Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition

Encountering Biblical Studies

by Donald Hagner

Although the Book of Hebrews "is not exactly what most of us would regard as a user-friendly book," notes Donald Hagner, "Hebrews has always been popular among Christians." Encountering the Book of Hebrews was written to help students more fully appreciate the complexities of this favorite section of Scripture.

Hagner begins by exploring introductory issues (e.g., historical backgrounds, author, audience, date, purpose, structure, genre) and overarching themes (e.g., heavenly archetypes and earthly copies, the use of the Old Testament, the attitude toward Judaism). The heart of the book then offers a chapter-by-chapter exposition of Hebrews. Unlike commentaries, it does not try to be exhaustive--examining all details and answering all questions--but instead guides students to the issues that are most important for their study of this difficult book. Hagner concludes with a final look at the contribution of Hebrews to the New Testament, New Testament theology, the church, and the individual Christian.
As with other volumes in the Encountering Biblical Studies series, Encountering the Book of Hebrews is designed for classroom use and includes a number of helpful features, including further-reading sections, key terms, chapter objectives, and outlines along with numerous sidebars and illustrations.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

Donald A. Hagner (PhD, University of Manchester) is George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament and senior professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author of Encountering the Book of Hebrews, The Jewish Reclamation of Jesus, New Testament Exegesis and Research: A Guide for Seminarians, and commentaries on Matthew and Hebrews. He is also coeditor of the New International Greek Testament Commentary and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Reviews

[Timo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes a commentary good? That is a philosophical question that might take a long time to answer, but what made this commentary good is that it checked all the boxes that needed to be checked for me to use the book. I used the commentary as a help in preparing the six evenings that I got to teach the book of Hebrews to a group in the church. One of my habits in preparing the evening was reading the section that was applicable to that text as a preparation for those classes. The commentary went in depth to the theological riches of the book but it did not become so technical that it got lost in discussions on how to translate a participium (I am looking at you word biblical commentary). The book gives practical guides on the value of Hebrews to Christians but at the same time, it did not go so far as to become a condensed sermon (I am looking at you NIV commentary). It was exactly what I needed, the book gives a great exposition of Hebrews, in a style that might fit Hebrews best deep theological truths while at the same time being practical.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, I haven't read the whole commentary yet, that would be ridiculous I guess. However, I used this book as one of my primary sources whilst doing an exegetical study on Hebrews 11. It has been very helpful and provided insight into my study.