Following an introduction which includes an outline and synopsis of Hebrews as well as discussion of theme, origin, authorship, and date, Hughes makes a detailed verse-by-verse study of the text. Technical points are dealt with in notes and excursuses, making the work accessible to the specialist and nonspecialist reader alike.
Philip Edgcumbe Hughes (Sydney, Australia, 1915 – Rydal, PA, USA, 1990) was an Anglican clergyman and New Testament scholar whose life spanned four continents: Australia, where he was born; South Africa; England, where he was ordained; and the USA, where he died in 1990, aged 75.
Dr. Hughes was born in Australia and received his B.A., M.A., and D.L.H. from the University of Cape Town, B.D. from the University of London, and Th.D. from the Australian College of Theology. From 1947 to 1953 Hughes taught at Tyndale Hall in England. From 1953 to 1956 he was Secretary of Church Society; and from 1959 to 1967 editor of Church Society’s journal, The Churchman. From 1964 to 1968 he taught at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia. From 1964 he moved to the United States to teach at American seminaries, including Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, and Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA.
One of the best commentaries I have read, with some great insights from church history and the writings of previous generations; solid scholarship with a strong sense of worship and revelling in the gospel.
This commentary is a Ham and Swiss sandwich. Plenty of substance, but it’s not as hearty as a Roast Beef (though also not as light as a California Turkey). A PB&J is reliable but more suited for the kids. Hughes's commentary is certainly reliable but isn't kid stuff. It's well structured (unlike a Sloppy Joe) and there's nothing exotic so it's no Cuban. But there is dash of spicy mustard every now and then. Ham and Swiss with spicy mustard. That's the one.
A quite scholarly commentary on Hebrews, it is the best one in my opinion. Must read for any who would wrestle with the difficult passages in the book. This is the first commentary to have for serious Hebrew studies