This volume offers a compact introduction to one of the most daunting texts in the New Testament. The Letter to the Hebrews has inspired many readers with its encomium to faith, troubled others with its hard sayings on the impossibility of a second repentance, and perplexed still others with its exegetical assumptions and operations drawn from a cultural matrix that is largely alien to modern sensibilities. Long thought to be Paul, the anonymous author of Hebrews exhibits points of continuity with the apostle and other New Testament writers in the letter's (or sermon's) vision of life in the light of the crucified Messiah, but one also finds distinctive perspectives in such areas as Christology, eschatology, and atonement. Gray and Peeler survey the salient historical, social, and rhetorical factors to be considered in the interpretation of this document, as well as its theological, liturgical, and cultural legacy. They invite readers to enter the world of one of the boldest Christian thinkers of the first century.

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.

This volume offers a compact introduction to one of the most daunting texts in the New Testament. The Letter to the Hebrews has inspired many readers with its encomium to faith, troubled others with its hard sayings on the impossibility of a second repentance, and perplexed still others with its exegetical assumptions and operations drawn from a cultural matrix that is largely alien to modern sensibilities. Long thought to be Paul, the anonymous author of Hebrews exhibits points of continuity with the apostle and other New Testament writers in the letter's (or sermon's) vision of life in the light of the crucified Messiah, but one also finds distinctive perspectives in such areas as Christology, eschatology, and atonement. Gray and Peeler survey the salient historical, social, and rhetorical factors to be considered in the interpretation of this document, as well as its theological, liturgical, and cultural legacy. They invite readers to enter the world of one of the boldest Christian thinkers of the first century.

Applied expository guide to Hebrews—a book that shows us how and why Jesus is better than anything else. We are all tempted to drift away from Jesus, but in the book of Hebrews God gives us an anchor: a detailed understanding of how and why Jesus is better than anything else. Seminary professor Michael J. Kruger unpacks this rich book verse by verse. He explains the Old Testament background, gives plenty of application for our lives today, and shows us how Jesus is the fulfilment of all God's work on earth. He encourages us to live by faith in Jesus—the only anchor for our souls. This expository guide can be read as a book; used as a devotional; and utilized in teaching and preaching.

The Book of Hebrews holds a unique place in the New Testament. It uses a highly literary vocabulary of ritual and ceremony. Its author is unknown. And it is steeped in references to the Old Testament. Sometimes these differences from the other New Testament epistles make Hebrews difficult for contemporary readers to understand. Everyone's Guide to Hebrews, written by respected Bible teacher Neil Lightfoot, takes readers through the intricacies of this special book and into the two great themes that govern it: the person of Christ and the work of Christ. The book is ideal for Bible classes, with study questions included at the end of each of the fourteen chapters. It is equally useful for grasping the meaning of the text in personal study, small groups, or sermon preparation. This popular commentary, or guide, gives readers a close-up look at one of the masterpieces of the Bible and enables them to appreciate its majestic language and style, its bold declarations, its sweeping arguments, and its heartfelt pleas to continue in the faith.

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son …” (Hebrews 1:1–2) “but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD …” (Hebrews 10:12) In Hebrews: It’s Not How You Start—It’s How You Finish, Dr. Kathy Stewart offers a guide to the most encouraging epistle in the New Testament. Among other things the reader will explore: • Who was Melchizedek, and what is his significance to the doctrine of Hebrews? • Who were the Ebionites? Could they have been the original recipients of the epistle? • What is one possible interpretation of the controversial warning given in Hebrews 6:4–8? • What is the significance of Jesus now sitting at the right hand of God? • Perhaps most importantly—how do the doctrinal truths of the book apply to the believer's struggles with everyday trials? It is hoped that by the conclusion of the book, the reader will not only have grown in their faith but will have a determined resolve to persevere until the end. Because Jesus Christ is better than any created being, that He now serves as our Great High Priest in heaven, and that He has offered Himself as the one final sacrifice for sin, faithful Christians can make it!

A child describes situations that bring about fear, how it feels to be scared, and what can make things better.