Hebrews: Reformed Expository Commentary

Reformed Expository Commentary

by Richard D. Phillips

Sees in Hebrews a matchless presentation of Jesus Christ as our perfect high priest, and an exhortation to persevere in the faith, even during trials.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, New Testament, Biblical Studies

656 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2006

About the author

Richard D. Phillips (MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. He is a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, chairman of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and coeditor of the Reformed Expository Commentary series.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contender for my book of the year. Although long, this book was an easy read (chapters are about 10-15 pages each) packed full of teaching on the book of Hebrews. I particularly enjoyed the excellent explanations of the typological connections between the Old and New Testaments included in Hebrews and the explanations of Greek words or ancient customs that are not apparent from reading Hebrews in an English translation or in the modern day. I would highly recommend this commentary to anyone wanting to better understand the book of Hebrews.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

RIchard Phillips has been an enjoyable preaching and pastoral partner as I am making my way through the Book of Hebrews for more than a year. At first, I thought he was tackling too small of preaching sections to make it through Hebrews, but that was before I began my own journey through the book!

These are expository sermons, but Phillips is a good reminder that “expository preaching” doesn’t have to be an “expository commentary.” Phillips is good at bringing in current, cultural challenges to Christianity, as well as addressing topics of systematic theology at times.

Even though the book clocks in at 656 pages, the chapters are short and the reading is easy. Pastors will find some excellent illustrations and quotes to use for their own teaching or preaching.

Not one of my top five on the Book of Hebrews, but certainly one that I continually consult along the way!

[Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in-depth commentary on the Book of Hebrews written in a pastoral context to exhort and encourage believers.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Particularly strong in its theological reflection. Pastors will find the fine exposition helpful for sermon preparation.

[Erin Schanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary! Written for the layperson, understandable & encouraging.

[William Wilsonsr · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERSEVERANCE

An excellent, clearly presented commentary on Hebrew with excellent referencing of past and present expositors’ comments inclusions.
Easy and encouraging to read.

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume of the Reformed Expository Commentary series was my companion this semester as I lead a discussion of the book of Hebrews using Nancy Guthrie's book, Hoping for Something Better. I found the commentary not only accessible for me as a lay teacher but also very pleasurable. It did not read like a textbook as do so many commentaries. Supporting his explanations with both ancient and more recent scholarly theologians, the author, Richard D. Phillips, also used beautiful illustrations and examples. The broad spectrum of theological references gave great depth and breadth to this commentary.

I found this to not only be a marvelous resource but also a beautifully written read. I actually looked forward to opening the book after a thorough study of each week's targeted passages. Dr Phillips used metaphors and visual imagery to help the reader visualize and grasp truths.

"Some commentaries lose the forest for the trees, and others the trees for the forest," says Mark Dever. "This series promises to be both exegetically sensitive and theologically faithful."

This volume fulfilled that promise.

[Beverly]

Richard Phillips has a pastor heart and it is apparent in his Hebrews Commentary. His commentary was accessible and understandable for any layman. He made my heart look to Christ and find all we need for this Pilgrim journey. Many times I was filled with wonder and awe in amazement of what God has done for us through Christ and Phillips shows the sufficiency of Christ as seen in Hebrews. I am so thankful that I read this commentary.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pastoral

If you’re looking for a commentary that gives you a pastoral approach to this book, Richard Phillips does an outstanding job. This is very readable and thorough, without being technical. You do not need to be a student of the Greek language to navigate this commentary.

[Brad Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 // I did not read this book cover to cover, but it was a regular resource as I taught through Hebrews. Phillips is thorough in his study and pastoral in his application, and I will likely return to this book sometime down the road. Chapters were relatively brief but focused on smaller passages, which allowed sufficient exploration of the varied themes.

[Alistair Chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't agree with everything in it, I wouldn't have majored on some of the things Phillips did. But I thoroughly enjoyed using this commentary. I began using it for a seminary assignment, but then started using it in my personal devotions and reading it for fun. Great commentary!

[Marty Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Academic enough to illuminate difficult passages, but practical enough to be useful to any thoughtful reader.

[Andy Dollahite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent as a modern expositor's work, but less helpful for more technical insights and/or debated interpretative issues.

[Mike Fendrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good commentary from a reformed perspective. Hebrews is a great book to study and this is a good aid.

[Jim Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic starting point for anyone approaching the concept of Jesus's high priesthood and its remarkable implications.

[Russell Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a bit of fluff, but great book overall with lots of gems. I would have liked more comparisons with Leviticus and the OT

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hebrews is among my favorite books of the Bible. This commentary does a fantastic job of digging in to the original language, culture and audiance, teasing out the meanings that are just hidden below the surface of the book. The section on chapter 11 especially does a good job of revealing the importance of faith over works. Too many people think that the way to get into Heaven is by "being good". Our good actions follow our faith. Not the other way around.

[Alex Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary is a great tool for any layman wanting to go deeper into the book of Hebrews. Truly we have a great High priest who has ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father and daily lives to make intercession for us! This commentary does what good theological books should always do, lead to doxology.

[Erika Schanzenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for devotional reading!

[Robin Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, non-technical, accessible, yet deeply thoughtful exposition of Hebrews. I highly recommend it.