This book introduces the Epistles and discussesAthe different interpretive approaches which have been used to gain a clearer understanding of them. An introductory chapter defines the Epistles and describes the history of their canonization, Afollowing chapters areAdevoted to each of the textsAwith each chapterAincluding: 1) historical-cultural background; 2) the social-scientific context; 3) social-rhetorical purposes; 4) narrative discourse; 5) postcolonial and 6) feminist insights; and finally 7) theological perspectives. At the end of each chapter thereAare suggestions for further reading and a list of reflection questions. Several chapters include a sectionAor two considering a particular interpretive issue especially relevant to the particular text. After taking up each text, ALockett considers again whether theAEpistles are a unified whole or to be heard as individual voices. Here the bookAinteracts with some of the ideas of Rob Wall and David Nienhuis regarding the various thematic/theological connections running through the texts. A final chapterAtakes up the relationship between the Pauline Epistles and the Catholic Epistles within the New Testament. "
