Description:It is a pleasant duty to acknowledge my debt to the many persons and institutions that have helped me in writing this book. I would like to thank Fuller Theological Seminary for granting me a sabbatical quarter during the fall of 1999, the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, Bonn, Germany, for enabling me to concentrate on my research during the sabbatical with its generous fellowship, and the University of Tubingen for hosting me. I owe a debt of gratitude to my former teachers in Tubingen, Professors O. Betz, M. Hengel, and P. Stuhlmacher for their friendship and encouragement. During my stay at Tubingen, Professor Stuhlmacher put his office at my disposal, and it was a great help for my work.