Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary

Craig R. Koester

Doubleday, 2001 - Religion - 604 pages

One of early Christianity's most carefully crafted sermons, Epistle to the Hebrews" "addresses listeners who have experienced the elation of conversion and the heat of hostility, but who now must confront the formidable task of remaining faithful in a society that rejects their commitments. The letter probes into the one of most profound questions of faith: If it is God's will that believers be crowned with glory and honor, why are the faithful subject to suffering and shame? Through the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and Rahab, whose faith enabled them to overcome severe trials and conflicts, and through the story of Jesus himself, whose sufferings opened the way to God's presence for all, the sermon confirms the foundations of the Christian faith.
In a magisterial introduction, Koester presents a compelling portrait of the early Christian community and examines the debates that have surrounded Epistle to the Hebrews for two millennia. Drawing on his knowledge of classical rhetoric, he clarifies the book's arguments and discusses the use of evocative language and imagery to appeal to its audience's minds, emotions, and will. Providing an authoritative, accessible discussion of the book's high priestly Christology, this landmark commentary charts new directions for the interpretation of Epistle to the Hebrews and its influence on Christian theology and worship.

Contents

• I: 19
• Addressees: 43
• Date: 50
• Social Setting: 64
• B Profile of the Community and Its Context: 73
• Formal and Rhetorical Aspects: 79
• Language and Style: 92
• Text of Hebrews: 129
• The Title: 171
• PROPOSITION: 213
• ARGUMENTS: 224
• 16: 242
• 1163: 300
• Jesus Suffering is the Sacrifice that Enables: 335
• 2028: 362
• 16: 374
• 713: 384
• 110: 393
• 1925: 442
• 2631: 451
• 3240: 511
• 117: 521
• PERORATION: 554
• 1021: 568
• EPISTOLARY POSTSCRIPT: 580

Bibliographic information

• Title: Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary; Volume 36 of Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries; Volume 36 of The Anchor Bible Commentary Series; The Anchor Bible; Volume 36 of The Commentary Series
• Author: Craig R. Koester
• Editor: Craig R. Koester
• Translated by: Craig R. Koester
• Contributor: Craig R. Koester
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Doubleday, 2001
• Original from: the University of Michigan
• Digitized: Jul 9, 2009
• ISBN: 0385468938, 9780385468930
• Length: 604 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Biblical Commentary / General; Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament / General; Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament / Paul's Letters