The Epistle to the Hebrews (New International Commentary on the New Testament

The New International Commentary on the New Testament

by Gareth Lee Cockerill, Paul the Apostle

This commentary by Gareth Lee Cockerill offers fresh insight into the Epistle to the Hebrews, a well-constructed sermon that encourages its hearers to persevere despite persecution and hardships in light of Christ's unique sufficiency as Savior. Cockerill analyzes the book's rhetorical, chiastic shape and interprets each passage in light of this overarching structure. He also offers a new analysis of the epistle's use of the Old Testament -- continuity and fulfillment rather than continuity and discontinuity -- and shows how this consistent usage is relevant for contemporary biblical interpretation. Written in a clear, engaging, and accessible style, this commentary will benefit pastors, laypeople, students, and scholars alike.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Reference

792 pages, Hardcover

First published November 25, 2011

Reviews

[Rylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still a newbie to Hebrews and its current state of affairs, I do find Cockerill's structure of Hebrews compelling.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess this volume on Hebrews replaces F.F. Bruce's volume in the New International Commentary on the New Testament commentary series. It is a good commentary, but with some caveats:

1. This is a technical commentary so it is too exhaustive/filled with footnotes—most of little interest to all but the most avid students of the Bible or pastors—to be read without the utmost dedication. I'm not a huge fan of technical commentaries, because that is not where my interests lie, but if you are a nuts and bolts kind of guy, then this commentary is for you.

2. Cockerill's structure of Hebrews, while imaginative and for all I know exactly how the author wanted the commentary to be understood, is very complex and difficult. I came away from reading the commentary understanding Hebrews a lot better, but really having no better grasp of the overall structure of the book then when I began. If you ask me, true genius is making the complex simple, we don't have that here.

Still there is a lot to like about the commentary:

1. I love that Cockerill refers to the unknown author of the book through as "the pastor." I think this is a good choice. We don't know who he was (but everyone has guesses), but the book does seem to be in the structure of a long and complex sermon.

2. Where Cockerill gets to the meat of the text, he is really, really good. For example, here Cockerill comments on Heb. 13:9 - "The opposite of "allowing" oneself to be "carried away with the strange teachings" is for "the heart to be confirmed by grace." The pastor's main concern has always been the heart because it is the source of both rebellion and perseverance in obedience."

3. Mr. Cockerill has read (and absorbed) seemingly all the literature on Hebrews and he is not afraid to take on a poor interpretation. In one footnote addressing Hebrews 13.4-5, he comments: "By 'marriage' and 'marriage bed' the pastor can be referring to nothing other than the bond between a man and a woman established by God in the opening chapters of Genesis. There is absolutely no warrant for the following statement by Johnson (342). 'We cannot conclude that the readers of Hebrews did not have or honor other expressions of sexuality beside marriage.'"

4. My favorite thing about the commentary is that Mr. Cockerill believes in the God who inspired the text of Hebrews. I'm glad that God raises up people like him to write technical commentaries. They have their place, and while not suitable for most Christians, really are crucial overall (see comment 3 above).

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gareth Cockerill's commentary on Hebrews for the NICNT is superb. He does an excellent job at introducing his own take on the numerous difficult questions concerning this Epistle--namely, who wrote it, to whom was it addressed, when was it written, etc. Cockerill's comments on each section and each verses are insightful and astoundingly thorough. I also appreciated his willingness to interact with--both in agreement and in disagreement--many other articles, books, and monographs on the subject from a variety of different authors. Cockerill, rather than simply regurgitating everyone else's insights, comes through with his own unique style, interpretation, and assessment of Hebrews. I would highly recommend this to anyone taking a class on the Epistle to the Hebrews or who is exegeting a passage from Hebrews for a class discussion, church gathering, or the like.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on Hebrews. Cockerill really leans into the idea of this being a sermon written by a pastor. He is able to present the big picture but also focus on some of the more specific issues of the letter. Highly recommended.

[Luke Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid commentary. He gives good insight and makes one think.

[Vanjr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good commentary on a very important book in the Bible. Hebrews is (imo) as important to the middle and end of the Christian life as Romans is to the beginning and first steps.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch. Is very faithful to context and themes.