Hebrews–James (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary | SHBC)
Overview
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.
Top Highlights
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“Uniqueness is reinforced by the repetition of the use of hapax in 9:26 in vv. 27 and 28:” (Page 230) |
“For James, Christianity consists in fulfilling the commandments and instructions of the Lord, who will be the final Judge. Within the larger New Testament context, James functions as the probing question ‘Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?’ (Luke 6:46). That is, James is a warning against a Christianity that neglects the role of Jesus as Teacher and empties the term Lord of its meaning as one whose authority is acknowledged in daily life.” (Pages 329–330)
“They ‘grow weary or lose heart’ (v. 3). Weariness and loss of heart refer not only to physical exhaustion but also to mental and spiritual exhaustion.” (Page 291)
“All of the heroes and heroines of the Old Testament cited in chapter 11 lived on the basis of the promises that were not fulfilled in their own time.” (Page 260)
“Rather, the author called on his readers to follow Christ’s footsteps with assurance that this race has its reward” (Page 291)
- Title: Hebrews–James
- Authors: Edgar V. McKnight, Christopher Church
- Series: Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
- Publisher: Smyth & Helwys
- Print Publication Date: 2004
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Hebrews › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. James › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9781573128247, 1573128244
- Resource ID: LLS:SHC79HEB
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T17:11:02Z