Perseverance in Gratitude

by DeSilva, David A.

• ISBN13: 9780802841889
• ISBN10: 0802841880
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-02-01
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co

Summary

This outstanding commentary by David deSilva is the first to apply the full resource of socio-rhetorical analysis to Hebrews. This approach combines the strengths of a higher-critical commentary with a keen interest in showing the relevance of Hebrews for the life and mission of individual believers and whole congregations. The volume also features "A Closer Look" sections that explore relevant aspects of the first-century world and theological issues of special importance to life today.

Author Biography

David A. deSilva is associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xv
Abbreviations	xvii
Introduction	1	(1)
The Recipients of the Letter ``To the Hebrews''	2	(21)
Ethnic Background	2	(5)
History of the Community	7	(9)
The Occasion of Hebrews	16	(4)
Date and Location	20	(3)
The Author	23	(16)
Identity	23	(4)
Worldview	27	(5)
Use of the Old Testament	32	(3)
Expertise in Rhetoric	35	(4)
The Rhetorical Goal and Socio-Rhetorical Strategy of Hebrews	39	(32)
Ancient Rhetoric and New Testament Interpretation	39	(7)
Rhetorical Goal and Rhetorical Genre	46	(12)
The Socio-Rhetorical Strategy of Hebrews---An Overview	58	(13)
Outline	71	(4)
Bridging the Horizons	75	(8)
THE COMMENTARY
Responding to God's Word and Work in the Son: Hebrews 1:1--2:18	83	(48)
Overview	83	(1)
Commentary	84	(40)
Angels in Intertestamental Judaism	93	(29)
Priestly Messiahs in the Intertestamental Period	122	(2)
Summary	124	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	125	(6)
The Inexpediency of Distrust: Hebrews 3:1--4:13	131	(48)
Overview	131	(1)
Commentary	132	(42)
The Divine Other and Sustaining Minority Cultural Values	171	(3)
Summary	174	(1)
Bridging The Horizons	175	(4)
Jesus, Our Guarantor of God's Favor: Hebrews 4:14--5:10	179	(30)
Overview	179	(1)
Commentary	180	(25)
``Perfection'' in Hebrews	194	(11)
Summary	205	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	205	(4)
Honoring God Necessitates Perseverance: Hebrews 5:11--6:20	209	(52)
Overview	209	(1)
Commentary	210	(43)
Is Apostasy the ``Unpardonable Sin''?	234	(6)
Patronage, Eternal Security, and Second Repentance	240	(13)
Summary	253	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	254	(7)
Jesus, the Better-Qualified Mediator of God's Favor: Hebrews 7:1--8:13	261	(30)
Overview	261	(4)
Commentary	265	(23)
Voluntary Death and Atonement	275	(13)
Summary	288	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	289	(2)
The Decisive Removal of Sin's Defilement: Hebrews 9:1--10:18	291	(42)
Overview	291	(6)
Commentary	297	(29)
Summary	326	(2)
Bridging the Horizons	328	(5)
Draw Near to God and to Each Other: Hebrews 10:19--39	333	(44)
Overview	333	(2)
Commentary	335	(35)
Athletic Imagery and Moral Exhortation	361	(9)
Summary	370	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	371	(6)
Faith's Orientation in the World: Hebrews 11:1--12:3	377	(68)
Overview	377	(4)
Commentary	381	(58)
Citizenship and Sojourning	394	(45)
Summary	439	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	440	(5)
In Training for the Kingdom: Hebrews 12:4--29	445	(38)
Overview	445	(1)
Commentary	446	(32)
Gratitude in Greco-Roman Ethics	474	(4)
Summary	478	(1)
Bridging the Horizons	479	(4)
Living in Gratitude to God: Hebrews 13:1--25	483	(46)
Overview	483	(2)
Commentary	485	(31)
Summary	516	(2)
Bridging the Horizons	518	(11)
Bibliography	529	(14)
Index of Modern Authors	543	(4)
Index of Texts Cited	547