The letters of 1 and 2 Peter and of Jude come from a time in Christian history about which we know little; thus they represent rare voices from a crucial time in Christianity's development. And the picture of early Christianity suggested by these letters is a fascinating one.

Lewis R. Donelson is Ruth A. Campbell Professor of New Testament Studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. His books include From Hebrews to Revelation and Colossians, Ephesians, First and Second Timothy, and Titus, both available from WJK.