The Letter to the Hebrews: A Commentary for Preaching Teaching and Bible Study

The New Testament book of Hebrews offers some of the most memorable passages of Scripture on perseverance faith rest the word of God angels divine discipline salvation the city of God and Christ Son and High Priest. Much of its text has spoken with remarkable directness to peoples of all nations down through the centuries. At other points it has remained a difficult argument even so it is said a riddle. This is a commentary for those who want to follow what this book says--follow it both in terms of understanding it and living it. The book is divided into thirty-seven units and each unit is discussed in terms of literary context background wording themes and possible lines for teaching the text. The commentary is written for any adult reader whether they already align with Hebrews faith or are merely curious. It is a serious discussion but also direct to the point and uncluttered by qualifications and technicalities. Whether you are self-studying or preparing to teach or lead discussion this book is prepared for you. Most pastors and students are looking for neither the devotional nor the academic but for a commentary that both explains the text and how the author got there and then also sorts out what the text means in the context of the Bible and Christian theology. Laansmas commentary strikes a balance with reverence for Gods Word and a desire to help Bible readers become better Christians. --Scot McKnight Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament Northern Seminary Laansmas brilliant introduction to this commentary makes it a must for anyone who cares about Christianity. As a Catholic I think that ecumenical discussions between Protestants and Catholics can hardly find a better reference point than Laansma offers here. As a Christian I am struck afresh by how inspiring and timely the Letter to the Hebrews is as revealed through Laansmas devout and supple prose. --Matthew Levering James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology Mundelein Seminary Laansma has produced a fresh and engaging commentary that will satisfy the academic educate the student and guide the preacher or teacher. --Karen H. Jobes Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor Emerita of New Testament Greek & Exegesis Wheaton College and Graduate School Laansma has used his extensive knowledge of the New Testament and careful exegetical judgment to give us an insightful interpretation of this crucial Biblical book. His work will contribute to the use of Hebrews for the edification of the people of God. --Gareth Lee Cockerill Professor of Biblical Interpretation and Theology Wesley Biblical Seminary Jackson Mississippi Jon Laansmas new commentary on Hebrews is an ideal resource for serious expositors full of practical themes for teaching and preaching. As a gifted scholar with a heart for the local church and for global evangelism Dr. Laansma has an intuitive grasp of the epistles missional context and homiletical structure. His scholarship - which is thoroughly up to date--is presented in a fresh accessible style and animated throughout by a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Great High Priest of our salvation. --Philip Ryken President Wheaton College Jon C. Laansma is Associate Professor of Greek and New Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School. He is the author of I Will Give You Rest: The Rest Motif in the New Testament with Special Reference to Mt 11 and Heb 3-4 (1997) and editor (with Daniel J. Treier) of Christology Hermeneutics and Hebrews: Profiles from the History of Interpretation (2014).