My nomination in both categories-and it did not prove an easy task, given the various ways books meet a need at different times in life-are as follows.

The one book I read years ago and have come back to again and again is (as some of you may guess) John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. First published in the 1600's in England, it has never been out of print, and-as a visit to the Bunyan Museum, near Bedford, last year confirmed-has been translated into more languages in the world than any other book, except the Bible. A glass-cased closet in the Museum contains some rare copies, translated into exotic languages. Why this appeal?

Clearly it speaks to the human condition in every age; it reminds us that life is a journey, and the Christian pilgrim is always on the move. Yet, at a deeper level, the book is eloquent and memorable in its recall of the trials and temptations none can avoid.., and yet there is a promise of final victory in the grand Homecoming the pilgrims attain. But they do so as they stay together in Christian fellowship, and find mutual support and strength along the windy road.

The second book I turn to regularly is a 20th century classic, Christian Doctrine by John S. Whale (CUP, first published 1941). Given as lectures to students at Cambridge University in the dark ages of World War II, it sought to reach out to a wide audience in a bid to make the Christian message intelligible and persuasive. As a lesson in apologetics it is second-to-none. And it takes its stand within the solid Evangelical tradition, while open to the challenges and queries of modern thought. Yet what arrested me when I first read it, and beckons me back, are the lightness of touch, the verve of the writing (echoing the spoken word), and the telling illustrations Dr. Whale uses to great effect. It is a book that ought to be available to every generation. Alas, it is out-of-print, but used copies turn up regularly on the lists. If you don't know it, look out for it!

The second selection may be more quickly covered I believe that any investment in commentaries is worthwhile, and money well spent. Yet with the plethora of recent commentary series, where does one turn to? Answer: to those which are reliable, have stood the test of time, and get to the heart of the text-in-context, with a single eye on helpful exegesis. The three best examples are: C.E.B. Cranfield, Romans (ICC. 2 vols. T & T Clark, 1975, 1979); C.K. Barrett, The Gospel According to John (2nd ed. Westminster, 1978) with an older volume, much sought-after and vary rare, James Denney, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (reprint, Eerdmans, 1943).

Paul's Jewish background is a much-discussed theme today, and a key to his theology. So I recommend W.D. Davies, Paul and Rabbinic Judaism (4th ed. Fortress, 1980). And finally in my field of New Testament studies, I would certainly commend any of the (older) books by A.M. Hunter. In my case, the title by him that awakened new interest was Paul and His Predecessors (2nd ed. SCM, 1962).

Ralph P. Martin
rmartin@apu.edu