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Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews
An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews can be intimidating for modern-day Christians due to its connection to Old Testament text. However, once understood, this New Testament epistle offers great insights into the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus―rightly justifying his place as high priest.
In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Dennis E. Johnson highlights the main biblical-theological themes of Hebrews. Johnson explores how Jesus fulfills perfect priesthood by becoming the covenant mediator and the trailblazer who leads his people into a better inheritance. Hebrews calls Christian believers, both of the early church and today, to hold fast to their faith even when faced with persecution and exclusion. It reminds us to cling to the eternal Son who offered his body and blood as the everlasting sacrifice for our sin.
Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople Helpful Bible Study A great companion to commentaries on Hebrews Part of the New Testament Theology Other volumes include Ministry in the New Realm and Hidden with Christ in God
The book of Hebrews can be intimidating for modern-day Christians due to its connection to Old Testament text. However, once understood, this New Testament epistle offers great insights into the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus―rightly justifying his place as high priest.
In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Dennis E. Johnson highlights the main biblical-theological themes of Hebrews. Johnson explores how Jesus fulfills perfect priesthood by becoming the covenant mediator and the trailblazer who leads his people into a better inheritance. Hebrews calls Christian believers, both of the early church and today, to hold fast to their faith even when faced with persecution and exclusion. It reminds us to cling to the eternal Son who offered his body and blood as the everlasting sacrifice for our sin.
Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople Helpful Bible Study A great companion to commentaries on Hebrews Part of the New Testament Theology Other volumes include Ministry in the New Realm and Hidden with Christ in God
- GenresTheology
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Published March 14, 2025
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About the author
Dennis E. Johnson
29 books16 followersDennis E. Johnson (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of practical theology at Westminster Seminary California and associate pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 9, 2024
Johnson clearly knows and loves the book of Hebrews. (He also wrote the Hebrews commentary in the ESV Expository Commentary.) This is a good book and shows the main theological threads in the book of Hebrews. However, I wish he had pulled those threads together to show the main message of Hebrews more succinctly.
Johnson takes deep dives into the themes of
- God's wandering people (ch. 1)
- the transition to a new redemptive era (ch. 2)
- how the author interprets the OT (ch. 3)
- the person of Christ (ch. 4)
- the priesthood of Christ (ch. 5)
- the priestly ministry of Christ (ch. 6)
- our need to persevere together (ch. 7)
The puzzle pieces were all there, though perhaps some of the footnotes delved too deep into the exegetical weeds. I only wish he had put the pieces together to show the one overarching theme of Hebrews.
Generally, I agreed with his exegetical conclusions. But his Presbyterianism started to show when he emphasized that the New Covenant people, like the people of the Old, are a mixed community (151-52). His interpretation of the warning passages is based on this faulty covenantal thinking (156).
Johnson takes deep dives into the themes of
- God's wandering people (ch. 1)
- the transition to a new redemptive era (ch. 2)
- how the author interprets the OT (ch. 3)
- the person of Christ (ch. 4)
- the priesthood of Christ (ch. 5)
- the priestly ministry of Christ (ch. 6)
- our need to persevere together (ch. 7)
The puzzle pieces were all there, though perhaps some of the footnotes delved too deep into the exegetical weeds. I only wish he had put the pieces together to show the one overarching theme of Hebrews.
Generally, I agreed with his exegetical conclusions. But his Presbyterianism started to show when he emphasized that the New Covenant people, like the people of the Old, are a mixed community (151-52). His interpretation of the warning passages is based on this faulty covenantal thinking (156).
February 25, 2025
4.5 stars! Was pleasantly surprised by this book. Johnson succeeds in covering a vast amount of complicated material in a concise and readable way. Each chapter considers a different significant facet of the theology of Hebrews. His explanation of the Christology of the epistle was especially delightful and enlightening. Johnson introduced me to new levels of the complexity and depth of the book's Christology, especially in terms of the incarnation. He also has an excellent chapter on the use of the OT by the author which was very interesting. The parts I disagreed with were points on which I still respect his opinion. Primarily, because of the author's Presbyterianism, it seems he must down play the newness of the new covenant. Related to this, I'm not sure I agree with his view of the warning passages anymore. He argues that the warning passages are directed to a mixed-audience. This was my view for a long time, and it is very viable, yet I have found Tom Schreiner's explanation of them very compelling as of late. The main problem with Johnson interpretation is it is hard to see, based on Heb. 6 and 10, that those addressed are not Christians. He may be right, but I am leaning away from his view. Overall though, very, very good introduction to the book of Hebrews. Enlightening and edifying.
