""Affirming that 1 Peter represents from beginning to end a coherent and integrated line of thought, Prof. Elliott seeks to show in these two essays how this pastoral letter, forged to respond to the alienated situation of its readers, employs the conceptuality of the moral discourse and pivotal values of honor and shame that reigned in its contemporary world. The book is an excellent introduction to Prof. Elliott's seminal work in applying social-scientific analysis of this New Testament writing, and will richly reward its careful reader."" --Paul J. Achtemeier author of 1 Peter (Hermeneia) ""[This volume] reveals the letter in its own context, in such a way that we can appropriate its message and values into our own."" --Carolyn Osiek coauthor of A Woman's Place: House Churches in Earliest Christianity ""Here, as elsewhere, Elliott expertly joins the findings of social-scientific research with the insights of literary and theological analysis to clarify the 'good news' that is proclaimed in this often-overlooked New Testament writing."" --Victor Paul Furnish author of The Moral Teaching of Paul John H. Elliott is Professor of New Testament Emeritus at the University of San Francisco. Among his numerous publications are A Home for the Homeless, The Elect and Holy, What Is Social-Scientific Criticism?, and 1 Peter (Anchor Bible).