Published in 2021, 105 pages.
Hebrews is probably the most artfully written book of the New Testament. Yet, despite its literary beauty, Hebrews is perhaps also the least understood book in the New Testament. This may be due in part to the high style, but is also the result of the book’s deep roots in the Old Testament – roots that its author, for the most part, simply assumes the reader understands.
We modern readers (who are often only modestly schooled in the Old Testament) must, if we are to grip the central thrust of Hebrews, develop a keen appreciation of its Old Testament wellsprings. And we must also approach the book with a solid awareness of the historical and theological situation that enveloped the church at the time of its writing. In short, the axiom that “context is king” applies to Hebrews with decisive force. This explanatory paraphrase is designed to provide a smooth reading of Hebrews that enables modern readers to discover its important contexts as they go.
Hebrews’ chief aim is to sober us: though we are secure in our salvation, we are still accountable to God for the conduct of our lives. Hebrews challenges us to live boldly, understanding our potential destiny in Christ’s coming Kingdom. It informs us that, if we are faithful stewards of Christ’s work in the world, we will join the victors’ circle and be appointed in eternity to fulfill our intended vocations as shepherds of His creation.
