctitious inquirer, introduced in ch. 1, could be continued throughout the book (or omitted altogether).
Anne OLeary

An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd edn D.A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo
Leicester: Apollos, 2005 (1992), 1-84474-089-7, 24.99, 781 hb

The rst edition of this book appeared in 1992, with Leon Morris (born 1914) as the

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BOOKLIST 1. New Testament General

third author; he has now withdrawn. This conservative-evangelical Introduction pays ample attention to a diversity of scholars past and present. The new edition has a new publisher, size and format; some maps are now included (but not listed). Two new chapters deal with the history of research and with epistles in general. The previous positions are largely maintained, whereas the rejection of pseudepigraphy is more outspoken. The revision might have been more thorough. Some errors are still there, such as saying that there are 26 books in the NT (p. 331). The bibliographies still contain many older titles next to the latest ones, and publications from the eighties of last century are still called recent. Scholars such as Bornkamm and Conzelmann are still regarded as up-to-date conversation partners. Of newer publications I missed the major commentaries by Thiselton on 1 Corinthians and by Hoehner on Ephesians. Like the rst edition, I admire this one for the facts it contains and the answers to the simple questions such as who, where and when. The authors offer solid arguments for thinking most of the NT (three Gospels, Acts, Paul) was written before AD 70. In my opinion they are weaker when discussing the theology of individual books and more recent research. In these areas their conservatism closes their eyes to innovations. Attention for the position of women in the Bible is simply labelled as a sign of feminism throughout.
Pieter J. Lalleman

Making Sense of the Bible: A Study of 10 Key Themes Traced through the Scriptures H.H. Drake Williams III
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2006, 0-8254-4107-2, $13.99, 240 pb

This book seeks to help (American) lay people study the Scriptures alone or in groups. It aims to bring out the divine artistry of the Bible by discussing the following ten themes as they occur in both Testaments: creation, covenant, idolatry, the Messiah, law, salvation, kingdom, the Holy Spirit, the people of God, and prophecy. Each chapter pays equal attention to the Old and the New Testament treatment of the topic. There are over 30 pages of endnotes, plus a scripture index and select bibliography. This leaves an average of 18 pages per study, of which large parts are taken by stories, hymns, writing out scripture passages, and some photos. The studies can be used separately. A formal criticism is that the endnotes contain not just extra text references but also references to many scholarly works, even to Gerd Ldemann (p. 222) and to articles in journals whose abbreviations are not explained (WTJ, SJT). The contents contain weaknesses, such as the denition of prophecy as forecast (p. 175) and the classication of the books of Samuel as non-prophetic (p. 177). The chapter on Messiah really deals with Jesus Christ. The chapters on law and kingdom remain quite abstract, whereas that on salvation attempts to cover redemption, atonement and justication all in one. Dealing with the people of God, the author shies away from discussing its relationship with Israel. Scholars will nd the level of discussion disappointing, but church members may enjoy these studies provided they share the authors Biblicist outlook.
Pieter J. Lalleman

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Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29.5 (2007)

The Nature of New Testament Theology: Essays in Honour of Robert Morgan Christopher Rowland & Christopher Tuckett, eds.
Oxford: Blackwell, 2006, 1-4051-1174-7, 19.99, xix + 314 pb

This tting tribute to Robert Morgan traces both the descriptive and existential (in the non-technical sense of that word) approaches to what is called New Testament Theology (p. xii). The A list range of contributors to the collection makes for not only stimulating but also imaginative and stunning reading. Following Rowan Williamss foreword, selected treasures include John Bartons look at Biblical Theology: An Old Testament Perspective and Adela Yarbro Collins view on Apocalypticism and New Testament Theology. Philip Esler introduces New Testament Interpretation as Interpersonal Communion: The Case for SocioTheological Hermeneutics and Ulrich Luz considers The Contribution of Reception History to a Theology of the New Testament. Gerd Theissen outlines his Theory of Primitive Christian Religion and New Testament Theology: An Evolutionary Essay and Heikki Risnen works Towards an Alternative New Testament Theology: Individual Eschatology as an Example. Christopher Rowland and Zoe Bennet factor in praxis in their essay Action is the Life of All: New Testament Theology and Practical Theology and Frances Young explores The Trinity and the New Testament. The essays are not themed, but rather presented alphabetically according to the authors surnames. This serves to ensure that the sheer diversity of perspectives on New Testament Theology presented here are not compromised by a strait-jacket typology, nor indeed are subject/labour divisions promoted between more biblicalstudies orientated and more theologically orientated positions. This volume is a musthave on any student or scholars shelf.
Louise Lawrence

