To understand the commands of Christ for our time, the author traces their authenticity to Jesus and his authority as commander. Since the commands have reached us through literary documents, the methods of critical investigation to texts, versions, forms, and redaction must be applied to understand, as far as possible, the context of each command in its particular human setting. Through his thorough knowledge of the New Testament and his contemporary approach to the subject, the author is able to counter much of the lack of understanding of what Jesus taught and the skepticism which prevails regarding the authority and authenticity of his commands.