Vincent M. Smiles provides a fresh look at the early Church and the faith with which they approached their dynamic, diverse community. With a brief introduction to each letter, Smiles brings to light issues such as authorship, dating, and historical situation. Smiles focuses on similarities and contrasts-such as eschatology, ecclesiology and the status of women--within these diverse, yet unified letters.

A reading of these letters as partners in a conversation" provides both an understanding and inspiration for today's Christian society: inspiration to meet our challenges in faith with the same creativity as did the early Church.

With an understandable, yet comprehensive manner, this commentary will appeal to those interested in the changing early Church and its ancient wisdom.

Vincent M. Smiles, PhD, is chair of the Department of Theology at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University, Minnesota. He is author of The Gospel and the Law in Galatia, published by Liturgical Press.

About the Author
Vincent M. Smiles is professor of theology at Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. He is the author of The Bible and Science, and First Thessalonians, Philippians, Second Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, from the New Collegeville Bible Commentary series published by Liturgical Press.

Reviews
Vincent Smiles has made a solid contribution to The New Collegeville Bible Commentary Series.Catholic Studies An Online Journal
Smiles, gives attention to both the historical circumstances in which these letters were written and their value for church life today.New Testament Abstracts
Vincent Smiles provides a knowledgeable, lucid, and probing commentary into five of the New Testament letters. These letters include those of genuine Pauline authorship as well as those attributed to Paul. By addressing each letter's context and locale, Smiles renders an engaging explanation of its composition and First Century audience. Most importantly, he demonstrates how these writings have great bearing on issues facing the Church today.Fr. Michael Patella, OSB, Associate Professor of New Testament, Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota



Book Information
ISBN 9780814628676
Author Vincent Smiles
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Liturgical Press
Publisher Liturgical Press
Weight(grams) 170g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 6mm