Neues Testament und Antike Kultur. IV. Karten Abbildungen Register Kurt Erlemann, Karl Leo Noethlichs, Klaus Scherberich & Jrgen Zangenberg, eds.
Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener, 2006, 3-7887-2039-5, 29.90, 207 pb

This book rounds out the previous three volumes of this excellent series. (A fth volume, of primary texts, is also in preparation.) The book contains 69 pages of blackand-white photographs, maps and diagrams, 17 pages of abbreviations, just under 100 pages of indexes, biographical details of the dozens of contributors to the series, and a few corrigenda to the previous volumes. The diagrams range from standard ones, such as the Stegemanns social pyramid, to specially commissioned ones, such as the maps of Judaea and its neighbours at various stages of the rst centuries BCE and CE. A generally successful attempt has been made to render the photographs and maps legible despite the limitations of the small format and the standard printing method (there are no plates). One exception is the over-ambitious (and incorrectly titled) single-page map of all the provinces and major cities of the Roman Empire. All the material in the book is helpful and interesting. It is not of great use without the previous volumes, but anyone who has bought any of those will also want this one.
Peter Oakes

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BOOKLIST 1. New Testament General

The New Interpreters Bible: New Testament Survey Leander E. Keck, ed.
Nashville: Abingdon, 2005, 0-687-05434-6, 19.99, xi + 399 hb

This useful volume gathers together the introductory sections of each commentary in the New Interpreters Bible. It also adds essays by Robert Tannehill, Christopher Tuckett and Robert Wall on the Gospels and narrative literature, Jesus and the Gospels, and epistolary literature. One thing that immediately strikes the reader is the variation in what commentators regard as the proper length and content of an introduction. Twenty-eight pages on Matthew, by Eugene Boring, contrasts with Pheme Perkinss eleven on Mark. Paul Sampley has a section on Primary Cultural Patterns Important for Understanding 1 Corinthians. Richard Hays includes Galatians as Scripture. The reading lists for each book have been generally, although it seems not universally, updated. The outstanding piece in the book is Christopher Rowlands introduction to the Book of Revelation. This runs to nearly fty pages and includes a useful excursus on the merkabah. However, each of the introductions is of value. This volume is a reminder of the strength of the set of contributors that the editors of the NIB succeeded in drawing together for the series.
Peter Oakes

The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Studies J.W. Rogerson & Judith M. Lieu, eds.
Oxford: OUP, 2006, 0-19-925425-7, 85.00, xviii + 896 hb

Divided into seven parts, this handbook contains forty-ve essays. Part I examines the discipline of biblical studies, with essays both on the history of Old and New Testament studies over the last seventy years, and then a number of essays demonstrating how neighbouring disciplines (archaeology, Egyptology, Qumran studies, study of the Graeco-Roman world, and others) impact upon biblical scholarship. Part II focuses on the language, translation and textual transmission of the Bible, with a valuable article by Stanley Porter on the language and translation of the New Testament. Part III explores the Bible as a historical source, with three essays on the historical context of the Old Testament and one by Craig Evans on the ministry of Jesus. Other essays in this substantial part of the volume examine the institutions of the Old and New Testaments (the priesthood and temple, the law, scribes and synagogues, and movements in rst-century Judaism) and the various literary genres of the Bible. Part IV has four essays on the Bibles composition, with John M. Court surveying the growth of the New Testament. Part V sets out some of the tools of biblical scholarship: archaeology; textual criticism; form, source, and redaction criticism; rhetorical and new literary criticism; feminist criticism; and ideological criticism. Part VI examines the Bibles interpretation. Alongside essays on New Testament theology, the Bible in ethics, Jewish biblical interpretation, and biblical theology there is a particularly helpful essay on Old Testament theology by Walter Brueggemann. Part VII concludes the handbook by looking at the Bibles authority through lenses provided by separate essays on the canon, fundamentalism, and the impact and contribution of historical criticism.

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Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29.5 (2007)

In a review of a handbook it is always possible to grumble about entries not included. Overall, however, the entries are very illuminating (boosted by often lengthy bibliographies), authoritative, and cover an astonishingly wide range of sub-disciplines. This is a volume that mature undergraduates, graduate students in both theology and biblical studies, and academics will all value. Denitely a handbook to make sure your library acquires.
Angus Paddison

Teaching the Bible: Practical Strategies for Classroom Instruction Mark Roncace & Patrick Gray, eds.
RBS 49; Atlanta: SBL, 2005, 1-58983-171-3, $39.95, xxvii + 440 pb

This book provides practical strategies from scholars who teach the Bible in the classroom. After an introduction and list of contributors there are three parts. Part 1: Prolegomena covers Hermeneutics, Methodologies plus Approaches and Resources (38 entries). Part 2: Hebrew Bible covers Torah, Prophets, Writings and Varia (p. 125). Finally, Part 3: New Testament addresses The Gospels and Acts, Letters, Revelation and Varia (p. 110). Indices cover: Biblical Texts, Art, Music, Film and Literature. All entries use a critical academic approach, operate with a range of perspectives (methodological, theological and ideological) and usually occupy one or two pages. Sometimes multiple entries cover related topics. Many entries consider one classroom session but occasionally cover more. Internet sites give useful resources. The books purpose is to make available to those who teach biblical studies a wide range of effective classroom strategies for approaching specic topics in the eld. This is achieved with readable and stimulating entries. The editors use professors from various institutions. Admitting their selection does not show the status quo or an entirely representative sample of instruction, they suspect the collection offers something like a snapshot of the discipline in this rst decade of the twenty-rst century (p. xx) from various angles. However, North American professors provide most entries. One contributor from Canada wrote 12 entries. The remaining four contributors (from Australia, Greece, South Africa and the United Kingdom) have six entries in total. Nevertheless, the editors do provide teachers with a valuable practical resource for helping students to learn in the classroom.
Robert S. Dutch

Theologie des Neuen Testaments. I. Geschichte der urchristlichen Theologie Ulrich Wilckens I.1 Geschichte des Wirkens Jesu in Galila
Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener, 2005, 2nd edn, 3-7887-1894-3, 29.90, vii + 343 pb

I.2 Jesu Tod und Auferstehung und die Entstehung der Kirche aus Juden und Heiden
2003, 3-7887-1895-1, 29.90, xi + 289 pb

I.3 Die Briefe des Urchristentums: Paulus und seine Schler, Theologen aus dem Bereich judenchristlicher Heidenmission
2005, 3-7887-1907-9, 29.90, xviii + 389 pb

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BOOKLIST 1. New Testament General

I.4 Die Evangelien, die Apostelgeschichte, die Johannesbriefe, die Offenbarung und die Entstehung des Kanons
2005, 3-7887-2092-1, 29.90, xiv + 377 pb

Ulrich Wilckens Theologie des Neuen Testament was planned originally as a threevolume edition. Volume 1 was to deal with the theology of Early Christianity, vol. 2 with the central theme of Jesus expiatory death and resurrection, and vol. 3 wanted to offer a critical methodological reorientation including criticism of the historicalcritical method. So far, the rst volume, on the history of Early Christianitys theology, has been published. It is divided into four books: I.1 deals with the history of Jesus ministry in Galilee which is retold in a historically appropriate manner. I.2 reects on Jesus death and resurrection as well as the making of the church of Jews and Gentiles. I.3 presents the epistles of Early Christianity: Paul, his disciples, and theologians from the Jewish-Christian mission to the Gentiles. I.4 deals with the Gospels, Acts, the Johannine Epistles, the Revelation of John, and the making of the canon. Wilckenss approach is shaped by his personal life and faith experience which is based on the NT resurrection accounts and his biographical background as someone who studied theology after the Second World War in the destroyed Germany. After his retirement as University teacher and Bishop of the Lutheran church (Nordelbien), he now follows up his intention to lead NT exegesis out of an elemental crisis. He understands theology (= speaking of the reality of God) as a service for ecclesiastical faith and life. Although the literature he refers to is not completely updated after 1981, this lack is compensated by Wilckenss pastoral, episcopal and ecumenical experience. The criticism of many young Lutheran pastors who did not nd exegetical studies helpful for their ministry is a challenge for him to convert exegetical research and methodology. These books present Wilckenss draft of a biblical theology which is mainly inuenced by Gerhard von Rad (OT) and Peter Stuhlmacher (NT). The latter developed a biblical theology which includes the OT and NT. Although a systematic reection is lacking, Wilckenss own approach in principle agrees with Stuhlmacher. He distances himself from merely historical approaches of recent scholarship. The rst part of I.1 introduces the complete work: the Christian interpretation of the OT; the problems regarding a theology of the NT after the time of the Enlightenment (including the quest for the historical Jesus and the challenges of an implicit and explicit anti-Judaism); and nally Wilckenss approach to a theology of the NT. Seven further parts follow. Chapter 1 gives insight into the Umwelt of Early Christianity (Hellenism, survey of Israels history from the Maccabees to the Jewish War, Jewish piety in Jesus time). Chapter 2 deals with John the Baptist and Jesus: more specically with Johns proclamation of repentance, Jesus baptism and temptation, and the beginning of his ministry in Galilee (call of disciples, discipleship). Chapter 3 reects on the central themes of Jesus message, the kingdom of God, its OT background and his emphasis. The kingdom of God is the theme in chs. 4 (sinners and

