This study is a slightly revised version of my doctoral thesis submitted to the Department of Theology, Durham University in June 1999. It was examined by Professors William S. Campbell and Loren Stuckenbruck, to both of whom I am much indebted for their encouraging reception of the thesis and their helpful comments. None of these scholars is responsible for whatever deficiencies remain in the present work.

I am especially grateful to my advisor, Professor James Dunn, not only for his wise guidance, insightful comments and patience, but also for his warm friendship and hospitality at Durham. It is a great privilege that I can study with one who has spent decades on Paul and Christian origins and is still producing substantial works on the subjects. Connoisseurs of Dunn's work will find its ‘echoes’ in this study.

Among other friends and colleagues who helped and supported me over these years of research and teaching, I should like to thank: Linda and Steve Wright, Vicki and Andy Carver, Steve Barton, Walter Moberly, Rob Hayward, Scot McKnight, Murray Harris, Ezra Kok, Lo Lung Kwong, Michael Fuller, Jenny and Mike Gilbertson, Márta and András Csepreg, Diana and Danny Koh, Marcus Conti, Yong-Qiang Zong, Hanry Yu, Derek Tan, Chris Dippenaar, Alan Harkness, Chin Ken Pa, Choong Chee Pang, Liew Yoo Kiang, Caleb Soo, Chong Chin Chung, Wong Chiau Yau, Clement Chia, Chan Yew Ming, Chen Dong-Feng, and Chan Juin Ming.