Hebrews at SBL Annual Meeting

Society of Biblical Literature 2024 Annual Meeting

San Diego, CA - November 23–26

 

P22-103s

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Institute for Biblical Research
11/22/2024
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Room: Indigo 204A (Second Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Hebrews and the Pauline Tradition
For much of Christian history the Epistle to the Hebrews was understood as a Pauline letter. Today the overwhelming scholarly consensus is that Paul is not the author of Hebrews. Still the connection to Paul is difficult for Hebrews to shake. Even if Paul did not write Hebrews, there is some connection—even if just merited by the epistle’s canonical placement immediately after Paul’s letters—that is significant. Surprisingly, in recent decades little scholarly attention has been devoted to investigating this connection. This research group explores the relationship between Hebrews and the Pauline tradition. While Hebrews must be able to speak on its own terms, historical and canonical imperatives call for it to be read alongside Paul’s letters. This year we are hosting invited papers that address theological connections between Hebrews and the Pauline tradition.

Bryan Dyer, Baker Publishing/Calvin University, Presiding

Erin M. Heim, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University
Crucifixion and Shame in Paul and Hebrews (30 min)

David M. Moffitt, University of St. Andrews
The Ascended Christ’s Ongoing Intercession as Covenant Maintenance: A Shared Soteriological Concept between Hebrews and Paul? (30 min)

Madison N. Pierce, Western Theological Seminary
Power and "Royal Messianism" in the Pauline Corpus and Hebrews (30 min)

Robert W. Wall, Seattle Pacific University
Reading Hebrews with Paul in Canonical Context (30 min)

 

 

M22-106s

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Institute for Biblical Research
11/22/2024
9:00 AM to 11:15 AM
Room: Indigo D (Second Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Scripture and Church Seminar (SACS)

“Scripture-Based Models for Preaching” What can Scripture itself teach us about preaching? How did biblical authors appropriate Scripture in their own preaching? What can we learn from portions of Scripture that were intended to urge certain ways of thinking to lead to right ways of living, such as Proverbs? This seminar explores these questions and others. The focus is not on homiletics per se, but rather models for preaching that emerge organically from Scripture itself. 

 

Dana Harris, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Hebrews: Preaching to the People of God from the Word of God (25 min)
 

 

P22-216s

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Institute for Biblical Research
11/22/2024
3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Room: Indigo 204A (Second Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Asian American Biblical Interpretation: Evangelical Voices

This year our research group will focus on biblical interpretation from non-East Asian cultural contexts focusing in particular on South and Southeast Asia. The program will consist of invited papers which will expound a biblical text from such social locations speaking to their locations and the wider world. Presentations will include some reflection on methodology and those characteristics which distinguish South and Southeast Asian biblical interpretation. Two respondents, one East Asian, as well as discussion from the floor will be included. Questions can be directed to Milton Eng (miltoneng@thirdspaceaa.org) or Max Lee (mlee1@northpark.edu). 

 

David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary
Reading Hebrews in a Sri Lankan Context (20 min)

 

 

S23-312

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Contextualizing North African Christianity
11/23/2024
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Room: Cobalt 501A (Fifth Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Composing Communities

This session focuses on the creation and preservation of early Christian communities, exploring the compositional and hermeneutical practices that formed the identity of various early Christian groups through literary production.

 

Bec Muir, Ridley Melbourne
Can We Compose Righteous Communities? A Comparison of the Discussions of Divine Enablement in Augustine and Hebrews (25 min)

 

 

S24-214

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Corpus Hellenisticum Novi Testamenti
11/24/2024
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Room: Aqua 307 (Third Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Please Recycle (II): Ancient Intertexuality in the New Testament, Christian Apocrypha, and Beyond

 

Laurie A. Wilson, Biola University
Suffering as Education and Athletic Training: Parallels between Epictetus and Hebrews 12:1–13 (30 min)

S24-318

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Hebrews
11/24/2024
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Room: Aqua 311A (Third Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Hebrews and Other Early Christian Literature

Madison N. Pierce, Western Theological Seminary, Presiding

Benjamin Ribbens, Trinity Christian College
The Redemption of Violations Committed under the First Covenant: Hebrews 9:15 and Rom 3:21–26 on Redemption, Forgiveness, and Passing over Sins (25 min)

Scott Shauf, Gardner-Webb University
The Covenant Sacrifice in Hebrews 9–13 and 1 Corinthians 10–12 (25 min)

Julie M. Leyva, Duke University
What Advantage Is a Mediator? Μεσίτης and Νόμος in Galatians and Hebrews (25 min)

Stephen Wunrow, Wheaton College
Cave Corpus? Human Bodies as a Potential Threat to Heavenly Space in Hebrews and Other Early Christian Traditions (25 min)

David Downs, University of Oxford
“Let Us Fix Our Eyes on the Blood of Christ” (1 Clem 7.4): Resurrection and Atonement in 1 Clement and Hebrews (25 min)

Discussion (25 min)

S25-223

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Hebrews
11/25/2024
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Room: Cobalt 501A (Fifth Level) - Hilton Bayfront

Theme: Open Session on Hebrews

Madison Pierce, Western Theological Seminary, Presiding

Kaspars Ozolins, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Isaiah’s Third “Servant Song” as a Background to Hebrews 1:10–12 (25 min)
Tag(s): Hebrews and Catholic Epistles (Biblical Literature - New Testament), Intertextuality (Interpretive Approaches), Septuagint (Biblical Literature - Hebrew Bible/Old Testament/Greek OT (Septuagint))

Timothy Bertolet, ABWE International
The High Priest as Second Adam (25 min)

Alberto Solano-Zatarain, University of Oxford
Entering Perfection: Cultic Consecration and Sinai in Hebrews (25 min)

Albert J. Coetsee, North-West University (South Africa)
Moses’ Fear during the Second Ascent: An Intertextual Study of Deuteronomy 9:19 and Hebrews 12:21 (25 min)

Naphtali S. Meshel, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Jesus’ Suffering “Outside the Gate” according to Hebrews 13 (25 min)

Jack Franicevich, Valparaiso University
Meal or Metaphor: Identifying the Sacrifice of Praise at Hebrews 13:15 (25 min)

S25-323

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Intertextuality in the New Testament
11/25/2024
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Room: 11A (Upper Level West) - Convention Center

Theme: Biblical Texts and Figures in Paul and Hebrews

 

Allen Lai, University of Notre Dame
Examining Contextually Sensitive Exegesis in Conflate Citation in Hebrews 2:12–13 (30 min)

Ryan Francis, Catholic University of America
Abel's Speech in Hebrews and Philo (30 min)

S26-128

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Space, Place, and Lived Experience in Antiquity
11/26/2024
9:00 AM to 11:15 AM
Room: Aqua 311A (Third Level) - Hilton Bayfront

 

Theme: Open Call

 

Jolyon G. R. Pruszinski, Princeton University
Real Space, Ideal Space, and “the Mind” in Hebrews: Interpretation through the Lens of Foucault’s “Heterotopia” (25 min)

 

 

 

Hebrews at ETS

Evangelical Theological Society 76th Annual Meeting

Wednesday, November 20 – Friday, November 22

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Wednesday

 

1:00 PM - 4:10 PM

Adventist Theological Society 

 

2:40 PM - 3:20 PM
Larry Lichtenwalter
(Middle East University)
First, New and Eternal Covenants in the Book of Hebrews: Implications for Hermeneutics, Ethics and Nurture 

Thursday

8:30 AM - 11:40 AM
New Testament
General Studies II

8:30 AM - 9:10 AM
Kaspars Ozolins
(Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
Isaiah’s Third “Servant Song” as a Background to Hebrews 1:10–12

9:20 AM - 10:00 AM
Jihyung Kim
(McMaster Divinity College)
Wilderness Memories: The key Identity Marker for the Hebrews Community

10:10 AM - 10:50 AM
Michael Kibbe
(Great Northern University)
The Chronology of Prosopology: The Timing of Jesus’ Scriptural Speeches in Hebrews

Review of Lustig, Tod und Opfer Jesu im Hebräerbrief

Sophia Niepert-Rumel reviews Christian Lustig, Tod und Opfer Jesu im Hebräerbrief, in RBL.

