Kelly has written an immensely rich explanation of the New Testament. First, his style makes the material totally accessible to even the uninitiated. Second, he zeroes in on common misunderstandings and offers clear information on the cause of confusion and ways it can be avoided. In the process he explains the importance of scholarly examination of historical, cultural, linguistic, and doctrinal issues in interpreting Scripture for modern readers.

The following random sampling from this work seems the best way to highlight its appeal. "If people read the Scriptures...they will eventually notice that the Lord's Prayer in Luke differs from the familiar `Our father,' and they will certainly wonder why." Chapter 6 of John's gospel "contains the famous discourse on the bread of life, and we Catholics naturally and rightly think of the Eucharist, but it has another meaning." Many Catholics routinely say that the pope is the head of the church, "a claim that no pope has ever made." Luke, who wrote two decades after Peter and Paul were martyred, "realized that their work and suffering for the faith united them more than any disagreement could separate them. Thus, in Acts he leaves out any references to conflict..."

Kelly has provided a valuable resource for true "bible study" centered on the New Testament. Individuals and groups, especially those whose scripture exposure is limited to the liturgical readings, would find it most enriching.