About the Author

Raymond E. Brown, S.S. (1928–1998), taught for many years at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and was Professor of Biblical Studies at the Union Theological Seminary for two decades. He was the author of three books in the Anchor Bible series on the Gospels and Epistles of John and wrote the classic Anchor Bible Reference Library volumes The Birth of the Messiah, The Death of the Messiah, and An Introduction to the New Testament. Francis J. Maloney, S.D.B., is Katherine Drexel Chair for Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Among his many distinguished books are The Gospel of John, A Hard Saying: The Gospel and Culture, and The Gospel of Mark.

Reviews

“No book can do everything, not even in 850 pages, and no author can encompass the whole wealth of contemporary thought. Father Brown’s forthright declaration of his convictions in the foreword and his resolute defense of them in his exegesis rest on a robust confidence in reason and a moderate and balanced traditionalism. This judicious and reassuring approach may comfort many.”—Anthony J. Saldarini, New York Times Book Review

“During his career, Brown has enlightened and challenged scholars. Here he brings his extensive knowledge to bear in a volume primarily for beginners, though it will serve equally well those who are not.”—Library Journal

“This volume is, as always with Brown, beautifully written, and magisterial in its scholarship. . . . It is a fitting climax to his life’s work.”—Nicholas King SJ, The Tablet