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 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