I've begun to work Clayton N. Jefford's latest book from Hendrickson Publishers' Academic imprint into my reading schedule. The book is The Apostolic Fathers and the New Testament. Full disclosure: the book was sent to me by Hendrickson Academic. And I was happy to receive it; I'd noticed the title a few months back and almost picked up a copy at SBL but I decided not to.

So as I read a chapter or two, I'll blog about the book. I've read the introduction and the first chapter, so I'll start with those — after I post the Table of Contents. Note that Hendrickson have the TOC, the Introduction and a sample chapter on their web site. The sample chapter is chapter 1.

• Introduction: How to Talk about the Apostolic Fathers?
• Chapter 1: Finding a Time and Place for the Texts
• Chapter 2: The Authority of Texts and Traditions
• Chapter 3: Codes of Conduct and Christian Thinking
• Chapter 4: Imagery of the New Testament Faith
• Chapter 5: The Question of Christians as Jews
• Chapter 6: The Question of Christians as Citizens
• Chapter 7: How Persons and Places Influence History
• Conclusion: The Significance of the Apostolic Fathers for New Testament Study
• Index of Subjects
• Index of Ancient Sources 

At this point in my reading of the book, my summary is: "Helpful information in an approachable format. A good place to start if you're a student of the NT entering into study of the Apostolic Fathers".

Jefford's information is good and he surveys the landscape fairly well in Chapter 1. One thing I've noticed, however, is the apologetic tone of the book. A good book should convey to me the author's research, findings and conclusions unapologetically. Some authors, however (particularly in academic settings, and often in conference papers and such where presentations can be defensive in nature) have a need to state that they're telling you their opinion, then state their tidbit, then remind you that this was only their opinion and that critical minds diverge on the issue. This is fine (to some degree) in an introduction where one is stating methodology and intent and also when surveying large amounts of data where there are ranges of views and no clear, succinct data points. So in Jefford's introduction and first chapter this is OK, though I do think he does this overmuch. He does it at the start of chapter 1:

"The present chapter is offered as a means by which to differentiate where and when the texts of the apostolic fathers were penned, at least as I understand the situation. I am fully aware that a variety of views may be found within the secondary literature. ... (Jefford 7)

The above fine and helpful (though I'm not a fan of first-person singular dialogue in the context of academic writing). But it goes on for three paragraphs, and again in each subsection conclusion of the chapter. Please don't get me wrong; the information is good and likely helpful as an introduction to the Apostolic Fathers for students of the NT. But when almost everything is couched in this type of permission-asking terminology, it makes me wonder about the author who is writing the material. I've given him permission to tell me his opinion and/or conclusions by reading the book; he shouldn't have to come to me sheepishly with his material.

I don't want to be too harsh, and, as I said, that sort of thing can be appropriate in introductions and surveys. I'm hoping it tones down as the book progresses. I'll keep y'all posted as I read.

Update: I finished the book up. I had a slight criticism of the first few chapters: Jefford seemed apologetic in making his views known as opinions. I'm pleased to say that the balance of the book didn't exhibit that same degree of apology. Overall the book was good and it provides decent introduction and discussion particularly on the issues of "Christians as Jews" (chapter 5) and "Christians as Citizens" (chapter 6).

Also note that Danny at Deinde reviews Jefford's work as well. Do check out his take.