The intent of this book is accurately indicated by the sub-title, "The Christologies of Paul's Undisputed Epistles and the Christology of Paul." By the application of a rather original methodology. Sinclair finds that in each of the six undisputa ters of Paul there is a distinctive Christology elaborated by Paul in respons the specific pastoral problem or concern of the respective letter. This well- reasoned hypothesis helps explain certain apparent contradictions or inconsisten- cies in Paul's theology: the specific christologies are reflections of diverse pastoral contexts which Paul was addressing, rather than essays at systematic theology. In the course of this intensive and insightful study of the pertinent Pauline texts, Sinclair finds indications of Paul's own pastoral theology: namely, that in Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and Spirit is found God's own answer to every problem.

Thomas W. Leahy, S.J.

Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley

Professor Sinclair has read Paul's letters as the occasional pieces they originally were and in doing so, found means to distinguish the occasional from the more permanent motifs in Paul's Christology. This is an advance in method, made still more valuable by Sinclair's own adept application of it. Biblical scholars, despite the literary nature of their subject matter, are not always well endowed with literary sensitivity, either as critics or as authors. Sinclair reads sensitively as well as theologically, and he communicates clearly and well. The book should offer new insights to both specialists and non-specialists.

L William Countryman, Professor of New Testament The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA