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Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Hebrews: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching
Hebrews is a sermon from the early Christian church that addresses a real, urgent, and still relevant pastoral a struggling congregation that may not keep the faith. Thomas Long shows how Hebrews exhorts the church to face its challenges and hold true, even into the twenty-first century. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.
153 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 13, 2018
Thomas Long contributes this volume to the Interpretation Bible Commentary Series on Hebrews. On the plus side, it’s lively and theologically sharp. On the negative side, it’s too brief. In line with the series, it gives a cogent rendition of the critical position. Out of line with the series, it’s too short for the size and importance of the book of Hebrews.
The Introduction is merely a teaser. He succeeds in wheting your appetite for Hebrews, but little more. No common topic addressed in the introduction of a commentary is sufficiently addressed here. The bibliography at the end is equally as meager. Turn on to the commentary proper.
Here there is value. He writes well. Even if you don’t agree with him, which was often the case for me, your gray matter will be activated. I got what I wanted out of this book. I could see where critical scholarship stands on Hebrews. As a bonus, there was some theology that you could take and run with. It should have been longer, but we will still label it a solid critical effort.
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.
The Introduction is merely a teaser. He succeeds in wheting your appetite for Hebrews, but little more. No common topic addressed in the introduction of a commentary is sufficiently addressed here. The bibliography at the end is equally as meager. Turn on to the commentary proper.
Here there is value. He writes well. Even if you don’t agree with him, which was often the case for me, your gray matter will be activated. I got what I wanted out of this book. I could see where critical scholarship stands on Hebrews. As a bonus, there was some theology that you could take and run with. It should have been longer, but we will still label it a solid critical effort.
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.
March 3, 2021
A powerful, valuable commentary on the letter to the Hebrews.
The author does well at the mission of the Interpretation series: he discusses each section of the work, provides a basic contextual interpretive framework, and excels at providing great and often even provocative "big picture" considerations of the text and what the Hebrews author is trying to accomplish.
You may not always agree with the direction he's going in, but you find the willingness to venture out refreshing. No, this is not a thorough commentary, but there's plenty out there for that purpose (deSilva, Bruce, etc.). This commentary is exactly what it needs to be: giving preachers and teachers something compelling to think about as they approach exhortation from Hebrews. Highly recommended.
The author does well at the mission of the Interpretation series: he discusses each section of the work, provides a basic contextual interpretive framework, and excels at providing great and often even provocative "big picture" considerations of the text and what the Hebrews author is trying to accomplish.
You may not always agree with the direction he's going in, but you find the willingness to venture out refreshing. No, this is not a thorough commentary, but there's plenty out there for that purpose (deSilva, Bruce, etc.). This commentary is exactly what it needs to be: giving preachers and teachers something compelling to think about as they approach exhortation from Hebrews. Highly recommended.
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April 12, 2023A good, short commentary on Hebrews.
The strength of Long's analysis is also his weakness. He sees Hebrews as a sermon. This, in and of itself, is not a bad notion. But it colors every bit of his interpretation to the point that it almost seems to become an exegetical crutch. But, on the other hand, that lens offers some interesting perspectives on the literary shape and structure of Hebrews.
I read this in preparation for a seminar I'll be giving on Hebrews and I'll refer back to it as I compile everything for the class.
The strength of Long's analysis is also his weakness. He sees Hebrews as a sermon. This, in and of itself, is not a bad notion. But it colors every bit of his interpretation to the point that it almost seems to become an exegetical crutch. But, on the other hand, that lens offers some interesting perspectives on the literary shape and structure of Hebrews.
I read this in preparation for a seminar I'll be giving on Hebrews and I'll refer back to it as I compile everything for the class.
August 29, 2019
I like Thomas Long, and I like Hebrews. But this commentary is pretty disappointing. I mean Long does fine interpreting Hebrews, but this is not a very deep treatment, and overly brief. Even for a homiletic commentary, I don't feel like it really delivers the goods. If anything it may point in a direction, but you will find deeper and more helpful stuff elsewhere.
August 31, 2016
I told a wiser pastor friend that I'd be preaching my way through Hebrews over the summer. He looked back at me over his cup of coffee and said, "Well, you have Tom Long's Interpretation commentary, right? No? I'll lend you my copy."
I'm glad he did. There were weeks when I was tempted to simply preach the commentary instead of working its insights into my sermon.
This is a preacher's commentary. Sometimes that a "preacher's commentary" can mean a string of illustrations and sentimental points loosely grounded in the text. Sometimes it means finding "deep theological truth" under every rock and even some places there aren't rocks. But not for Tom Long's.
This is rich and imaginative interaction with the text within its historical context. But that imagination flows out in diction, rhythm, exhortation, application that would do any preacher well.
A great commentary.
I'm glad he did. There were weeks when I was tempted to simply preach the commentary instead of working its insights into my sermon.
This is a preacher's commentary. Sometimes that a "preacher's commentary" can mean a string of illustrations and sentimental points loosely grounded in the text. Sometimes it means finding "deep theological truth" under every rock and even some places there aren't rocks. But not for Tom Long's.
This is rich and imaginative interaction with the text within its historical context. But that imagination flows out in diction, rhythm, exhortation, application that would do any preacher well.
A great commentary.
March 24, 2014
Good preachers book
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews