James to Jude

The seven letters near the end of the New Testament are a diverse collection, addressed by their writers to widely scattered groups and individuals. They cover topics that range from the meaning of authentic Christian living (as distinct from Jewish cultural norms) to encouraging perseverance among believers suffering persecution. In all of them, however, the writers clarify what is true and what is false teaching-and instruct their readers to discern the difference. In the striking practicality of James, the centrality of love in the epistles of John, or in Peter's hopeful assurance to society's "exiles," we hear the inspired words that steadied the faltering first steps of the early Christian church. Book jacket.