What do you think?
Rate this book
Hebrews: A Commentary
This volume of the New Testament Library offers a thorough and careful commentary on the complicated book of Hebrews, showing its meaning within the context of ancient culture and the theological development of the early church. Written by one of the leading New Testament scholars of the present generation, this commentary offers remarkable insights into the Hellenistic, Roman, and Jewish contexts of the book of Hebrews. The New Testament Library offers authoritative commentary on every book and major aspect of the New Testament, as well as classic volumes of scholarship. The commentaries in this series provide fresh translations based on the best available ancient manuscripts, offer critical portrayals of the historical world in which the books were created, pay careful attention to their literary design, and present a theologically perceptive exposition of the text.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2006
20 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Luke Timothy Johnson
80Ìýbooks69ÌýfollowersLuke Timothy Johnson is an American New Testament scholar and historian of early Christianity. He is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Theology and a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University.
Johnson's research interests encompass the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of early Christianity (particularly moral discourse), Luke-Acts, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Epistle of James.
Johnson's research interests encompass the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of early Christianity (particularly moral discourse), Luke-Acts, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Epistle of James.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 7, 2017
Hebrews, written by Luke Timothy Johnson and published by Westminster John Knox Press, is one of the most well written modern commentaries on this book of the Bible. 1 & Hebrews is one of the more recent volume of the New Testament Library, a series which is synonymous with critical scholarship, this volume continues this legacy. Johnson is no stranger to studious commentaries series on scripture yet this is his first foray into the Old Testament Library Commentary series.
Hebrews begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, yet while introductions are common; this introduction is atypical of most commentaries. It is not that this work doesn’t dive into history and recent scholarship, which Hebrews does a phenomenal job of, rather, it is the thoroughness that Johnson takes with these introductory matters which makes this commentary atypical. In a day where these matters are either glossed over to get to the exegesis of the text or are so cumbersome that they become useless, Johnson has found a good balance in being thorough, communicating depth and attention to recent scholarship, all without losing the forest in the trees. I must readily admit that while Johnson shows the depth of scholarship, some of the conclusions that he draws are more liberal than my taste, due to his adherence to traditional Catholicism, for the most part. Though his mild-Catholic critical approach is refreshing. The previous statement though in no way negates his scholarship or his contributions Old Testament scholarship.
In reference to the commentary on the text of this book of the Bible, Johnson takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while sprinkling practical application to the reader throughout the textual commentary. This book is helpful to any pastor who is looking for a depth that other commentaries do not provide.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Westminster John Knox Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Hebrews begins with the typical study into the introductory matters of this book of the Bible, yet while introductions are common; this introduction is atypical of most commentaries. It is not that this work doesn’t dive into history and recent scholarship, which Hebrews does a phenomenal job of, rather, it is the thoroughness that Johnson takes with these introductory matters which makes this commentary atypical. In a day where these matters are either glossed over to get to the exegesis of the text or are so cumbersome that they become useless, Johnson has found a good balance in being thorough, communicating depth and attention to recent scholarship, all without losing the forest in the trees. I must readily admit that while Johnson shows the depth of scholarship, some of the conclusions that he draws are more liberal than my taste, due to his adherence to traditional Catholicism, for the most part. Though his mild-Catholic critical approach is refreshing. The previous statement though in no way negates his scholarship or his contributions Old Testament scholarship.
In reference to the commentary on the text of this book of the Bible, Johnson takes great care in carefully showing the original context of passage while sprinkling practical application to the reader throughout the textual commentary. This book is helpful to any pastor who is looking for a depth that other commentaries do not provide.
This book was provided to me free of charge from Westminster John Knox Publishing in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
September 5, 2018
Prolific New Testament commentator Luke Timothy Johnson tackles Hebrews in this volume in the New Testament Library (NTL) series. He’s written in other major series such as the Anchor Bible commentary series, and from what I can tell, this has been one of the more popular titles in the NTL series. In my view, it’s one of the more rigorously done scholarly work in the series.
