A Commentary on Hebrews

by David McClister

A Commentary on Hebrews approaches the text with an eye on the ancient context as the starting-point of interpretation. He writes primarily for those whose goal is simply find out what Hebrews is about and what it says. In this commentary, McClister has aimed to present an interpretation consistent with both the historical context of the book and the belief that Hebrews is God-inspired literature that still has something to say to God's people today.

546 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thorough commentary on the letter to the Hebrews.

The author maintains a rather traditional posture about the Hebrews letter as written to Jewish Christians, likely at Jerusalem, but recognizes the open nature of the question of authorship. The author will discuss matters of the Greek text and will make occasional reference to modern scholarship on Hebrews, particularly deSilva on the patron/client paradigm. The author includes a lecture given on a related subject that provides benefit and illumination on the text.

On the whole the commentary is sound; even if you do not agree about the author's given conclusion, he has explained many options and one respects him even in disagreement.

I did perceive a bit of holding back in the commentary, particularly in terms of various kinds of exegetical options, especially toward the early part of the letter.

The work is a good commentary baseline, and one does well to consult it in study, along with other commentaries which prove willing to explore more uncharted waters in the letter to the Hebrews.

[Brenden Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent commentary on Hebrews. This was the main commentary I consulted while teaching the book of Hebrews.

Things I appreciated about this commentary:
- McClister did not observe the "pass-over" on challenging questions/texts.
- Comments were in-depth, but I did not feel over my head or find myself asking, "What's the point" as I read.
- Attention was paid to the historical background and context of the book.
- Original languages were consulted but only when necessary.

Overall, I found McClister's notes to be helpful in my study, and I think any Bible student would profit from having this commentary in their library.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on Hebrews. McClister takes what can be a difficult letter and helps you to understand what the first century readers were facing and how the author wrote to encourage them to remain true to Jesus Christ. In the debated passages he provides the pros and cons for various positions. As I preached through Hebrews this year, this commentary was my first read after the text. It proved valuable and helpful.

Full disclosure: McClister was a professor of mine at Florida College.