December 27, 2025
Conflicted on this book. I appreciate Dennis Johnson’s work in the Book of Hebrews. (He also wrote the ESV commentary on Hebrews.) I feel it’s undeserving of a three but not quite there for me regarding a full four stars.
Because of the complexities of the Book of Hebrews, it’s always good to be reading books that can take you through its biblical theology. I think Johnson’s work in the ESV commentary on Hebrews serves the pastor-teacher better than this book.
As other reviewers have noted, his Presbyterian covenant theology tends to shape his approach to key passages and his understanding of the New Covenant as a mixed community.
I also remain unconvinced of the standard reformed approach to the warning passages as being addressed to “almost Christians” as Johnson, understands them. Such a view may fit with reform systematics on soteriology, but it does not hold up to the inductive exegesis of the passages in question. I am not questioning reformed soteriology as much as reading it into the text (eisegesis vs. exegesis).
Because of the complexities of the Book of Hebrews, it’s always good to be reading books that can take you through its biblical theology. I think Johnson’s work in the ESV commentary on Hebrews serves the pastor-teacher better than this book.
As other reviewers have noted, his Presbyterian covenant theology tends to shape his approach to key passages and his understanding of the New Covenant as a mixed community.
I also remain unconvinced of the standard reformed approach to the warning passages as being addressed to “almost Christians” as Johnson, understands them. Such a view may fit with reform systematics on soteriology, but it does not hold up to the inductive exegesis of the passages in question. I am not questioning reformed soteriology as much as reading it into the text (eisegesis vs. exegesis).
May 6, 2025
A solid theological introduction to Hebrews that is approachable for those with some experience without being simplistic. I read this at the tale end of preparation for a sermon series in Hebrews to make sure there are not themes I was overlooking in my prep, and I was not disappointed. Here there are good explanations of major themes I expected, and in addition a few insights that I had not considered. But there is nothing unexpected or radical here, which is what I wanted — this is a seasoned and mature perspective. He is thoughtful and careful, maybe a bit slow to get to the point on occasion, but not terribly so.
For those who are familiar, he does briefly interact with Moffit’s work on atonement and I think rightfully correct some of his more radical overstatements while warmly welcoming the positive contributions Moffit has made. I was very happy to see this, and this was helpful to me as it’s easy to be blown to and fro by one fad in atonement theology to another (though, maybe everyone keeps looking for more because dominate voices in reformation theology continue to obsess over one picture of atonement theology and one picture of the cross and neglect the rest).
Johnson does see the chief risk of the Christians addressed in this letter as returning to old covenant forms of worship, which I don’t personally subscribe to. He also is quick to explain, in his own way, true Christians never fall away, which I do not subscribe to either. Neither of these perspectives dominate the book — though, if he didn’t see things in this light, I think this could have led him to offer more insight as to why and what Christians might fall. And I wonder if these errors (as I see it) would lead to his writing having more of the spark and urgency of the actual letter itself. In other words, maybe Johnson’s work doesn’t have the urgency of Hebrews because, unlike the writer of Hebrews, Johnson has no concern that any true Christians would actually fall away. I don’t intend to be too critical here, this is certainly a skillful introduction.
This book is not a guide to application, but I would have appreciated a little more guidance here. Likely, those with experience will be able to make application on their own throughout. But his brief conclusion at the end of the book with a couple paragraphs of exhortation made me wish there was just a little more of that sprinkled throughout the book, as the Hebrew writer himself does. At the least, it would have likely made the book feel a little less slow to be reminded briefly at the beginning and ending of each chapter of the similar situations we endure that make this particular chapter on Hebrews’ theology worth reading.
I do appreciate what I have read of this series. I hope Crossway puts out something like this for the OT if they can muster the scholarship and avoid too much of a reformational spin.
For those who are familiar, he does briefly interact with Moffit’s work on atonement and I think rightfully correct some of his more radical overstatements while warmly welcoming the positive contributions Moffit has made. I was very happy to see this, and this was helpful to me as it’s easy to be blown to and fro by one fad in atonement theology to another (though, maybe everyone keeps looking for more because dominate voices in reformation theology continue to obsess over one picture of atonement theology and one picture of the cross and neglect the rest).