Atonement and the Logic of Resurrection in Hebrews 9:27–28

New book:

 

Henry, William W., Jr. Atonement and the Logic of Resurrection in Hebrews 9:27–28: Jesus’s Ministry to Lead Believers for Salvation into Heaven a Very Little While after Individual Death and Judgment. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2024. 

 

Description:
"The general believer waiting for salvation by Jesus hopes to see him appear while living or promptly at death. Comfort during loss of life usually portrays those passing now in heaven. Conversely, the more religiously academic, the less one thinks anyone, ever, goes to heaven. Trained scholars typically choose a closed heaven with temporal delays and spatial detours in limitation of God's promises about "so great salvation." "Better" typically perceives as a resuscitated flesh on earth that lives by decay of the surrounding creation. Hearing word-meaning by mapping creation with an old first-century option for plural heavens, this project reexamines the conversation recommended by the pastor in the letter to the Hebrews about promises regarding the twofold ministry of Christ. By analysis with current study tools, the conversation both challenges the common academy views and reintroduces a first-century hearing option for God's speech concerning prompt, postmortem, Christ fulfillment into heaven. Listening includes the milk of the beginning teaching requirements for atonement and logic of resurrection to God immediately after death and judgment. Hearing senses the solid food about priestly intercession by Jesus after death at judgment to shepherd his believers for salvation into heaven a very little while after individual death and judgment."

Reading Hebrews with Aquinas

New book:

Matthew Levering, Piotr Roszak, and Jörgen Vijgen. Reading Hebrews with St. Thomas Aquinas. Emmaus Academic.

Description:

"This collection of scholarly essays engages historical, theological, and exegetical dimensions of St. Thomas Aquinas’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. These studies belong to an approach that is known as “Biblical Thomism,” which pursues the retrieval of Aquinas’s biblical commentaries as well as his patristic sources as part of a constructive response to the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on Scripture as being the soul of sacred theology."

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

Minor Variant of Hebrews 2:9

New article:

Clivaz, Claire. “The Minor Variant of Hebrews 2.9, with Mark 15.34 and Psalm 22.2.” New Testament Studies 70 (2024): 291–306.

Abstract

This article explores the relationship of a minor variant in Hebrews 2.9 – Jesus dead ‘apart from God’ (χωρὶς θɛοῦ) – with the minor variant of Mark 15.34 and more broadly with Psalm 22.2, as suggested by Harnack, Michel, Zuntz, Elliott, Ehrman and Rodgers. First, it highlights new elements in the file of the evidence of Heb 2.9 and compares it with the case of Mark 15.34. Secondly, it demonstrates that paying attention to the minor variants of Heb 2.9 and Mark 15.34 allows one to grasp better the diversity of Jewish and early Christian readings of Ps 22.2 or Ps 21.2 LXX: these readings provide a plausible context to explain the emergence of these two minor variants.

 

Majority World Perspectives on Hebrews

This book has recently been published. I expect I'll pick up a copy at SBL:

 

Abebe, Sofanit T., Elizabeth W. Mburu, and Abeneazer G. Urga, eds. Reading Hebrews and 1 Peter from Majority World Perspectives. (Bloomsbury  T&T Clark). 

 

Description from the website:

 

The contributors to this volume offer a bold re-reading of Hebrews and 1 Peter from the perspective of the Global South. The chapters provide enriching new hermeneutical and theological insights, revealing facets of the text that may not at first be apparent to readers within a Eurocentric context.

The volume is thus able to explore topics ranging from the authorship of Hebrews in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and the Batak reading of Christus Victor, to a Xhosa perception of the solidarity and sacrifice of Jesus, and intercultural readings of Christian identity in the context of persecution. With an introduction and final response by scholars from the Global North, this volume encourages awareness of how the Global South contributes to world Christianity.

A Theology of Hebrews

I just picked up a copy of this book, which I should make mention of:

Johnson, Dennis E. Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews. Crossway.

