Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter of the bible, first defining faith v. All legitimate exegesis of the scriptures must pay close attention to the context in which the texts were originally written. There are exegetical commentaries, scholarly and technical commentaries, as well as commentaries that are easy to understand. The historical context of the book of hebrews is murky at best. For those of us living under this new covenant, our desire to be faithful to jesus christ is based on the son of gods superiority as a messenger, on the superior priestly line from which he comes, and on the onceforall efficacy of the. God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his son.
This list of commentaries is intended to help the reader understand and apply the authors message in the book of. J c philpot has the following devotional thoughts on hebrews 2. Best hebrews commentaries updated for 2021 best bible. Therefore, the most probable date for its composition is the second half of the year 63 or the beginning of 64, according to. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole. Copeland hundreds of free sermon outlines and bible study materials available for online browsing and downloading. The book of hebrews is one of the most sophisticatedly written books in all of the new testament. He explains that the books warning passages, exposition of the septuagint, and repetitious use of oral rhetorical devices establishes the book as a homily. This is why many scientists believe the epistle was written during the years 60 to 70 ac. In this article i set forth the exegetical method that 1.
The text does not mention the name of its author, but was traditionally attributed to paul the apostle. Top 5 commentaries on the book of hebrews ligonier ministries. There are exegetical commentaries that dont have much theology in them at all, because of that specific focus. If we do not go ahead in our understanding of jesus, and in our understanding of the word of god then we will go backwards. Bible our library bible commentaries john gills exposition of the bible hebrews. Up to this point, the author has been concerned with dogmatic teachings about christ. Pierce analyzes the use of prosopological exegesis by the author of hebrews in almost every major quotation of scripture. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the jews. At the first reading, you will be impressed by one fact above all others. Verse by verse inductive and exegetical bible studies into the book of hebrews. The use of tabernacle terminology in hebrews has been used to date the epistle before the destruction of the temple, the idea being that knowing about the destruction of both jerusalem and the temple would have influenced the development of the authors overall argument. It isnt so much that jesus brought a message from the father. However, doubt on pauline authorship in the roman church is reported by eusebius. These people heard gods promises and believed them in spite of waiting a very long time to see the promises fulfilledsome promises never having been fulfilled in their lifetime.
His clear revelation of the finished work of christ and the new covenant is seen in his excellent exegesis of the book of hebrews. For him, the church is gods people in the wilderness. Hebrews 1, heinrich meyers critical and exegetical commentary on the new testament, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary focuses on the greek text, using an abundance of sources and authors to illustrate meaning. Historical background no other book of the new testament has generated more speculation about authorship than the epistle to the hebrews. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry. Commentary based on the new international version, niv text printed in the body of the commentary, sound scholarly methodology reflecting capable research in the original languages, interpretation emphasizing the theological unity of each book and scripture as a whole.
Hebrews 4, greek testament critical exegetical commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, originally published in four parts, is a. Hebrews free bible commentary in easy english easyenglish bible. The epistle to the hebrews, or letter to the hebrews, or in the greek manuscripts, simply to the hebrews is one of the books of the new testament. Proof inside the book of hebrews supports the idea that the book was written to jews who had converted to christianity. Angels were prominent in their ministry to israel in the old testament. The first section of this paper discusses the historical context of the book of hebrews by first considering the writer and his audience. Finally, this commentary provides a unique and compelling outline for the book, based on the exposition of key old testament passages central to each section of hebrews and the summary explanations provided by the hebrews writer himself at 8. He is the author or editor of many works on the general epistles, including charts on the book of hebrews, four views on the warning passages in hebrews, and a forthcoming commentary on jude and 2 peter. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found. Book of hebrews overview insight for living ministries.
For the writer to the hebrews, the church of today finds its most proper definition in terms of the historical experience of the old covenant people of god in the wilderness during the days of moses. Though some, notably the early church, have attributed it to paul and included it among his letters, the vocabulary and style is remarkably different than the thirteen epistles that bear pauls name. By his sufferings, blood shedding and death, our gracious lord not only made a complete atonement for sin, fulfilled every demand of the law, washed his people from all their iniquities in the fountain of his precious blood, and wrought out and brought in a perfect and everlasting righteousness for their justification, but. Best commentaries and books on hebrews logos bible software. Thereforebecause christ the mediator of the new covenant is so far hebrews 1. Charts on the book of hebrews puts this demanding yet rewarding information in an accessible and useful format. The core of this course is an exegetical and interpretative study of the book of hebrews in english translation. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry new. Jews and not gentiles received daily teachings about the. The sanctuary of hebrews 810 southern adventist university. The author of the letter to the hebrews wrote his letter before then.
Liberty university baptist theological seminary exegetical. The correct understanding of these texts has enormous implications especially for sda theology, a major tenet of whose faith is. The correct understanding of these texts has enormous implications especially for sda theology, a major tenet of whose faith is the sanctuary message. Dec 08, 20 the book of hebrews is aptly described by the author himself as a word of exhortation. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Hebrews 2 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. When it comes to spirituality if we are not progressing then we are regressing and thats what was happening to these christians in the book of hebrews. His death on the cross fulfilled all that the old system pointed toward. Robert martins commentary on the epistle to the hebrews. It expresses the very heart of the book donald hagner, encountering the book of hebrews baker, p. Download 18page term paper on exegesis of hebrews 12 2021.
