Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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."