Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle "To the Hebrews" [Paperback]

David A. DeSilva (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

The first full socio-rhetorical analysis of the Letter to the Hebrews. This outstanding commentary by David deSilva is the first to fully apply the resources of socio-rhetorical analysis to Hebrews. This approach combines the strengths of a rhetorical commentary with a keen interest in showing the relevance of Hebrews for the life and mission of individual believers and whole congregations. The volume also features "A Closer Look" sections that explore relevant aspects of the first-century world and theological issues of special importance to life today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 580 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802841880
• ISBN-13: 978-0802841889
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David deSilva majored in English at Princeton University (AB, 1987), received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary (1990), and completed a doctorate in New Testament studies at Emory University (1995). He has taught on the faculty of Ashland Theological Seminary since 1995. David is also ordained in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has served as an organist and choir director in Episcopal, Lutheran, and United Methodist churches since 1985. He is married to Donna Jean Heitman deSilva, with whom he shares three sons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well rounded look at the Epistle to the Hebrews, December 16, 2004

By 

Richard Smith "student and servant" (Knoxville, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle "To the Hebrews" (Paperback)

This book is in the tradition of the socio-retorical commentaries made popular by Ben Witherington III. This format has the advantage of taking keen account as to how the text would have been heard by the original recipients and thus makes this style of commentary particularly strong in exegesis. DeSilva is a solid writer and the book is very well organized. Each section consists of an overview, commentary and summary. In addition there are usually one or more "closer looks" on controversial topics in each chapter. For example DeSilva spends several pages discussing Hebrews 6:4 and whether that verse represents the "unpardonable sin" mentioned in several gospel accounts. Even more helpful are sections titled "bridging the horizons" which give practical everyday applications to the texts just studied.
Hebrews is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I highly recommned this commentary.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great help in understanding the Book of Hebrews, July 16, 2010

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Lori S - See all my reviews

This review is from: Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle "To the Hebrews" (Paperback)

If you want to thoroughly understand the book of Hebrews, you should get this book. The author first delves into the background of Hebrews--who its intended audience was, who wrote it, when, where, etc. Next, he explains the author's goals and how the author makes use of first century techniques of persuasion to reach his audience. Then, deSilva breaks Hebrews up into ten distinct passages, providing an overview, detailed commentary and summary for each. Important issues, whether theological, historical or cultural, receive special attention. In addition, deSilva provides great insights into how to apply the messages found in each passage to our lives today. This inspiring commentary will greatly enrich your understanding, not only of one of the New Testament's most difficult books, but also of Christ's work on the cross--work for which we should all be grateful.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exegetically and Theologically Invigorating, September 21, 2008

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M. Easter (Dunedin, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle "To the Hebrews" (Paperback)

I found deSilva's commentary on Hebrews to be exegetically and theologically invigorating - definitely worth a look. As a student working on a dissertation in Hebrews, I also appreciate his extensive footnotes. His rhetorical approach and the well-documented rationales for his methods prove an invaluable resource when approaching this rather confusing "word of exhortation."