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Hebrews: A Call to Commitment
By surpassing most traditional commentaries, Lane's work unveils Hebrews as a sermon rendered by a concerned "preacher" to his Roman church, which is under persecution and dangerously close to rejecting the faith. As an exposition of encouragement and exhortation, Hebrews addresses the central concerns of our contemporary church as well: the felt absence of God, a climate of uncertainty and insecurity, the tension between secular conformity and spiritual maturity and the treat of societal perversion and materialism to a Christian commitment. Christians are called upon to express a faith that is rooted in the future and to continue this life of pilgrimage with a radical new view of reality, which is based on sure confidence in the intervention of God in daily life. Tracing the writer's development thought by thought, rather than verse by verse, careful attention is paid to the cultural and historical background. This work is useful as a study guide for groups and individuals, or for any reader who wishes a mature understanding of the book of Hebrews.
188 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 30, 2024
Highly recommend this shorter version of Lane’s longer Word commentary. Great walk-through of the book with attention to the structure and argument of the Book of Hebrews. Must read for those teaching and preaching through Hebrews.
From the Forward, Lane says that:
In revising the presentations for publication I have sought to prepare a book which could serve as a teaching manual for study groups or individuals. Certain features of the format reflect this goal:
(1) frequent citation of the text in order to foster engagement with the detail of the statement in Hebrews;
(2) free use of first and second personal pronouns in order to encourage identification with the concerns of the writer and with those of the community of men and women whom he addressed;
(3) highlighting by italics in order to indicate significant terms, observations, and conclusions;
(4) repetition of key observations, and sometimes of the argument, as a deliberate teaching device;
(5) a summary of the previous chapter by way of review and of emphasizing significant points of transition from one section of the document to the next;
(6) inclusion of tables and outlines to demonstrate how the structure of a unit or section serves to advance the communication of the message.
I have sought to express myself with clarity. I have not hesitated to appeal to sources extraneous to Hebrews in order to illustrate the significance of Hebrews.
The translation of the text of Hebrews is my own. Supporting detail for the translation and the exposition of the text will be found in my forthcoming commentary on Hebrews, which will be released in the Word Biblical Commentary series.
May God, who in the past spoke to the fathers through the prophets but who in this present time speaks his definitive word through his Son, breathe life into these words that you may better hear his voice today.
William L. Lane
February 23, 1985
The Feast of Polycarp of Smyrna, Martyr (10-11)
From the Forward, Lane says that:
In revising the presentations for publication I have sought to prepare a book which could serve as a teaching manual for study groups or individuals. Certain features of the format reflect this goal:
(1) frequent citation of the text in order to foster engagement with the detail of the statement in Hebrews;
(2) free use of first and second personal pronouns in order to encourage identification with the concerns of the writer and with those of the community of men and women whom he addressed;
(3) highlighting by italics in order to indicate significant terms, observations, and conclusions;
(4) repetition of key observations, and sometimes of the argument, as a deliberate teaching device;
(5) a summary of the previous chapter by way of review and of emphasizing significant points of transition from one section of the document to the next;
(6) inclusion of tables and outlines to demonstrate how the structure of a unit or section serves to advance the communication of the message.
I have sought to express myself with clarity. I have not hesitated to appeal to sources extraneous to Hebrews in order to illustrate the significance of Hebrews.
The translation of the text of Hebrews is my own. Supporting detail for the translation and the exposition of the text will be found in my forthcoming commentary on Hebrews, which will be released in the Word Biblical Commentary series.
May God, who in the past spoke to the fathers through the prophets but who in this present time speaks his definitive word through his Son, breathe life into these words that you may better hear his voice today.
William L. Lane
February 23, 1985
The Feast of Polycarp of Smyrna, Martyr (10-11)
March 23, 2022
A good, short primer on the letter to the Hebrews. Lane focuses on the commitment of Christians to pilgrim in a strange land as their eyes are fixed on Jesus. This book would be properly used, in my opinion, in a small group Bible study or Sunday school class. Not designed to assist preachers with sermon prep as very little expositional detail is given. Nice resource, nonetheless.
November 27, 2017
Good, concise commentary. I have some minor points of theological disagreement, but overall helpful.
May 31, 2022
A thorough but accessible commentary of the highest quality.
Hebrews is my favorite epistle. Except, William Lane here contends that Hebrews shouldn’t be classified as an epistle at all. It is a sermon, written to be read aloud by a preacher, on behalf of an absent pastor. Lane breaks it down with a thorough sermon analysis, showing how every point is introduced, developed, supported, and applied.
This makes Hebrews the only New Testament sermon we possess in its entirety. All the rest are heavily abbreviated. Hebrews is apostolic preaching in all of its splendor, structure, exegesis, and eloquence. Its an apostolic model for topical preaching.
No doubt readers (especially preachers) of this commentary will benefit from the theological insight contained within. The real treasure though, is seeing one of the greatest sermons ever written, come alive like you’re hearing it right alongside its first century audience.
Hebrews is my favorite epistle. Except, William Lane here contends that Hebrews shouldn’t be classified as an epistle at all. It is a sermon, written to be read aloud by a preacher, on behalf of an absent pastor. Lane breaks it down with a thorough sermon analysis, showing how every point is introduced, developed, supported, and applied.
This makes Hebrews the only New Testament sermon we possess in its entirety. All the rest are heavily abbreviated. Hebrews is apostolic preaching in all of its splendor, structure, exegesis, and eloquence. Its an apostolic model for topical preaching.
No doubt readers (especially preachers) of this commentary will benefit from the theological insight contained within. The real treasure though, is seeing one of the greatest sermons ever written, come alive like you’re hearing it right alongside its first century audience.
May 9, 2021
It is impossible to overstate the value of a book that intelligently unfolds the plain meaning of the plain words of Scripture as they were intended for ordinary people. I’m grateful for this little commentary on Hebrews; it helped me make many connections I hadn’t made before, and it brought the words of Scripture home to my heart again and again. It is rare to sit with a commentator who, instead of looking at the text as an opportunity to demonstrate his learning and dexterity, seems solely concerned with the reality that the living God has spoken and with discovering what God said.
One interpretive detail I appreciate about this book: maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but I wasn’t aware of the theory that Hebrews is a sermon MS instead of a proper epistle. This commentary has succeeded in selling me on that idea, and now I want to do a more in-depth study of its form, perhaps even considered as a model of what Christian preaching ought to be.
One interpretive detail I appreciate about this book: maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but I wasn’t aware of the theory that Hebrews is a sermon MS instead of a proper epistle. This commentary has succeeded in selling me on that idea, and now I want to do a more in-depth study of its form, perhaps even considered as a model of what Christian preaching ought to be.
July 12, 2024
Commentaries are usually too dull and plodding, but the format of this, more of an extended essay that moves sequentially through the book, is perfect for preaching through a book. The best feature is its organization of the book which helps break it down into digestible chunks for dissemination.
February 6, 2018
Outstanding little book which has done a lot to help me understand Hebrews. I highly recommend it.
March 16, 2018
Excellent summative commentary on Hebrews!
November 16, 2019
Most accessible commentary you'll find on Hebrews.
September 19, 2011
This is a solid study through the book of Hebrews. It does an impressive job of explaining the setting and timeline of the book.
I used this as a guide through our small group's study of Hebrews, however thought it was a bit too heavy to pass out to the class to read along. It is published by Regent College, so it is extremely academic but worth the effort. I mix of this book and some other online resources that I found, in combination, lead to a solid 12-13 week discussion.
If Hebrews is missing in your repertoire of books of the Bible you've studied through, this is a great help.
I used this as a guide through our small group's study of Hebrews, however thought it was a bit too heavy to pass out to the class to read along. It is published by Regent College, so it is extremely academic but worth the effort. I mix of this book and some other online resources that I found, in combination, lead to a solid 12-13 week discussion.
If Hebrews is missing in your repertoire of books of the Bible you've studied through, this is a great help.
February 10, 2011
Great summary of the book of Hebrews. Doesn’t miss the forest for the trees and vice versa. Interprets Hebrews 6 and 10 from an Arminian perspective, but it doesn’t play an important or extended part in his overall argument. Overall, highly recommended for someone in the pew needing an overview of Hebrews.
October 21, 2011
A good exposition of a biblical book often neglected by the church today. I believe the Book of Hebrews will become more and more relevant the closer we come to Christ's return. May we stand firm in the faith, despite the coming trials.
August 29, 2007
A solid book on Hebrews. It is very theological and pretty tough to read.
July 27, 2011
Clear, but excessively repetitive since the text was originally delivered as lectures.
July 13, 2015
A very sound overview of the letter to the Hebrews...you won't be disappointed
December 16, 2012
Written in a readable style, with some memorable lines, and a pretty solid commentary. I don't agree with his thoughts on apostasy in the book of Hebrews. But overall, pretty helpful.
June 21, 2016
This is a good introductory commentary on Hebrews. Nothing flashy but everything you need if you are a lay person.
December 1, 2023
This really helped me understand the context for the book of Hebrews!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews