In his commentary, Ralph Martin singles out two themes that are high on today's agenda of theological and practical inquiry and planning. These themes are the cosmic dimensions of Christological teaching and the role of the church as God's locus and agent of reconciliation. In this examination, the author allows Paul's voice to be heard again on these important themes.

Ralph P. Martin is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and Associate Professor Emeritus in biblical studies at the University of Sheffield in England. He is the author of numerous studies and commentaries on the New Testament, including Philippians in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series and James in the Word Biblical Commentary series, for which he also serves as New Testament editor.