Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-84b7d79bbc-dwq4g Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-08-01T11:09:48.202Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

2 - The theology of Hebrews

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2010

Get access

Summary

THE FOUNDATION IN THE PRIMITIVE KERYGMA

Hebrews is notable for its highly skilled composition and powerful rhetorical effect. We have seen that recognition of the rhetorical character of Hebrews is fundamental for a true understanding of the letter. It has been carefully composed to persuade the readers to abandon their wish to return to the Jewish community in order to heal their troubled consciences, and to renew their confidence that healing is to be found in the gospel and its expression in Christian life.

The theology of Hebrews is the argument used to achieve this aim. Hebrews is not an abstract theological treatise, but thoroughly practical in intention. It is a mistake to look for a leading idea as the key to the whole (for instance Nairne suggested that Hebrews enunciates what he called the sacramental principle). Nor will it do to regard Hebrews as a ‘midrash’ on Psalm 110 (Buchanan), which suggests a doubtful use of ‘midrash’ (which properly denotes the exposition of the biblical text) and produces a wrong assessment of the place of Psalm 110 in the argument.

Similarly it is unwise to subordinate the theology to the artistic structure. Hebrews is beautifully balanced, but that is not for the sake of giving aesthetic pleasure, but to make the point most effectively.

Type
Chapter
Information
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure coreplatform@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×