Hebrews : A New Translation With Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Bible. V. 36.) [Hardcover]

Craig Koester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 29, 2001 | Series: Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries (Book 36)

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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

From the Inside Flap

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Anchor Bible; 1st edition (May 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385468938
• ISBN-13: 978-0385468930
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Commentary for Hebrews, September 27, 2005

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DarrenGJohnson "DarrenGJohnson" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Hebrews : A New Translation With Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Bible. V. 36.) (Hardcover)

Koester is consistent throughout the commentary and has in depth research to back up his conclusions. The technical scholar will enjoy the book because it has a notes section that deals with the Greek grammer and technical issues and then a comments section that takes the form of a theological commentary. The lay person will get more out of the comments section because it is in a more reader friendly style. The information and insight are thought provoking and informative. The format is layed out by the Editors of the Anchor Bible Series, but Craig has included his historical studies on how the book of Hebrews has been read throughout the history of the Church.
The strength of the book lies in the fact that Koester sees three stages of growth in church that are the recipients of this letter. The first stage being the one that started in the power and and demonstration of the Spirit. The second stage was one in which they had to resist compromising and apostasizing with the persecution that had come their way. The third stage was one in which they lost property and some were tempted to give up and so the writer of Hebrews according to Koester is writing to remind them where they had come from and to encourage them not to give up.
Perhaps the weakness, in my opinion, is that Koester sees too much Greco-Roman influence on the writer and his community and not enough Jewish i.e. Temple influence upon the writer and his community. In this regard I think that Koester has misread and misses on some of his conclustions.
I highly recommend this book to the scholar and the serious student of the Bible. Koester does present a wide variety of thought on the book and this is definately worth the read.