Reading Hebrews from a Majority World Perspective

New review in RBL:

Sofanit T. Abebe, Elizabeth W. Mburu, and Abeneazer G. Urga, eds. Reading Hebrews and 1 Peter from Majority World Perspectives. Review by Jaeda Charlotte Calaway.

 

 

New Article on the Descent of Christ and the Harrowing of Hell in Hebrews

Marcar, Katie. “Passover, Liberation, and the Defeat of Death and the Devil in Hebrews: A Proposal for the Descensus Christi and the Harrowing of Hell in Hebrews 2:14–15.” New Testament Studies 71 (2025): 264–83.

Thanks to Katie Marcar for the notice.

Reading Hebrews 12:4–13 as Proverbial Wisdom

New article:

Ch’ng, Adam. “Transposing Genre: Reading Hebrews 12:4–13 as Proverbial Wisdom.” Themelios 50.3 (2026): 512–26.

 

Abstract:

"By citing Proverbs 3:11–12 (LXX) in Hebrews 12:5–6, the author of Hebrews transposes the wisdom genre of the proverb into his broader exposition (12:4–13). This article integrates and applies the theories of John Frow and Tremper Longman III, and argues that the strong literary connections between the proverb and Hebrews 12:4–13 indicate the incorporation of the wisdom genre. Accordingly, Hebrews 12:4–13 should be read as proverbial wisdom, and its characterisation of human suffering as divine discipline should be understood not as a universal theodicy but as a circumstantial truth."

The Melchizedek Thread

Michael J. Alter. The Melchizedek Thread: Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and the Epistle to the Hebrews. Resource Publications, 2026.

 

Description:

"This rigorous academic work compellingly explores the profound connections between Melchizedek and key biblical texts, including Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and the Epistle to the Hebrews. Melchizedek remains one of Scripture’s most intriguing figures, collectively appearing only ten times in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, yet shrouded in mystery. The author of Hebrews presents a bold assertion: Jesus is a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 5:10), suggesting a more profound significance that transcends traditional understandings.The Melchizedek Thread employs a variety of approaches essential for a nuanced comprehension of its subject. This work draws on diverse disciplines, including archaeology, ancient history, biblical criticism, and theological reflection, to explore the implications of Melchizedek’s role, culminating in the Epistle to the Hebrews. It meticulously examines the intricate themes of ancient biblical history, messiahship, and priesthood, weaving together a worldview from multiple perspectives. Unique, it explores a Jewish and Muslim (worldview) critique of Hebrews. This work is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand Melchizedek’s significance in a multifaceted and meaningful way. It encourages an open dialogue among traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation of this enigmatic figure and his enduring impact on faith and theology."

Review of Woo, Spaciotemporal Eschatology of Hebrews

Bryan J. Whitfield reviews Luke Woo, The Spatiotemporal Eschatology of Hebrews: Priestly Participation in the Heavenly Tabernacle, in RBL.

New Article: The Speaking God

Urga, Abeneazer G. “The Speaking God: Divine Revelation in Hebrews and Its Implications for African Biblical Hermeneutics.” Conspectus 40 (October 2025): 18–30.

Hebrews Highlights - December 2025 - February 2026

I am catching up on blog posts. Here are the Hebrews Highlights for December 2025 through mid-February 2026:

 

Ken Schenck continues his narrative journey through Hebrews:

          Remember the Good Times (Hebrews 6, 10)

          The Impossibility of Repentance (Heb. 6:3-8; 10:26-31)

          The Rhetorical Strategy of Hebrews

          An Eternal Priest (Hebrews 5, 7)

          The New Covenant (Hebrews 8)

          A Better Sacrifice and Sanctuary (Hebrews 9 and 10)

          The Cheering Witnesses (chapter 11)

          The Discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12)

          Celebrating the Enthroned Christ (Hebrews 1)

          The Logic of Salvation (Hebrews 2)

Brian Davidson argues that Reading the OT Figurally Is Desperately Important and this is what Hebrews does.

He also sees a four-pattern match between Melchizedek and Jesus.

Phil Cecil and Ryan Meyer discusses The Use of Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2 in the Theologically Driven podcast

New Book: The Transcendent Christ

John P. Joy and Peter A. Kwasniewski, eds. The Transcendent Christ: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews. Os Justi Press, 2026.

 

"The Transcendent Christ makes available the conferences given by faculty at a summer study session sponsored by the Saint Albert the Great Center for Scholastic Studies and held in Norcia, Italy. The overarching theme was the Letter to the Hebrews. These conferences explored aspects of the text as well as its reception in Catholic theology and liturgy.

• Dr. John P. Joy speaks of “The Sacrifice of Christ as an Act of Vicarious Satisfaction.”
• Rev. Thomas Crean, O.P., explores “How Is the Mass a Sacrifice?”
• Rev. Yosyp Veresh considers “The Symbolism of the First Entrance of the Holy Synaxis in the Mystagogy of St. Maximus the Confessor.”
• Rev. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B., presents “Biblical and Liturgical Typology in the Letter to the Hebrews.”
• Dr. Peter Kwasniewski expounds “The Christian Liturgy as Sacrificium Laudis in the Epistle to the Hebrews.”
• Br. Evagrius Hayden, O.S.B., addresses “Credere oportet accedentem ad Deum: On the Nature and Necessity of Faith.”
• Dr. Daniel Lendman discusses “Christ as Head of the Human Race.”
• Rev. Thomas Crean, O.P., presides over a Quæstiones Disputatæ in which three questions are debated: Whether he who performs the rites of the Old Law offends God?; Whether the shedding of blood is necessary for the remission of sins?; Whether to please God it is sufficient to believe that He exists and is a rewarder of those who seek Him?
• In a chapter specially commissioned for this new edition, Dr. Nathan Schmiedicke masterfully defends “The Pauline Authorship of Hebrews,” espoused by a dominant tradition in East and West.

Both scholars and the general public will find these proceedings full of new and valuable insights into one of the most majestic and mysterious writings in the New Testament—and will better understand the enormous influence it has wielded over the centuries."

Hebrews: The Whole Way

From Daniel Fulton:

"The Francis Asbury Society will be holding a Monday night Bible Study during the spring on the letter to the Hebrews! We're excited to have Dr John Oswalt leading our weekly Bible Study again. You can attend in person in Wilmore or join us online like I'll be doing most weeks. Sessions are recorded so if you're unable to join live you can go back later and rewatch the session!

 

Maybe you'd like to get a small group together from your church and go through the study together, if you are watching together as a church or small group let FAS know!"

 

WHEN: Starting Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET 

 

Register here:

 

Hebrews: The Whole Way. A Bible Study with Dr. John N. Oswalt

Unbound Book Review on Kevin McCruden's New Book

Unbound Book Review: A New and Living Way