The Letter to the Hebrews

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. Laansma's commentary strikes a balance with reverence for God's Word and a desire to help Bible readers become better Christians."" --Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary ""Laansma's 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 Laansma's 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 Laansma's 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 epistle's 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).