This is a Fascinating but in some ways variable commentary which perhaps needed a little more time in the editorial phase. Collins draws extensively on a vast aray of literature of the period to throw light on the Gospel text. She also has an encyclopaedic commenad of much of the seconadary literature, especiall in the areas of form and redaction criticism. However he clear affinity with the greco-roman literature sometimes gets the better of her and some of the connections she makes seem rather tenuous and extended. Also, what little engagement there is with the more recent narrative and rhetorical aproaches is rather superficial and at times rather dismissive.

Also the amount of space given to individual passages can be very varied, with some passages been given a great deal of analysis and others being almost passed over.

In summary, this is a superb additional resource for those studying the Gospel, especially those who seek to situate it within its litterary environment, but I could not recommend it as a stand alone refernce work. ( )