The substance of this book was originally presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of Sheffield in 1974. That study was made possible by the Trustees of the Sir Henry Stephenson Fellowship who, in electing me to that Fellowship, provided for two years' research. My thanks are due to them. In addition I also make grateful acknowledgement of the welcome I received during that time from Professor James Atkinson and the staff of the Department of Biblical Studies. All were generous with their time and in giving advice and criticism when it was sought. I must, however, particularly mention Dr David Hill, Reader in the Department, who has continued to make his help, encouragement and advice freely available since my leaving the University.

This monograph is a considerable abbreviation of the original thesis. I am very grateful to Professor R. McL. Wilson, Editor of this series, and his associate, Dr M. E. Thrall, for useful criticisms and suggestions, which saved me from several errors. For those that remain I take full responsibility. The production of the original thesis owed much to Mrs Pat Clarke, who has also typed the manuscript of this book.