Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition (Encountering Biblical Studies) [Paperback]

Donald A. Hagner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002 | ISBN-10: 080102580X | ISBN-13: 978-0801025808

Although the Book of Hebrews "is not exactly what most of us would regard as a user-friendly book," notes Donald Hagner, "Hebrews has always been popular among Christians." Encountering the Book of Hebrews was written to help students more fully appreciate the complexities of this favorite section of Scripture.

Hagner begins by exploring introductory issues (e.g., historical backgrounds, author, audience, date, purpose, structure, genre) and overarching themes (e.g., heavenly archetypes and earthly copies, the use of the Old Testament, the attitude toward Judaism). The heart of the book then offers a chapter-by-chapter exposition of Hebrews. Unlike commentaries, it does not try to be exhaustive--examining all details and answering all questions--but instead guides students to the issues that are most important for their study of this difficult book. Hagner concludes with a final look at the contribution of Hebrews to the New Testament, New Testament theology, the church, and the individual Christian.
As with other volumes in the Encountering Biblical Studies series, Encountering the Book of Hebrews is designed for classroom use and includes a number of helpful features, including further-reading sections, key terms, chapter objectives, and outlines along with numerous sidebars and illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Considering these works, it seems fair to say that the publisher's "Encountering Biblical Studies" series will make a useful contribution to a reader's biblical knowledge. The series, designed for undergraduate college courses in religion but useful for educated lay readers as well, is written from a very conservative or evangelical perspective and provides good examples of that approach. Aside from expository volumes like Hagner's, which address individual books of the Bible, the series consists of two surveys treating the Old and New Testaments plus two collateral volumes of readings aimed at placing the Testaments in historical context. With Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Study, Arnold and Beyer (coauthors, Encountering the Old Testament) provide a selection of 91 documents from other cultures surrounding Israel and thus inform the reader of the wider cultural, religious, and social context in which the Old Testament documents were composed. Each selection is preceded by brief comments that make clear the background and content of the text. They are arranged in the same order as the books of the Old Testament and are collected under headings such as "Creation and the Flood" and "Law Codes." An excellent selection by the editors helps the reader compare and contrast biblical material with other readings from the same region. The book by Hagner (George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary) is not a verse-by-verse exposition but a chapter-by-chapter summary of the major themes of the New Testament Book of Hebrews. Hagner also includes commentary on how this applies to the Christian life. Each chapter is preceded by an outline, a list of supplemental reading from other biblical books, and suggested objectives for student learning. At the end of each chapter is a list of study questions, key terms, and a bibliography for further reading. A select bibliography, glossary, Scripture index, and subject index add to the usefulness of the volume. Both books are recommended for libraries looking to supplement their collection of evangelical books related to the study of the Bible.
David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Donald A. Hagner (Ph.D., University of Manchester) is George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including a two-volume commentary on Matthew (Word Biblical Commentary).

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080102580X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801025808
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Donald A. Hagner is the George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, where he has taught for nearly thirty years. He is a graduate of Fuller, where he studied with Everett Harrison and George Ladd, and of Manchester University, where he studied with F. F. Bruce. Among his writings are commentaries on Hebrews and Matthew.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Intro / Overview of Hebrews, November 3, 2004

By 

Joseph Valentine Dworak (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition (Encountering Biblical Studies) (Paperback)

Hagner does a decent job of digging deeper into the book of Hebrews. This book is a great way to step into the vast array of literature on the book of Hebrews that is out there. The major issues in Hebrew's are covered from a fairly conservative angle. Hagner does not hide what he believes, but does point out what many sides to the different issues in Hebrews are.

The side conversation windows are helpful in going farther on certain points such as perfection and others. This book is going to get you a lot farther in your study of Hebrews than a bible dictionary or some crackpot online commentary. Well worth your time, if you are interested. JVD

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent intro into the study of Hebrews., August 27, 2004

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Finding Amanda - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition (Encountering Biblical Studies) (Paperback)

Donald Hagner's work here is an excellent introduction to studying one of the most complex books of Scripture. With a gift for being able to communicate and a willingness to let Scripture say what it says without contorting its plain meaning to make it fit some theological form, Hagner succeeds at opening the book of Hebrews marvelously.

Like the other books in the Encountering Biblical Studies series by Baker Book this one is actually intended as a textbook for undergrad studies. Yet to avoid it out of fear that as a textbook it must be dry or overly technical is to make a mistake and miss out on a grand learning opportunity. This book would be wonderful for personal or small group Bible study for those with at least a fair understanding of the NT (if you're not there yet check out Encountering the New Testament in this series) and a hunger to go deeper. Study and be blessed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful commentary. A fantastic study of Hebrews., April 11, 2008

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G. Horn (San Diego, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Encountering the Book of Hebrews: An Exposition (Encountering Biblical Studies) (Paperback)

I used Hagner's book to teach biblical studies on Hebrews at our church. I bought several other commentaries (NIV Life Application, R. Kent Hughes, etc) as well but ended up only using this book. It really brought the book of Hebrews to life in a new way and is very well arranged with interesting sidebars, yet surprisingly concise; especially considering the complexity of Hebrews. This book has made me want to get all of the Encountering Biblical Studies books. It makes a great textbook, commentary or devotional tool for Hebrews.

As you can tell, I really got a lot out of this book.