In this commentary Margaret Y. MacDonald deals with the classic problems of interpretation of Colossians and Ephesians, including authorship, the identity of the "false teachers" in Colossians, and the purpose of Ephesians. In making use of insights from the social sciences, she also draws attention to frequently neglected features of these fascinating documents. Her methodological perspective leads her to illustrate how the texts reflect ancient cultural values and are influenced by particular aspects of community life. There is a sustained discussion of the struggles of New Testament communities to survive and to maintain a distinct identity in first-century society. The commentary includes detailed analysis of the relationship between Colossians and Ephesians and highlights their distinct perspectives. The expression "Sacra Pagina" ("Sacred Page") originally referred to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy. This series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars, it is inteded for biblical professionals, graduate students, theologians, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, adopting specific methodological perspectives while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. The goal of Sacra Pagina is to provide sound, critical analysis without any loss of sensitivity to religious meaning. This series is therefore catholic in two senses of the word: inclusive in its methods and perspectives, and shaped by the context of the Catholic tradition. The Second Vatican Council described the study of "the sacred page" as the "very soul of sacred theology" (Dei Verbum 24). This series illustrates how Catholic scholars contribute to the council's call to provide access to Sacred Scripture for all the Christian faithful. 424 pages.