About the first edition (1968) Sheehy observes: "an important work...by Roman Catholic scholars". That edition is also recommended by BCL3 . Two-thirds of the material here is new, with an enlarged topical section that includes new articles on Jesus and the early Church. All commentaries and topical articles have been revised and rewritten, with new data incorporated into the presentation reflecting recent archeological findings, manuscript discoveries and publications, and other data resulting in fresh perspectives. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.