The Letter to the Hebrews in Social-Scientific Perspective: 15 (Cascade Companions)

Synopsis: A lot of mystery surrounds the book of Hebrews especially regarding its authorship date and audience. But by asking the right kind of questions one can move beyond the impasses typical of historical investigation. In this volume David deSilva explores Hebrews through a social-scientific lens asking one of the most important questions when interpreting letters and sermons: What was going on in the community to occasion such a response? DeSilva looks for clues concerning the anonymous author his education level the influence of the Greek environment and his perception of his own authority. In addition by forming a social profile of the audience that includes location ethnicity and class status deSilva brings to light the authors aims of helping protect Christian converts from persecution and social shame. This book not only helps the sermon to the Hebrews take on flesh and blood for contemporary readers; it also expands the readers tools for asking fresh questions and exploring new dimensions in biblical texts. Endorsements: Modern readers too often forget that the sermon we call Hebrews--a powerful timeless word that reaches to the heavens--was written in a nitty-gritty socio-cultural context and was profoundly shaped by that context . . . Whether analyzing the authors rhetorical strategy the demands of gratitude upon the audience or the shaping of social identity in a religious group deSilva provides his readers with a new lens through which to follow the authors arguments and assess the implications for hearing Hebrews in the modern world. --George H. Guthrie Union University David deSilva is a recognized expert in socio-rhetorical analysis honor-shame discourse and the Epistle to the Hebrews. All three converge in this slender but rich volume. It is conversant with modern theory but thoroughly rooted in the ancient sources. While chiefly focused on the first century biblical message deSilvas analysis will also help modern readers to be shaped and sustained by this word of exhortation (Heb 13:22). --N. Clayton Croy Trinity Lutheran Seminary Author Biography: David A. deSilva is Trustees Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland Ohio and an ordained elder in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author of twenty books including Global Readings: A Sri Lankan Commentary on Pauls Letter to the Galatians (Cascade 2011); Seeing Things Johns Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation (2009); An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts Methods & Ministry Formation (2004); Introducing the Apocrypha (2002); and Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews (2000).