The Letter to the Hebrews (The Pillar New Testament Commentary

by Sigurd Grindheim

What does the Letter to the Hebrews have to say to Christians today? A compelling exhortation to hold true to the faith in the face of adversity. A sermon rife with iconic imagery and Old Testament allusions. A signal work of theology in the New Testament. Above all, the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. But the book’s textual complexity and long history of interpretation can be overwhelming. In this new Pillar commentary, Sigurd Grindheim illuminates the Letter to the Hebrews, paying careful attention to linguistic features and historical context—all while centering its relevance to modern readers. Grindheim clearly and comprehensively addresses major issues about the text, including authorship, date, canonicity, formal qualities, and major themes. Following his thorough introduction, he explains each line of the text and its significance for believers today. Grindheim’s commentary offers pastors, students, and scholars the clarity and fresh insights they want in their scriptural study.

Genres: Reference

848 pages, Hardcover

Published November 28, 2023

Reviews

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and readable commentaries are so rare. While I don't follow all of Grindheim's exegetical conclusions, I found this to be a wonderful commentary.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

He did it. He had big shoes to fill, but he replaced the Hebrews volume in this much-beloved series. He had big words to live up to as well. After I had almost finished the Introduction and was becoming impressed with Sigurd Grindheim, who I had never heard of, I turned back to D.A. Carson’s Editor’s Preface and read the high praise of “lucid brevity” among other things and found he lived up to that too. High expectations I found had been met and exceeded.

What makes this a winning commentary? First, it’s the breath. It’s noticeably impressive. It would take a far better man than me to think of something about Hebrews that he hadn’t fully surveyed. Second, it’s the writing style. Complex things sound simple without an ounce of superficiality. Third, it’s the sparkling theology that can keep the big picture in focus. If you force me to find a flaw, occasionally he led you right to the end before you could figure exactly where he stood, but even that criticism is a stretch.

The Introduction is thorough in its coverage, brilliant in its synthesis and thoughtful in its conclusions. I’m shocked I would say this, but his discussion of authorship and date was riveting. Scholars en masse have rejected the idea of a Pauline authorship, but his fair and balanced presentation led me to believe it’s not as unreasonable as you would think. That is not his conclusion, but that shows the magnanimity of his writing. Audience and occasion are well related while Structure is presented with the most reasonableness possible. I’m forced to agree with it. Rhetoric, an unavoidable issue in Hebrews, is evenly portrayed. Reception gets a deep turn, but as you will see, the doctrinal battles of the church must stop by the door of Hebrews. His discussion of theology kind of suggests theme as much as theology and is winsome all around.

From there, the commentary had little chance of failing. Everything you need for exegesis is neatly packaged, but then, and here’s the neat part, you are left with the essence as well. Commentaries served up from this recipe will gladly find me feasting at its table.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Spencer R · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my fuller review at SpoiledMilks (July 22, 2024)

Sigurd Grindheim has replaced Peter O’Brien’s previous volume in the PNTC series with an even longer and more in-depth treatment of Hebrews.
The author wanted to encourage his readers to persevere in the faith. He sprinkles exhortations not to apostatize throughout his letter, necessary due to the persecution and shame they are experiencing. This is a matter of “communal concern” (30).

Grindheim offers eleven excursuses throughout his commentary, with a few being pretty long.

Grindheim brings out the theology of the letter when he writes, “The theology of Hebrews may be described as a theology of intimacy with God. Jesus has brought God near, and he has brought people near to God” (60). “Distance has been traded for intimacy” (60). The new covenant has been mediated through the perfect and eternal Son, the exact image of God.

Grindheim has truly given us an impressive work of scholarship and care for theology and how we live today as Christians. Grindheim’s depth is astounding and, though scholarly, very readable. Highly recommended.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I referenced quite a few commentaries in my sermon series on Hebrews, but four were particularly helpful. This one, by Grindheim, is more academic than the others and so was helpful on more technical issues. I was thankful for this resource.

[Other commentaries I referenced: Kistemaker (not in Goodreads! 5 stars!), Bruce, Guthrie]