Recent Hebrews Articles

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