Stevens,
Daniel. "Contrasting Human Speech in Hebrews 12-13." Novum
Testamentum 66 (2024): 352-363.
Abstract
This article will analyze an under-studied aspect of the Epistle
to the Hebrews: human speech. In so doing, the author will show how the
letter-writer creates an implicit comparison between the audience of the
epistle and Moses, placing the audience in a position more privileged than
Moses himself. The argument will proceed by justifying the scope of the
material to be considered, Heb 12–13, then examining the few but significant
instances of human discourse in the letter. The author will argue that the
letter-writer’s use of explicitly human discourse serves the epistle’s overall
argumentative purpose of encouraging the audience to continued adherence to
Jesus through a comparison of the Mosaic and new covenants, particularly in
reference to the events immediately after the exodus from Egypt. Then the
author will conclude with reflections on the rhetorical use of human discourse
and the potential implications for the structure and literary unity of Hebrews.
Jeffries,
Bridget Jack. "Hebrews, She Wrote? An Analysis of the Harnack-Hoppin
Thesis of Priscillan Authorship of Hebrews." Journal of the
Evangelical Theological Society 67 (2024): 47-66
Abstract
This
article evaluates the Harnack-Hoppin thesis that Priscilla is the primary
author of Hebrews, examining (1) the historical evidence pertinent to
Priscilla’s candidacy for authorship; (2) the probability of a woman in
antiquity composing a work of oratory, rhetoric, and philosophy of the caliber
of the Epistle to the Hebrews; (3) the inductive argument that the text
“feminizes” or otherwise contains internal evidence that it is the work of a
feminine mind, and (4) the author’s self-referential use of the participle
διηγούμενον in 11:32. An examination of these four elements demonstrates that
advocates of the Harnack-Hoppin thesis have not adequately addressed the
difficulties posed by historical questions about Priscilla’s candidacy, they
have not refuted the apparent verdict of the masculine participle at 11:32, and
their inductive argument for a feminine author is critically flawed and
unsustainable. The article concludes that Priscilla is not a serious contender
for primary authorship of Πρὸς Ἑβραίους.
Harriman,
K.R. "Union with Christ in Hebrews 2–5: An Exploration of “Narrative
Christological Solidarity”". Journal of the Evangelical
Theological Society 67 (2024): 67-85.
Abstract
Abstract: The
theme of union with Christ has been well explored in NT scholarship,
particularly in the works of Paul. But such a theme has been underexplored in
the book of Hebrews, despite the significant amount of relevant material
therein. With focus on Hebrews 2–5, I argue that the author exemplifies a
particular expression of union with Christ through his references to the
narrative of Jesus, including but not limited to the major gospel events, which
uphold what I call “narrative christological solidarity.” Through an
investigation of Hebrews 25, particularly 2:5–18 and 4:14–5:10, I show how the
author conveys union with Christ through references to the narrative of Jesus’s
life and highlight theological-ethical connections to union of the faithful with
Christ made in these narrative-based references.
Stevens,
Daniel. "The Ark and the Blood: Jesus’s Body and Intercession in
Hebrews". Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 67
(2024): 87-101.
Abstract
Over
the past several years, there has been much debate on the nature of Christ’s
intercessory work in Hebrews. At present, the most recent arguments are in
favor of understanding it in view of a continuing Yom Kippur atoning liturgy or
an atoning tamid sacrifice. This article argues that a continuing sacrificial
framework of any variety does not best explain the presentation in Hebrews of
Jesus’s ongoing work. Through an analysis of the passages in which Jesus’s body
and intercession are related and through recourse to patristic and medieval
interpreters, this article argues that Jesus’s intercession—and the role of his
body and blood therein—is best understood through the frameworks of the ark and
the paschal blood.
HT: Daniel Stevens