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Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29.5 (2007)

righteous) and 5 (Tora). The commissioning of the disciples and the end of Jesus ministry in Galilee (ch. 7) form the end of book 1. I.2 deals with Jesus death and the making of the church of Jews and Gentiles. Its rst part (ch. 8) presents Jesus journey and the revelation of his identity. This is deepened in the following ch. 9 as the Christological titles Son of God, Messiah and Son of Man are introduced (with the background of the OT). The differences and similarities of Jesus passion in Jerusalem and his resurrection are the topic of ch. 10. Wilckens has a special interest in Scripture as the source of the Passion narrative. He also deals with the temple cleansing, the last supper, the questioning by the High Priest and the trial before Pontius Pilate. Jesus appearances before the oldest witnesses are interpreted as the foundation of the church (ch. 11). This is a long and important chapter that follows a suggested chronological order of events. The formation and life of the Urgemeinde in Jerusalem is the topic of ch. 12. It focuses especially on the Pentecost event and on baptism and eucharist as the centres of ecclesiastical life. Chapter 13 is about the (oral/written) tradition history of the Jesus event until the beginnings of the Gospels. It presents the classical two-sourcetheory and of Jesus words in Pauls epistles. The making of the church of Jews and Gentiles is the topic of the nal ch. 14. I.3 and the following book present the NT writings individually. Book 3 deals with the epistles of Early Christianity, with Paul and his disciples and theologians from the Jewish-Christian mission to Gentiles. Chapter 15 analyses the time between the council at Jerusalem and the catastrophe in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The life of Christians in Alexandria and Rome, as well as in more unknown regions, is described. The role of Peter and the end of the Jewish Christianity are two important topics here. The biography of Paul is part of ch. 16. It is the starting point for several chapters on Pauls and his followers epistles (chs. 1722). Wilckens presents main aspects of (deutero-) Pauline theology and letters, starting with Romans (ch. 16, short survey) then, in more detail, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus. A short interpretation of Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude follows. Usually, the author makes important comments on text sections, paying attention to the context and theological purpose. I.4 discusses the Gospels, Acts, Johannine epistles, Revelation, and the making of the NT canon. Chapter 25 starts with the sayings source Q and Mark. Methodological considerations are followed by the structure of the Gospel, and short interpretations of the chapters. Central theological themes (theological power, Christology, discipleship, Israel and the church) are presented. A different structure is applied to Matthews Gospel (ch. 26). Wilckens does not interpret the Gospel continuously, but rather focuses on major aspects: the prophetic character of the Gospel; Jesus as teacher; disciples; Jesus and Israel; judgment and salvation for Israel. Chapter 27 deals with LukeActs. A rst part analyses the connection between the two books. The Gospel is interpreted in more detail than Acts (two parts: 1.115.35; 15.3628.31). Central theological themes of Luke are discussed nally (Trinity, Jesus as Son of God, the Holy Spirit, Israel and the church, ecclesiastical life, piety, and Christian practice). Johns Gospel and epistles are the topic of ch. 28. The relationship between John and the Synoptics, literary and historical aspects, the composition of Johns Gospel and