Johnson does see the chief risk of the Christians addressed in this letter as returning to old covenant forms of worship, which I don’t personally subscribe to. He also is quick to explain, in his own way, true Christians never fall away, which I do not subscribe to either. Neither of these perspectives dominate the book — though, if he didn’t see things in this light, I think this could have led him to offer more insight as to why and what Christians might fall. And I wonder if these errors (as I see it) would lead to his writing having more of the spark and urgency of the actual letter itself. In other words, maybe Johnson’s work doesn’t have the urgency of Hebrews because, unlike the writer of Hebrews, Johnson has no concern that any true Christians would actually fall away. I don’t intend to be too critical here, this is certainly a skillful introduction.
This book is not a guide to application, but I would have appreciated a little more guidance here. Likely, those with experience will be able to make application on their own throughout. But his brief conclusion at the end of the book with a couple paragraphs of exhortation made me wish there was just a little more of that sprinkled throughout the book, as the Hebrew writer himself does. At the least, it would have likely made the book feel a little less slow to be reminded briefly at the beginning and ending of each chapter of the similar situations we endure that make this particular chapter on Hebrews’ theology worth reading.
I do appreciate what I have read of this series. I hope Crossway puts out something like this for the OT if they can muster the scholarship and avoid too much of a reformational spin.
December 13, 2025
This is part of the The New Testament Theology series. The aim of the series (stated in the general introduction) is to provide students of Scripture with readable book-length treatments of the distinctive teaching on each New Testament book or collection of books.
Before reading this volume I had read and benefited from Thomas R Schreiner’s contribution on Revelation.
I was very struck by the Dennis E Johnson’s knowledge of Hebrews and more generally of the Scripture. He skilfully and comprehensively presents the major themes in Hebrews in a methodical manner.
As I was leading Bible studies in Hebrew in my church, I was looking for much valued help. Although I was indeed helped I found the book to be often dense. As I read it, I found myself longing for some breathing space. I would have appreciated an easier read while communicating the same teaching, which would certainly open the door to a wider readership.
Before reading this volume I had read and benefited from Thomas R Schreiner’s contribution on Revelation.
I was very struck by the Dennis E Johnson’s knowledge of Hebrews and more generally of the Scripture. He skilfully and comprehensively presents the major themes in Hebrews in a methodical manner.
As I was leading Bible studies in Hebrew in my church, I was looking for much valued help. Although I was indeed helped I found the book to be often dense. As I read it, I found myself longing for some breathing space. I would have appreciated an easier read while communicating the same teaching, which would certainly open the door to a wider readership.
November 6, 2024
Johnson has crafted a reliable and steady guide through Hebrews, highlighting its main themes and exhortations with a potent mix of scholarly wisdom and pastoral care. Easily recommended.
June 22, 2025
Dense. It was filled with really good content.. but man it was dense.
January 10, 2026
Whispersynced on Audible/Kindle.
I really enjoyed this book. The work itself is a more scholarly approach than the average bible study. I think one could get much out of reading it without knowing any Koine Greek, but if one has that tool in his/her background certain insights the author gives might make more sense. (I attended bible college and had 2 years each of Greek and Hebrew—biblical languages). The focus of this book was a bit different than most bible studies on Hebrews that I’ve done in the past, and that’s a good thing. I personally think that studying scripture is like peeling an onion back layer by layer. There’s no end to the insight one can glean from the exercise. Because of the in depth, scholarly aspect of this author’s writing I recommend taking one’s time. Some readers without a Bible college or seminary background might find it a bit daunting, but I assure you it is worth the time. I intend to reread it at some point because I believe I’ll get even more out of the more I read it.
I really enjoyed this book. The work itself is a more scholarly approach than the average bible study. I think one could get much out of reading it without knowing any Koine Greek, but if one has that tool in his/her background certain insights the author gives might make more sense. (I attended bible college and had 2 years each of Greek and Hebrew—biblical languages). The focus of this book was a bit different than most bible studies on Hebrews that I’ve done in the past, and that’s a good thing. I personally think that studying scripture is like peeling an onion back layer by layer. There’s no end to the insight one can glean from the exercise. Because of the in depth, scholarly aspect of this author’s writing I recommend taking one’s time. Some readers without a Bible college or seminary background might find it a bit daunting, but I assure you it is worth the time. I intend to reread it at some point because I believe I’ll get even more out of the more I read it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews