The first of these two chapters begins with Edict of Cyrus in 538 B.C.E. and traces the development of post-exilic Judaism in much of its variety up to the New Testament period. The emerging Jewish communities in Babylon, Egypt, and Palestine are described, as are their contributions to the life and literature of Judaism. For example, in the discussion about Egyptian Judaism, the authors include a discussion about the translation of the Septuagint and the socio-historical factors that led to its appearance. Chapter 13 consists of a discussion of the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, some of which was covered earlier in the book. Chapter 15 is meant to handle the rest of the New Testament literature, however cursorily.
Acts is given priority in the discussion.
The authors highlight the fact that its portrayal of Paul differs from his letters. They note that his letter writing form and style is both similar to and different than that of the larger Hellenistic world. The last three chapters of the book handle important if ancillary matters. The first of these, chapter 16, attempts to provide some introduction to the complicated textual history of the Bible. Chapter 17 gives the reader an overview of the history and complexity of translating the Bible.