Here is the third slim volume to appear in Baker’s Guides to New Testament Exegesis, following volumes on general introduction and the synoptic gospels. Schreiner continues the attractive format and high standard of the series, though he combines general and specific topics in ways which suggest that the series editor, Scot McKnight, has not thought out in advance what matters should be covered in each volume. Thus distinctively Pauline concerns (theology and significance) combine with broader epistolary matters (the genre of a letter) with more general biblical issues, illustrated with reference to Paul’s epistles (textual, historical and grammatical criticism and the composition of outlines). One wonders which of these will or will not appear in subsequent volumes, and whether any single volume will be adequate to introduce the relevant issues for a course just on that body of New Testament literature. Nevertheless, I stand by my endorsement on the back of the book: ‘most helpful are the author’s numerous illustrations, up-to-date and well-chosen annotated bibliographies, and even-handed consideration of interpretive options.’

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