Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul, Volume 1

Preaching the Word

by R. Kent Hughes

The book of Hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power. It not only presents the greatness of Christ in ways no other New Testament writing does, but it repeatedly demands a heart response from the reader. No one can study Hebrews and not grow spiritually and come face to face in a new way with Christ. It is also true that no New Testament book has had more background research than Hebrews, and none has spawned a greater diversity of opinion. However, virtually all agree that the grand theme of this epistle is the supremacy and finality of the Lord Jesus Christ. Life-changing themes come from God to us in this marvelous epistle. The unequalled glories of Jesus Christ—the solemn danger of drifting away from dependence on divine grace—a heavenly high priest who understands and is ever ready to help—the rest only God can give, even in the middle of trials and of demanding ministry—the hope that is ours through a blood covenant with an awesome God—these and other topics from Hebrews must be understood and put to work practically if we are to live and serve as God's people today. Those who preach, teach, and study the Word of God will find this book a gold mine of helpful discussion a Bible book easily misunderstood and often overlooked. With divisions and outlines that are never forced but flow naturally from the text, Hebrews will be a great resource for all who desire to communicate God's truth and seek to grow in their own faith through personal Bible study. Part of the Preaching the Word series.

Genres: Theology, Christian

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 1993

About the author

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and a visiting professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear exposition of Hebrews chapters 1-9. I'm guessing these are sermons that Kent Hughes preached in his church. They are excellent biblical expositions, and very helpful, but also heart-warming, not dry-as-dust academic commentaries. Coming from a pastor's heart, they are full of application. Superb illustrations, with an index to the illustrations at the back. Excellent!!!

[Wassenario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fresh appreciation for the finished work of Christ as High Priest!

[Sagely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way back when I was in undergrad, my first really challenging Bible course was on Hebrews. Hughes' two-volume commentary was required reading for the course.

I remember be challenged by the biblical material. I think my prof said something to the effect that Hebrews may be one of the most challenging parts of Scripture to preach and teach. Hughes was helpful (if sermonizing) guide through the book. I'm glad I've hung on to both my prof's thoughts and this commentary.

Hughes is far from academic, and he's solidly rooted in his Evangelical subculture (as Evangelical as you'd expect the then pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, to be). But the text is friendly and full of great illustrations and applications. I quoted sections often enough during my sermon series on Hebrews this summer.

This is a useful remnant of my Bible college days. I'm glad I still have it on the shelf.

[Jeff Noble]

Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul, Volume 1 (Preaching the Word) by R. Kent Hughes (?)