This book is a collection of essays illustrating the relevance of Greek for understanding the New Testament. The essays, combining theory and practice, grow out of the author's abiding concern for the study of Greek utilizing the best insights of modern linguistics and biblical exegesis. The first part of the volume, devoted to theory, concentrates on fundamental linguistic questions. Although grammar is emphasized in these essays, including the topic of verbal aspect, lexicography is also discussed. The second part of the volume, devoted to practice, contains essays on crucial passages such as Matthew 16:19, Luke 18:35 and its parallels, Mark 15:2 and the language of Jesus, the speeches in Acts, Romans 5, Galatians 3:28-29, and 1 Timothy 2:15. In these chapters, the author defends provocative positions by utilizing close study of the Greek text. - Back cover.