Rather than being a standalone commentary, this book summarizes many important details of exegesis that should be considered in studying the biblical text. The book of hebrews presents interpretive challenges and theological comparisons unrivaled in the new testament. An analysis of the book of hebrews theology essay 31 words. Hebrews 4 greek testament critical exegetical commentary. Notable features in this new hebrews volume by scholar david allen include. This epistle or letter is designed to keep people from turning from christianity. The epistle to the hebrews is one of the most beautiful ones. Strictly speaking, hebrews is not a letter or an epistle like that of the apostle paul or peter. Hebrews, expository sermons from the executable outlines series by mark a. Perhaps the single most crucial exegetical question that must be resolved is the spiritual condition of the individuals in hebrews 6. Hebrews 2 commentary commentary critical and explanatory on.
This is unusual for a letter, especially if paul had written it. May 21, 20 it expresses the very heart of the book donald hagner, encountering the book of hebrews baker, p. Theological commentary on hebrews the puritan board. Where the principle is planted by the regenerating spirit of god, it will cause the truth to be received, concerning justification by the sufferings and merits of christ.
Lynn hiles takes you through the book applying his masterful exegesis and insight into this practical and theological. Bateman iv phd, dallas theological seminary has taught greek language and exegesis for more than twenty years. The authorship of hebrews has been in doubt since its publication. Hebrews one hebrews one is designed to cause us to understand the greatness of jesus. In fact, none of the early writers who refer to this book mention its author. Best books on hebrews the epistle to the hebrews and christian theology gods people in the wilderness. From start to finish, the author of hebrews demonstrates the superiority of jesus christ, his message, and his covenant. One of the only clues we have from the text itself is in the last chapter of the book where the author extends greetings from those of italy. You should, theoretically, get good theology from good exegesis, but thats not always the case. And that cannot be done without first considering the author of the letter. Rudolf bultmann was supposed to have been a firstclass exegete of the bible, but his theology was totally out to lunch.
Jesus christ, the incarnate son of god, the king of the universe, reflects the glory of god and bears the very stamp of his nature 1. The historical context of a texts sitz im leben, the setting in life of the author and recipients, is particularly important. The author of the letter to the hebrews remains shrouded in mystery. The interpretation depends upon several factors including its readership and historic context. Therefore, when understood in its context, hebrews is not only a book that helps us to encounter jesus at a deeper level, but it models exegetical and theological skills spiritual disciplines and the development of vision and mission. Even early in the churchs history, a christian as learned as origen. Hebrews is one of the great sources for instruction in christian faith, and for exhortations to faithfulness to christ and his message. The perfection concept in the epistle to the hebrews. Christ is also superior to moses, as the builder of a house has more honor than the house 3. Hebrews commentary john gills exposition of the bible. Mar 14, 2021 an exegetical commentary focuses on technical aspects of the hebrew or greek text of the bible book.
The second part of this paper provides the historical context of hebrews 2. Its language and rhetoric surpasses all else found within the text of the bible, and within this persuasive text lies a desire from the author to give hope to the church that is being persecuted to the point of apostasy. In order to this, the apostle speaks much of the excellency of the author of the gospel, the glorious jesus, whose honour he advances, and whom he justly prefers. This great chapter begins, wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. She shows that the author uses scripture in a consistent way that develops his characterization of god father, son, and spirit and that results in a triune portrait of god in hebrews. This passage is considered the most controversial in the book of hebrews, as well as the new testament as a whole. This paper will try to uncover the nature of this rest, proposing that it is both a present reality and a future goal.
From what is in the book we could argue that the jews were still carrying on the temple. If this warning gets in the way of some theological system which one has bought into then that theological system needs to be rejected, not this warning from god. The audience of the book is presumably a group of jewish christians, hence the title of the work, but it could also be written to non. Even though the authorship is disputed the book of hebrews is one of the major theological texts of the new testament. If the original readers were to go back to judaism, with its sacrificial system, they would forfeit the tremendous benefits that jesus christ secured for them. Introductionpaul ellingworth and eugene nida describe hebrews 10. Saying this, the scientists obviously overlook the fact that the apostle paul himself did not belong to the apostles who had seen and heard the lord jesus on earth. Hebrews is basically a book that exhorts discouraged christians to continue on strong with jesus in light of the complete superiority of who he is and what he did for us. Modern biblical scholarship considers its authorship unknown, perhaps written in deliberate imitation of the style of paul. Hursts conclusion about the son in hebrews 1 is not about a uniquely privileged, divine being who became a man, but a human figure who attains to an exalted status. Many who refuse pauls authorship conclude for reason of hebrews 2. Yet most people today have never heard of john gill. This is indicated by the object clause bear with my word of exhortation in. You can find the best commentary on hebrews for you using the tools on the right side.
And no one since early times has been able to identify the author. The place from which the letter was written is also a matter of debate. Because of the volume of material there are no reading assignments except reading the biblical text. These people heard gods promises and believed them in spite of waiting. First, the authors constant reference to old testament scriptures is a clear demonstration that he was confident that his audience was wellacquainted with the same.
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