Description from the website:

An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Hebrews

The book of Hebrews can be intimidating for modern-day Christians due to its connection to Old Testament text. However, once understood, this New Testament epistle offers great insights into the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus—rightly justifying his place as high priest. 

In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Dennis E. Johnson highlights the main biblical-theological themes of Hebrews. Johnson explores how Jesus fulfills perfect priesthood by becoming the covenant mediator and the trailblazer who leads his people into a better inheritance. Hebrews calls Christian believers, both of the early church and today, to hold fast to their faith even when faced with persecution and exclusion. It reminds us to cling to the eternal Son who offered his body and blood as the everlasting sacrifice for our sin.

• Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Deeply: Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople
• Helpful Bible Study Resource: A great companion to commentaries on Hebrews 
• Part of the New Testament Theology Series: Other volumes include Ministry in the New Realm and Hidden with Christ in God

Review Essay: On Earth as It Is in Heaven?

Review Essay: On Earth as It Is in Heaven?

Katie Macar with response from Philip Church.

 

Katie Marcar interacts with Philip Church’s view of the Temple in the Letter to the Hebrews.

 

 

Textual Reserach on Hebrews

Apparently this book is out now:

 

Gäbel, Georg, Geigenfeind, Matthias, and Müller, Darius. Textforschung zu Septuaginta, Hebräerbrief und Apokalypse: Die Relevanz von Textkritik für die Erforschung des frühen Judentums, des Neuen Testaments und des frühen Christentums Festschrift für Martin Karrer zum 70. Geburtstag. De Gruyter, 2024.

Translation of the blurb:
"For years, Martin Karrer's academic work has focused on textual criticism of the Septuagint, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Apocalypse. Companions and colleagues have submitted articles on the textual history and reception of these writings or group of writings to honor him on his 70th birthday. 

 

The collection provides an insight into the diversity of today's textual research and its relevance for research into early Judaism, the New Testament and early Christianity. 

 

The articles deal with the reception of LXX quotations in New Testament writings and in the works of church writers, as well as with the textual history and interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Apocalypse of John and the Gospel of John, as well as with individual manuscripts of apocryphal texts. 

 

It deals with papyrological and codicological aspects, paratextual elements and illustrations in manuscripts, patristic texts and catena, early versions (Latin, Sahidic, Arabic), late antique and early medieval commentaries and questions of canon history. 

 

The textual tradition and its carriers are viewed as witnesses to a diverse, living history."

Philo and Hebrews on the Concept of the Spiritualization of the Cult

I just came across this article:

 

Botica, Aurelian. “Philo of Alexandria and the Epistle to the Hebrews on the Concept of the Spiritualization of the Cult.” Perichoresis 21, Supplement 1 (2023): 40–66. 

Abstract:

"The Epistle to the Hebrews contains one of the most unique Greek lexicology and syntax of all the New Testament writings. Behind syntax, however, there lies a very profound theological vision on topics such as Christ, Temple, holiness, perseverance, and salvation. While studying Hebrews against the background of Graeco-Roman culture, the source most contemporary scholars mention as being closest to the world of Hebrews in this context is Philo of Alexandria. Not only on philological grounds, but also in matters of methods of interpreting the Old Testament cult and in theology, Hebrews and Philo share a very common background. Analyzing the Epistle to the Hebrews comparatively, we are bound to ask whether or not comparisons such as these are warranted. In the following study, we will state the state of the problem and then examine the two sources that seem to have served as a source of inspiration for the author of Hebrews: the Old Testament and Philo of Alexandria. We will focus exclusively on the issues of the method of allegory and the spiritualization/reinterpretation of Old Testament cultic entities since both Philo and Hebrews are characterized by these concerns. In essence, we will want to know who or what served as the most plausible source of inspiration for the author of Hebrews in the particular area of the reinterpretation of the Old Testament cult."

 

I will add it to the articles page .

The Spatiotemporal Eschatology of Hebrews

New book published:

 

Luke Woo. The Spatiotemporal Eschatology of Hebrews: Priestly Participation in the Heavenly Tabernacle. Bloomsbury T&T Clark.

