God Has Spoken in His Son

New Studies in Biblical Theology #39

by Peter T. O'Brien

Hebrews is one of the most attractive and powerful yet challenging books of the New Testament. It begins with a magnificent presentation of Jesus as the divine Son through whom God has spoken his final word (Heb. 1:1-4). These opening lines set the trajectory for the whole discourse. The polished literary character of Hebrews and its careful exposition of the superiority of Christ, the Son of God and great high priest led earlier generations to conclude that it was mainly or simply a theological treatise. However, particularly in the last three decades, its purpose has been understood as hortatory; this is made clear by the exhortatory passages that flow from, and are grounded in, the expositions that appear throughout the discourse. Peter O'Brien's excellent, cohesive exposition of Hebrews examines the major interlocking themes highlighted by the author as he addresses his 'word of exhortation' (13:22) to the congregation. These themes include God speaking, Christology, salvation, the people of God, and warnings and encouragements. In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, O'Brien shows how Hebrews employs profoundly rich theology to serve the didactic, hortatory and pastoral goals of urging the hearers to endure in their pursuit of the promised reward, in obedience to the word of God and especially on the basis of their new covenant relationship with the Son.

Genres: Theology, Christian

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2016

About the author

O'Brien is senior research fellow in New Testament at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. He is well-known for his major biblical commentaries, including The Letter to the Ephesians (Apollos), and several publications on the subject of mission.

Reviews

[Tony Reinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

[On August 18, 2016, the publisher, IVP, withdrew this volume for “review” based on recent allegations that the author plagiarized content from others. Very sad. And a very stark reminder for writers that we must be extra careful about borrowing from others without the proper attribution.]

[Brian Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent synthesis of the theology of Hebrews.

This book is no longer available (unless you're willing to drop $1,000 for a used copy on Amazon) due to accusations of plagiarism. O'Brien has acknowledged and apologized for this, writing, "In the New Testament commentaries that I have written, although I have never deliberately misused the work of others, nevertheless I now see that my work processes at times have been faulty and have generated clear-cut, but unintentional, plagiarism. For this I apologize without reservation."

Although O'Brien's work should not be cited in academic settings, this volume is still tremendously helpful. He presents the brilliant flow of thought in the book of Hebrews, demonstrating how the person of Christ (ch. 2) and work of Christ (ch. 3) benefit the people of God (ch. 4). Chapter 5 is a wonderful synthesis of the warning passages. I am sure I will reference this volume many times in the future, though I will need to double check secondary sources before incorporating them in an academic context.

[Gwilym Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt solid rather than spectacular. But solidly helpful. The section on soteriology was helpful.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter O'Brien presents a very helpful understanding of the book of Hebrews. Some of the difficulties of Hebrews is how the Old Covenant and the New Conveant relate and differentiate and the warning passages. The author deals with dealt with each of those issues with a simply understanding.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter O’Brien is one of the most respected scholars of our day contributing some of the most trusted commentaries we have including an outstanding one on Hebrews in the Pillar Commentary series. Here he has expanded those studies that would have made the Introduction of his Hebrews commentary too long and especially delved into the theology of Hebrews. Unlike some such volumes that I have seen, he discusses what can actually be found in the text and mines its significance to grasping the unique and powerful Book of Hebrews.

Chapter One addresses God revealing His Son. He sees the clear tie to the Scriptures and even explains how Hebrews uniquely presents scriptural quotations. His reflections were powerful in this study. In chapter two he traces how Hebrews presents Jesus as the perfect High Priest. Jesus is not only superior, but His sacrifice is as well. The next chapter continues that thought to the salvation Jesus provided. He then discussed the people of God receiving this salvation.

He gave a huge chapter on the warning passages that make for fascinating reading no matter if you fully agree or not. Those passages are both unique and central to what Hebrews is giving us and I appreciated him drawing it out so well.

O’Brien continues his outstanding work here and I highly recommend this volume.

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.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 5 stars, however the author has admitted to some degree of plagiarism in his work on Hebrews. When those matters can be properly corrected and cited, this will be another excellent study from the distinguished New Testament scholar. Contains a most helpful summary of Hebrews typology, its salvation motif, and a lengthy and helpful section on the stark warning passages alongside encouragement that sometimes confuse readers of Hebrews. I also appreciated the appendix on resurrection.