After a substantial bibliography, the author jumps into what turns out to be a longer, more in-depth introduction than found in several other volumes in the series. After some opening observations, the author explains Hebrews in the Christian tradition as he delves into the historical background. Next, he tackles literary concerns including language and form. There’s a cultural and social overview that considers Roman as well as elements of Judaism and Christianity in the text. From there, we read of what the author calls the circumstances of composition. He delves into the rhetorical situation and finally addresses the issue of date. As you would imagine, the conclusions are of a more critical nature as is usual in the NTL series. There’s a survey of the always-controversial subject of authorship for the book of Hebrews. Finally, we have some good probing of the theology of the book. The author’s conclusion that we have here the mature teaching of Christ was well done. Much of the conclusions in this section would match that found in more conservative commentary series. The same would hold true for the theological discussion of discipleship.
The commentary proper includes some rigorous exegetical work. If you are familiar with either the author or the series, you will know what to expect. As a bonus, you will find 7 top-notch excurses. Again, it is helpful and effective. I can’t think of a better commentary on Hebrews from the critical camp.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
After a substantial bibliography, the author jumps into what turns out to be a longer, more in-depth introduction than found in several other volumes in the series. After some opening observations, the author explains Hebrews in the Christian tradition as he delves into the historical background. Next, he tackles literary concerns including language and form. There’s a cultural and social overview that considers Roman as well as elements of Judaism and Christianity in the text. From there, we read of what the author calls the circumstances of composition. He delves into the rhetorical situation and finally addresses the issue of date. As you would imagine, the conclusions are of a more critical nature as is usual in the NTL series. There’s a survey of the always-controversial subject of authorship for the book of Hebrews. Finally, we have some good probing of the theology of the book. The author’s conclusion that we have here the mature teaching of Christ was well done. Much of the conclusions in this section would match that found in more conservative commentary series. The same would hold true for the theological discussion of discipleship.
The commentary proper includes some rigorous exegetical work. If you are familiar with either the author or the series, you will know what to expect. As a bonus, you will find 7 top-notch excurses. Again, it is helpful and effective. I can’t think of a better commentary on Hebrews from the critical camp.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 3, 2021
A quality commentary on Hebrews by a respected scholar.
The author follows the conventions of the series and provides a robust explanation of the letter to the Hebrews. The Catholicism of the author is apparent in a few places: it does not hinder the author's interpretative position much and often provides some greater anchoring in the great tradition. He is in conversation with a lot of the other commentaries of the era.
A valuable voice in considering the letter to the Hebrews.
The author follows the conventions of the series and provides a robust explanation of the letter to the Hebrews. The Catholicism of the author is apparent in a few places: it does not hinder the author's interpretative position much and often provides some greater anchoring in the great tradition. He is in conversation with a lot of the other commentaries of the era.
A valuable voice in considering the letter to the Hebrews.
August 9, 2017
Deep, academic, and draws from a variety of sources both ancient and modern.
Recommend having an understanding of Koine greek beforehand since he refers to it a great deal.
Really enjoyable, informative, and quotable.
Recommend having an understanding of Koine greek beforehand since he refers to it a great deal.
Really enjoyable, informative, and quotable.
May 31, 2017
Not my favorite commentary on Hebrews, but it was helpful at times.
January 23, 2016
Luke Timothy Johnson (Ph.D., Yale University) is R. W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Chandler School of Theology, Emory University. Johnson is a notable scholar whose research concerns have been the literary, moral, and religious dimensions of the New Testament, including the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of early Christianity, Luke-Acts, the Pastoral Letters, and the Letter of James. Johnson is also the author of numerous books, many of which, nowadays, are still widely used in academic and ecclesiastical settings around the world—the present volume on Hebrews being one of those contributions.
Hebrews: A Commentary is firmly positioned as one of the most notable volumes within the acclaimed New Testament Library (NTL) series. The commentary begins with a 60-page introduction that is well-worth the price of the volume. Johnson, of course, tackles all the introductory matters with precision. Johnson dates the composition of the book between AD 50-70 and provides a rather convincing case for the authorship by the hand of Apollo—although Johnson concludes the anonymity of the author being the only known reality. Moreover, Johnson provides an excellent discussion about the use of the book of Hebrews within Christian tradition and rightly concludes that it was the usefulness/ truthfulness of its content, rather than apostolic authorship, that resulted in its widespread acceptance.
The commentary proper is likewise excellent throughout and judiciously presented. First and foremost, like the other volumes in the NTL series, Johnson provides the reader with an original translation and textual notes. I have continually found this to be one of the most helpful features of the NTL series, and Johnson does not disappoint. He is meticulous and careful in his translation and presents the evidence and and textual issues well. In fact, compared to the other volumes that I have interacted with in the series I think Johnson has been the most helpful in this section. Second, Johnson has presented a good case for LXX priority in Hebrews and does an excellent job presenting that reality throughout. Third, while Hebrews is certainly rich with Christological significance on the surface, Johnson does a tremendous job bringing this reality to bare at almost every corner of the document.
There are no shortages in sight when it comes to the task of choosing a commentary on the book of Hebrews. Still, only the most inexperienced of readers would assume that all such commentaries are made equal—or even close to equal. While I don’t see Johnson coming off of my bookshelf before Lane (WBC) or Ellingworth (NICGT), or even Bruce (NICNT), I did find the volume extremely helpful and I am happy to have it in my library. Johnson is continually careful in his presentation of the text, and his explanation and interaction with the major themes of Hebrews and the LXX are indispensable. If you are in the market for a well-written work by a well-known and notable scholarly voice, Hebrews: A Commentary by Luke Timothy Johnson will not bring disappointment. It comes highly recommended.
I received a review copy of these books in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Hebrews: A Commentary is firmly positioned as one of the most notable volumes within the acclaimed New Testament Library (NTL) series. The commentary begins with a 60-page introduction that is well-worth the price of the volume. Johnson, of course, tackles all the introductory matters with precision. Johnson dates the composition of the book between AD 50-70 and provides a rather convincing case for the authorship by the hand of Apollo—although Johnson concludes the anonymity of the author being the only known reality. Moreover, Johnson provides an excellent discussion about the use of the book of Hebrews within Christian tradition and rightly concludes that it was the usefulness/ truthfulness of its content, rather than apostolic authorship, that resulted in its widespread acceptance.
The commentary proper is likewise excellent throughout and judiciously presented. First and foremost, like the other volumes in the NTL series, Johnson provides the reader with an original translation and textual notes. I have continually found this to be one of the most helpful features of the NTL series, and Johnson does not disappoint. He is meticulous and careful in his translation and presents the evidence and and textual issues well. In fact, compared to the other volumes that I have interacted with in the series I think Johnson has been the most helpful in this section. Second, Johnson has presented a good case for LXX priority in Hebrews and does an excellent job presenting that reality throughout. Third, while Hebrews is certainly rich with Christological significance on the surface, Johnson does a tremendous job bringing this reality to bare at almost every corner of the document.
There are no shortages in sight when it comes to the task of choosing a commentary on the book of Hebrews. Still, only the most inexperienced of readers would assume that all such commentaries are made equal—or even close to equal. While I don’t see Johnson coming off of my bookshelf before Lane (WBC) or Ellingworth (NICGT), or even Bruce (NICNT), I did find the volume extremely helpful and I am happy to have it in my library. Johnson is continually careful in his presentation of the text, and his explanation and interaction with the major themes of Hebrews and the LXX are indispensable. If you are in the market for a well-written work by a well-known and notable scholarly voice, Hebrews: A Commentary by Luke Timothy Johnson will not bring disappointment. It comes highly recommended.
I received a review copy of these books in exchange for and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
October 26, 2015
This was probably the first commentary that I read cover to cover. Johnson is really great writer! I loved the image of pilgrimage.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.