"No book can do everything, not even in 850 pages, and no author can encompass the whole wealth of contemporary thought. Father Brown's forthright declaration of his convictions in the foreword and his resolute defense of them in his exegesis rest on a robust confidence in reason and a moderate and balanced traditionalism. This judicious and reassuring approach may comfort many."-Anthony J. Saldarini, New York Times Book Review "During his career, Brown (emeritus, biblical studies, Union Theological Seminary, New York) has enlightened and challenged scholars. Here he brings his extensive knowledge to bear in a volume primarily for beginners, though it will serve equally well those who are not. Because of the intended audience, he has made certain choices about content and form. First, he focuses on the established 27-book New Testament canon based upon the 'wide agreement about the twenty-seven works to be included in a normative or canonical collection.' Second, he deemphasizes the prehistory of the documents (sources, editions, and so forth) and emphasizes the documents in their canonical form. He begins most chapters with a 'General Analysis of the Message' and addresses issues such as authorship, date, and composition afterward. So, for example, readers are helped to understand the individual messages of Matthew, Mark, and Luke without getting bogged down in the 'synoptic problem.' Due to his emphasis on the finished form of the New Testament documents, even those who disagree with some of the author's critical judgments will benefit from this volume. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries."-Library Journal "This volume is, as always with Brown, beautifully written, and magisterial in its scholarship...It is a fitting climax to his life's work."-Nicholas King SJ, The Tablet