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BOOKLIST 1. New Testament General

the epistles are presented. Important themes of Johannine theology are summarized (dualism; Jesus as expiation; the commandment to love the brother; baptism and eucharist; Jesus and God; Holy Spirit; belief and disbelief; forgiveness, life and love; disciples and church; Jesus opponents and the world; witness of Scripture; antiJudaism in John?). Revelation is the topic of ch. 29. After a short survey of its content Wilckens summarizes theological aspects (Scripture, Apocalyptisism, and liturgy as sources; Trinitarian cause of prophecy; God and Christ; tribulation and redemption of Christians; eschatological criticism of godless world power; vision of a perfect community). Finally, ch. 30 deals with the making of the twofold canon. The special canonical interest of Wilckens becomes very obvious here. In his rst volume Wilckens demonstrates that his personal life and faith experience has inuenced his theology. Although his Theologie des Neuen Testaments applies scientic methods, this inuence is obvious. His various chapters are never dry, but full of enthusiasm and life. Readers will nd this opus magnum helpful for studying theology and for refreshing exegetical knowledge. It isas intendeda service for the ecclesial life indeed. Whether the four books can help in leading exegesis out of a crisis will be revealed in the Wirkungsgeschichte of this attempt.
Beate Kowalski

The Unfolding Drama of the Bible, 4th edn Bernhard W. Anderson

Minneapolis: Fortress, 2006, 0-8006-3560-4, $13.00, 113 pb

This is designed to be a guide to Bible study for the general public, both believer and non-believer, and is aimed at helping people understand the broad scope of scripture and how they might understand their lives in relation to this. It is the fourth edition of the book, rst published in 1957. Anderson treats the Bible as a unied drama which moves from creation to new creation. He recognizes fully the diversity within Scripture, but feels that there is an overarching driving narrative throughout. After a brief introduction, he takes the reader through eight Bible studies, each of which acts as a scene within the overall biblical play which Anderson envisages. The crucial moments in the biblical drama, according to the author, are the exodus, the exile, and the crucixion and resurrection of Jesus. Each Bible study comprises a number of relevant Bible passages, a summary of the way the overall drama is unfolding in this scene, comments on its signicance, some questions for reection and, nally, suggestions for further reading. The studies are suitable for either individual or group study, and the author provides some useful guidelines for Bible study leaders at the end of the book. The book works well as a good introduction to the whole Bible and will doubtless help Christians appreciate both the broad scope of the Bible and its internal coherence. The suggestions for further reading, however, look to be overly academic for the sort of person who is likely to be interested in this book.
Gary Burnett

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10

Journal for the Study of the New Testament 29.5 (2007)

Unity and Diversity in the New Testament: An Inquiry into the Character of Earliest Christianity, 3rd edn James D.G. Dunn
London: SCM, 2006 (1977), 0-334-02998-8, 24.99, lv + 520 pb

Since it was rst published in 1977, Unity and Diversity has become established as a classic in contemporary biblical scholarship. The book began as an advanced introduction for students, and sets out to explore the complex pattern of beliefs found in the New Testament. The myth of uniformity is challenged head-on: although there is a fairly clear and consistent unifying strand around the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, there is also clear evidence of sharp disagreement and even conict within the earliest Christian communities. It is necessary to conclude, therefore, that there was no single normative form of Christianity in the rst century. Far from eroding continuing Christian practice, however, diversity in the canon establishes an essential principle: unity in the body of Christ is dynamic, and cannot be constrained by the demands of narrow conformity. In the Foreword to this third edition, Dunn asks himself the obvious question: why publish a revised text when the limitations of time and space have apparently made it impossible to undertake anything more than a modest updating of the book? The answer, for Dunn, is that despite developments in his thinking, the substantial argument remains unchanged, and the book appears to have a good few miles to run before it needbe consigned to the scrapyard (p. xvi). The answer for this reviewer was thatapart from the opportunity to re-read such a formative workit was worth it just for the new introduction, which includes some intriguing thoughts on the missing chapter on Christian Ethics, and for the Appendix giving the text of a Public Lecture on the theological signicance of a canon that enshrines unity and diversity at the heart of Christian belief.
Alan Le Grys

The Cambridge History of Christianity. I. Origins to Constantine, Mitchell & Young, eds. 137 Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, Vanhoozer, et al., eds. 158 Early Christian Greek and Latin Literature: A Literary History, Moreschini & Norelli 139

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