Hebrews–James (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary | SHBC)

In his commentary on the Letter to the Hebrews, New Testament scholar Edgar McKnight explores two aspects of Hebrews as covenant—an appeal to the perfection and finality of Jesus Christ and an exhortation to faith based on that appeal. He also highlights the occasionally counterintuitive interpretative strategies of the author of this letter. This approach frames the author of Hebrews’ treatment of the problems of early Christians from the perspective of our modern world. The Letter of James is a surviving representation of a once-flourishing Jewish Christianity. The Letter of James reveals a form of ancient Christianity distinctly different from the Pauline form of biblical Christianity. In this helpful examination of one of the earliest Christian communities, readers find fresh perspectives on familiar instruction. Specifically, a heavy emphasis on ethical responsibility and social justice makes this commentary a needed guide that contrasts Christian communities from an unjust world.