Edward William Fudge - Hebrews: Ancient Encouragement for Believers Today

The church in which I work today needs all the encouragement it can get. Fudges commentary is a strong, theologically-informed exposition of one of the most challengingand ultimately encouragingbooks of the New Testament that will be of especial help to preachers seeking to encourage contemporary believers.

Will Willimon, Bishop, United Methodist Church, Birmingham, Alabama

Written by a scholar for lay people, this volume presents an interpretation that is clear and transparent. I heartily recommend this commentary as true to Scripture and balanced in explanation of Hebrews.

Simon Kistemaker, Professor of New Testament Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary

Edward Fudge promises reverent scholarship written for serious Bible students who seek scholarly content in non-technical terms. He holds true to his promise on every page. This is a book written by a kind friend who has moved out into the deep waters of scholarship only to return with encouraging, intelligible, and insightful conversation as he leads us into important textual experiences. The author maintains honest and intelligent dialogue with both Evangelical and Post liberal scholarsa rare and essential conversation and a boon to our understandings. This book should be within arms reach for every preacher, elder, Bible class teacher and student. This volume can be a critical resource for sermon and class preparation and a tool for small groups and private studies ~ that is, for all who desire to explore with depth and clarity the book of Hebrews. Ive just added this book to my short list of essential preparations for preaching Hebrews.

David Fleer, Professor of Bible and Communication, Director of Annual Conference on Preaching, Lipscomb University

Despite the great cloud of unknowns swirling about the book of Hebrews, Edward Fudge cuts through the haze and discovers great encouragement for beleaguered believers today. Fudge masterfully distills modern scholarly discussions into readable, elegant prose, putting top-shelf scholarship at eye-level, making it available to all. Some consider Hebrews to be the most difficult and elusive book in the New Testament. Fudge punctuates his commentary in all the right places with boxes of print that lay out the various theological options to Hebrews most puzzling passages. Saturated in covenant language and adept in biblical and non-biblical sources, Fudge is uniquely qualified to help his readers appreciate the rhetoric, heed the warnings and follow in the steps of the true saints.

David B. Capes, Professor of New Testament, Interim Dean of Honors College, Houston Baptist University

After reading Edward Fudges commentary, I have it in my head more than ever before that Jesus is our priest who offered to God, not an animal sacrifice, but His own body and blood. The book of Hebrews is such a tribute to Jesus, the man, the Son of God who accomplished so great a salvation for us. If youve never studied Hebrews because you think its too hard, you will be delighted by this book.

Sarah Sumner, Professor of Theology and Ministry, Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University

Reading the Bible, it turns out, isnt simply a science. Its also an art, and the art requires a kind of connoisseurship. Just as someone could never be a wine connoisseur without having a well-developed taste for wine, an expositor of Scripture needs to have a true love for the text and its author, and Edward Fudge qualifies. His love for Scripture shows on every page of this readable and accessible commentary, as does his skill in the art of interpretation.

Brian McLaren, Author and Networker (brianmclaren.net)

The Letter to the Hebrews is, theologically, aesthetically and pastorally, one of the richest writings penned by the earliest Christians but one of the most difficult to appreciate. With tremendous clarity and sensitivity, in what is plainly a labour of love, Edward Fudge invites modern believers to rediscover this ancient word of encouragement and its abiding relevance for the church of every age.

Chris Marshall, Professor in Christian Studies, Religious Studies Programme, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Finally, there is a commentary on the often-neglected Book of Hebrews that combines meticulous scholarship with readability and practical understanding. This work is sure to be a favorite of preachers, teachers, and Bible students alike.

Jeff Schreve, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas; From His Heart Ministries

This commentary takes account of the best in scholarship to serve ordinary thoughtful people, who will find here an important and helpful resource. The commentary is clear not only in language but also in discerning what is central to the book of Hebrewsthe human Jesus who is, at the same time, the very Son of God. In the process the author illumines the unique contribution of Hebrews in understanding the way and work of Christ.

Ben Wiebe, Pastor, Mennonite Churches and Churches of Christ in Ontario, Canada; Adjunct Professor, Union Biblical Seminary, India

Hebrews in not an easy book; in fact it has often been called a puzzle. Yet, this difficult book contains a depth of teaching and breadth of exhortation and encouragement that can help Christ-followers endure, and stand in faith, in our very difficult world. Thus, we need more teachers and tools that clearly unpack the message of Hebrews, bringing that message to bear in relevant ways to the church today. While many will find points at which to differ with the interpretations offered, Edward Fudge writes clearly and applies the test pointedly in this engaging, accessible little commentary.

George H. Guthrie, Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible, School of Christian Studies, Union University; Author of NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews

Scholarly, refreshing, and packed full of encouragement for todays Christian. Eminently readable, this volume is like having an enlightened friend walk with us through the challenges of life as reflected in this ancient book, all the while pointing us to the faithful friend who will never leave us or forsake us. Coming out of the authors deeply spiritual heart, this book inspires greater spirituality in the heart of the reader. It is a joy to recommend it!

Landon Saunders, Founder and President, Heartbeat

Here is nourishing food for the soul. But behind the apparent simplicity of this commentary lies a meticulous examination of the original text as well as judicious consideration of the conclusions of other exegetes.

Desmond Ford, Good News Unlimited, Queensland, Australia

Readers at any level will profit from this authors always clear elucidation of the ancient Greek text and its English translations. I have read this commentary as critically and as carefully as any Ive ever examined, and I have seen with fresh eyes how Jesus our high priest has gone outside the gate to serve and to heal a hurting world, and how he beckons us anew to follow him. If I had more classes to teach, more sermons to preach, or more translation teams to guide, this book would be high on my recommended list.

Gerald Kendrick, Translation Officer (Ret.), United Bible Societies

This new commentary on Hebrews is a delight to read. Edward Fudge deftly handles the weightiest of theological material in a fresh and invigorating way, reminding us that Hebrews is indeed an encouraging word to Christians of any era. This book will be a staple for preachers and teachers of adult Bible classes.