David Moffitt talks about some of the key ideas in his new book, Rethinking the Atonement, on Nijay Gupta's blog, Crux Sola. Meanwhile Bobby Jamieson converses about his book, The Paradox of Sonship, with Mike Bird on a Spotify podcast.
I wanted to check the contents before posting anything on this blog. The book contains 15 chapters: an introduction and 14 essays. Most of the essays have appeared in a similar form in earlier articles and book chapters. David told me that a couple of chapters are new. Chapters 2–11 are focused on Hebrews, while the remaining chapters deal with other NT books. Here is the blurb from the website:
"Traditional views on the atonement tend to be reductive, focusing solely
on Jesus's death on the cross. In his 2011 groundbreaking book Atonement and the Logic of Resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews,
David Moffitt challenged that paradigm, showing how the atonement is a
fuller process. It involves not only Jesus's death but also his
resurrection, ascension, offering, and exaltation.
In the
succeeding years, Moffitt has continued to expand and clarify his
thinking on this issue. This book offers a more fulsome articulation of
his work on the atonement that reflects his recent thinking on the
topic. Moffitt continues to challenge reductive views of the atonement,
primarily from the book of Hebrews, but he engages other New Testament
passages as well. He offers fresh insights on sacrifice and atonement,
the importance of resurrection and ascension, Jesus's role as priest,
and a new perspective on Hebrews.
This important book brings Moffitt's award-winning and influential scholarship to a broader audience."
Michael Bird preached three sermons on Hebrews at Ridley Chapel.
Theme: Hebrews and the Pauline Tradition
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 invited papers that engaged with specific
texts or themes in Hebrews and the Pauline Epistles. For more
information, please contact Madison Pierce (mpierce@tiu.edu) and Bryan
Dyer (bdyer@bakeracademic.com).
Theme: IBR Unscripted
This
session of the IBR Annual Meeting offers biblical scholars the
opportunity to present their new and innovative ideas in an engaging
forum inspired by the famous TED talks. Scholars will speak without
notes and are encouraged to use a variety of media to help the audience
interact with their ideas. A generous discussion time will follow each
presentation. For more information, see Institute for Biblical Research
(https://www.ibr-bbr.org/).
Theme: Features of the Emerging Reign of Jesus in Mark
Robert Snow, Ambrose University College, Presiding (1 min)Theme: The Relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament
The
theme for 2022 will be “Appropriating Hebrews's Scriptural Hermeneutic
for the 21st Century.” For more information, please contact Dana Harris
(dharris@tiu.edu) and David Stark (david@jdavidstark.com).
Theme: Open Paper Session
Eunjoo Kim, Iliff School of Theology, PresidingTheme: Pauline Manuscripts as Biographical Memorialization
This
session explores the Pauline manuscript tradition as a site of
biographical memorialization, asking how Paul’s biographical legacy was
reflected in and shaped by the manuscripts that contain his letters.
Theme: Bible, Text, and Tradition in North Africa 2
This
session continues the focus on the reception and use of Scripture in
North Africa, including the interpretation of specific texts, knowledge
of biblical languages, the formation of the canon, and other aspects
related to the theme.
Theme: Recent Books on Ecology and NT Epistles
Reviews
of Jeffrey Lamp, "Hebrews: An Earth Bible Commentary
A City That Cannot Be Shaken" (Bloomsbury, 2020) and Presian Burroughs
"Creation’s Slavery and Liberation: Paul’s Letter to Rome in the Midst
of Imperial and Industrial Agriculture" (Cascade Library of Pauline
Studies, forthcoming).
Odor, Judith. “Creating Community: Rhetorical Vision and Symbolic Convergence in the Book of Hebrews.” The Asbury Journal 77.2 (2022): 318–40.
"Since the introduction of social identity theory to the field of biblical studies, the Epistle to the Hebrews has become something of a proving ground for depicting the intergroup relations that are key to understanding relationally-oriented identity dynamics and community identification. However, while social identity theory is a valuable tool for describing how communities self-perceive as unique social entities through the use of in-group and out-group language, social identity theory does not describe the rhetorical process by which such language and communication develops or why this development is so key to creating a distinct community. Symbolic convergence theory, with its elements of fantasy themes, symbolic cues, and rhetorical vision, gives us the unique language we need to describe that process, and the epistle to the Hebrews demonstrates not only the characteristics of a collective identity, but the very birth of that identity as well."
Gary Cockerill recently preached in Hughes Auditorium at Asbury University on Hebrews 12:1–4, "The End Game."
Here is Gary's blog post.
Here is the Asbury podcast page.
New article:
Murphy, Bryan. “Priest according to the Order of Melchizedek.” The Master’s Seminary Journal 33.2 (Fall 2022): 297–304."The Messianic Hope of Israel includes more than just the right to rule over all the nations from the Davidic throne. It also incorporates a replacement of the Aaronic priesthood with a priesthood patterned after that of Melchizedek. The evidence for this is found in the predictive promise made by Yahweh through David in Psalm 110. In the New Testament, the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews explains and applies this same promise as a justification for the superiority of Christ to both the Aaronic priesthood and the entire Old Testament sacrificial system. This article will present the case for the Messiah being not only one with a rightful claim to sovereignty over all nations, but also as one appointed eternally as the mediator between God and men."
New article:
Hughes, Adam. “Expository Preaching with Biblical Contexts on the Horizon: Hebrews as a Sermonic Model.” Southeastern Theological Review 13.2 (Fall 2022): 45–64.
"The rationale for and benefits of expository preaching have been well established in the field of homiletics. If a fair critique exists for this philosophy of preaching, however, it is that it is often seen as less applicable to the lives of the audience and therefore less effective in producing life change. One reason may be the hesitancy of practitioners to employ contextualization in their preaching. Perhaps the hesitancy lies in the concern that to do so could corrupt the meaning and intent of the pericope in the sermon. In this article, the author addresses this perceived and potential deficiency by arguing for the use of multiple levels of contextualization in expository preaching. In order to do so, four aspects of contextualization will be identified. Then, by using these aspects as a guide, the book of Hebrews, which has been recognized by contemporary scholarship as being sermonic, will be analyzed to offer both a biblical precedent for and model of a fourfold aspect of contextualization in expository preaching. Finally, five implications for contemporary preaching will be offered."
My friend, Gary Cockerill, has a new book out on Hebrews. I am pleased to announce the publication of this book.
"Yesterday, Today, and Forever is not a theology of the Letter to the Hebrews, nor is it simply another commentary on the text. Nevertheless, if you take time to work through this reading guide, you will gain a rich, holistic understanding of Hebrews' theology, and you will be able to come back to this volume again and again as a resource for personal growth, teaching, and preaching. This book was written out of the author's desire to share the fruit of more than thirty-five years of study and meditation on this often neglected but rich New Testament book, to help readers see its vision of the all-sufficient Christ and to gain a holistic grasp of the way the author of Hebrews has arranged the material of this book to encourage us in a life of faithfulness--a message of importance for the world in which we live. The book of Hebrews has been divided into seven weeks of daily readings (forty-nine days), so you will have time for Hebrews to permeate your heart and mind. If you patiently follow this schedule, you will be rewarded with an understanding of Hebrews unavailable to those who want a quick fix."
Endorsements:
“Cockerill . . . presents the fruit of his work in a book that is accessible to every student of the Bible. What we find here are the reflections of a scholar who has marinated in Hebrews for years. The structure of the letter, the meaning of the text, its theological significance, and the pastoral application are unpacked clearly and profoundly. Pastors, students, and all who want to understand Hebrews will want to read this book.”
—Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Cockerill brings to fresh life the often-neglected book of Hebrews. Cockerill guides the reader through a magnificent seven-week journey through the glorious heights and peaks of this cherished landscape of biblical revelation. In the process, he reveals to us anew how Christ fulfills all of the great themes of the Old Testament, such as law, sacrifice, and priesthood. I encourage Christians to engage in this amazing journey and recapture anew the glorious identity of Jesus Christ for all time.”
—Timothy C. Tennent, Asbury Theological Seminary
“Yesterday, Today, and Forever is such a treasure! Cockerill’s many years of in-depth study and eager willingness to be mentored by the ‘pastor’ of Hebrews richly infuses this present volume. . . . Cockerill’s own pastoral heart makes this seven-week study winsome, compelling, and accessible. This book opens the door to one of the most powerful, beautiful, and persuasive sermons ever written! Those who enter this door will be richly blessed.”
—Dana M. Harris, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“The grandeur and beauty of the book of Hebrews are only matched by its avoidance and near ignorance in the church. . . . In Yesterday, Today, and Forever, Cockerill puts his lifetime of studying and living Hebrews on the table in front of us and in a plate served just to us. This beautiful, timely book is what the church needs!”
—Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary
“For some, the book of Hebrews is ‘too difficult’. But unless they engage with it, they are likely to remain spiritual infants. In this superb sevenweek guide, a leading Hebrews scholar takes us step by step through the book. Through its pastoral teaching, we can be shaped and formed into adult Christians. Highly recommended!”
—Thomas A. Noble, Nazarene Theological Seminary
“In this reading guide, Cockerill has masterfully and passionately showcased the crown jewels discovered during his lifetime of exploration in the book of Hebrews. These rich meditations . . . provide a clear and concise guide for a life-changing seven-week journey. Listen afresh to the inspired sermon/letter of ‘the pastor.’ This is a journey not to be missed, and never to be forgotten!”
—Richard M. Davidson, Andrews University
“In a day when Hebrews is often overlooked, Yesterday, Today, and Forever is very much needed. Not only is it grounded in Gareth Cockerill’s lifetime of scholarship, it’s also an accessible guide for the faith and practice of the broader church. Readers will find their knowledge and experience of God in Christ strengthened and deepened.”
—Matt O’Reilly, Wesley Biblical Seminary
“Yesterday, Today and Forever takes Dr. Cockerill’s mind as a Hebrews scholar and combines it beautifully with his pastor’s heart to give a study that is as spiritually formative as it is intellectually. . . . Whether used in personal devotions, textbook for a class, or study in the local church, the Holy Spirit will use it to form believers into greater likeness to God through our ‘all-sufficient High Priest who remains forever.’”
—Christopher T. Bounds, Indiana Wesleyan University
Ken Schenck has written up an Introduction to his Explanatory Notes on Hebrews.
Endorsements of Gary Cockerill's new book on Hebrews: Yesterday, Today & Forever.
Kevin Burr interviews Ben Witherington about the Sermon to the Hebrews in his Faith in the Folds podcast.
Brill has published a new commentary on Hebrews in the Pentecostal Commentary Series:
R. Hollis Gause. Hebrews.
"This commentary, written from a distinctively Pentecostal perspective, is primarily for pastors, lay persons and Bible students. It is based upon the best scholarship, written in popular language, and communicates the meaning of the text with minimal technical distractions. The authors offer a running exposition on the text and extended comments on matters of special signicance for Pentecostals. They acknowledge and interact with alternative interpretations of individual passages. This commentary also provides periodic opportunities for reflection upon and personal response to the biblical text."