Description:

There are two coexisting realities classified under New Testament eschatology: the temporal and spatial. While much scholarly attention has focused on the temporal, Luke Woo argues that the spatial aspect is either neglected or relegated to Platonic or cosmological categories. Woo thus seeks to provide a holistic understanding, by investigating these realities for believers under the heavenly tabernacle motif in the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Woo posits that the author of Hebrews presents the heavenly tabernacle and all its high priestly activity in order to eschatologically situate, orient, and ground believers; thus enabling believers to actualize their heavenly, priestly identity by serving as priests on earth. Woo uses Edward Soja's Tripartite Critical Spatiality to analyze the heavenly tabernacle's Firstspace, Secondspace, and Thirdspace features found in Hebrews 4:14; 8:1–5; 9:1–14. He suggests that Christ, in his resurrection and ascension, enters an actualized, heavenly tabernacle, which allows believers to spiritually occupy that sanctuary space in the presence of God, establishing a spatial orientation for believers who can identify as heavenly priests and be motivated to serve as such as they live on earth. 

The True Tabernacle of Hebrews 8:2

New article:

Church, Philip. “ ‘The True Tabernacle’ of Hebrews 8:2: A Response to Nicholas J. Moore." Tyndale Bulletin 75 (20204): 1–30.

Abstract
Does Hebrews 8:5 claim that Israel’s earthly sanctuaries are ‘shadowy copies’ of a heavenly sanctuary, or do these sanctuaries anticipate an eschatological sanctuary where God will dwell with his people, as I have argued? Nicholas J. Moore has critiqued my reading of this verse on the grounds that reading the expression ὑπόδειγμα καὶ σκιά as ‘copy and shadow’ is lexically permissible, that the idea that Israel’s earthly sanctuaries are copies of the heavenly sanctuary is widespread in the Second Temple period, and that my reading involves an awkward switch between temple and tabernacle in Hebrews 8:5. This article argues that it cannot be demonstrated that ὑπόδειγμα can have the sense ‘copy’, that the idea of the temple as an anticipation of God’s eschatological dwelling with his people is present at Qumran in ways that are similar to what is found in Hebrews, and that my reading involves no awkward switch between tabernacle and temple in Hebrews 8:5. Ultimately, it can be shown that a temporal reading of ὑπόδειγμα καί σκιά in Hebrews 8:5 contributes more to its context than does a spatial reading.

Up to Date with Hebrews

Nijay Gupta has a brief blog post on some recent Hebrews commentaries. Of course, if you have been following my blog, I try to post on all new scholarly works on Hebrews. I keep a running list of new works and upcoming works (that I know about) on my "New and Forthcoming Books" page. I try to keep the last three years up. Previous years, starting with 2010, are archived. Of course there are numerous popular-level works that come out every year that I do not bother to mention.

My Article in BETL Is Finally Published!

It's been three years in coming, but my article is finally published:

Brian C. Small. “The God Who Communicates: A Study in the Characterization of God in Hebrews.” Pages 209–23 in The Letter to the Hebrews. Edited by Régis Burnet. Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium 335. Leuven: Peeters, 2024.

Of course the whole collection of essays is now available for purchase from Peeters. Here is the summary for the whole volume:

"The 70th Colloquium Biblicum Lovaniense was the first in the history of the colloquium to be dedicated exclusively to the Letter to the Hebrews. It indicates the growing scholarly interest in the Letter, which occupies a special place in the Pauline corpus and in the canon because of its literary sophistication and intricate and profound theology. Moving beyond the old debates about its authorship, the colloquium focused on a number of other questions, including the Letter's contextual meaning, its roots in a Jewish context, its innovative use of intertextuality, in which Scripture is used not only as divine narrative, but also as a dynamic tool for exploring and formulating new forms of theological discourse, and the political dimensions of the text playing on the contrast between imperial discourse and a vision of heavenly citizenship. In addition, one will find essays on the Letter's complex portrayal of God, its peculiar stylistic and text-critical features, the significance of the figure of Melchizedek, reflections on the balance between divine wrath and mercy, and chapters from its ancient reception history. This wide-ranging approach illustrates the Letter's historical importance in the development of earliest Christian theology and its impact on Christian theology through the ages."