Hebrews

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries

by Craig R. Koester

One of early Christianity's most carefully crafted sermons, Epistle to the Hebrews addresses listeners who have experienced the elation of conversion and the heat of hostility, but who now must confront the formidable task of remaining faithful in a society that rejects their commitments. The letter probes into the one of most profound questions of If it is God's will that believers be crowned with glory and honor, why are the faithful subject to suffering and shame? Through the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, and Rahab, whose faith enabled them to overcome severe trials and conflicts, and through the story of Jesus himself, whose sufferings opened the way to God's presence for all, the sermon confirms the foundations of the Christian faith.

In a magisterial introduction, Koester presents a compelling portrait of the early Christian community and examines the debates that have surrounded Epistle to the Hebrews for two millennia. Drawing on his knowledge of classical rhetoric, he clarifies the book's arguments and discusses the use of evocative language and imagery to appeal to its audience's minds, emotions, and will. Providing an authoritative, accessible discussion of the book's high priestly Christology, this landmark commentary charts new directions for the interpretation of Epistle to the Hebrews and its influence on Christian theology and worship.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction

640 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2001

About the author

Craig R. Koester is Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor and Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

Ph.D. (Union Theological Seminary)
Ordained (ELCA)
M.Div. (Luther Theological Seminary)
Biography
Craig Koester received a B.A. from Saint Olaf College, an M.Div. from Luther Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He served as a parish pastor for several years in Princeton, Minnesota, and joined the faculty of Luther Seminary in 1986. He was appointed to the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby chair of New Testament Studies in 2012.

An innovative teacher, Dr. Koester is known for his “Genesis to Revelation” course, which uses visuals, music, and drama to take people through the sweep of the biblical story in ten days. His other courses include John’s Gospel and Epistles, and the book of Revelation. Because of the high level of public interest in Revelation, he developed a course that explores the background and content of Revelation, as well as its impact on western culture. Entitled Apocalypse: Controversies and Meaning in Western History, it was released on DVD through the GreatCourses.

As a scholar, Dr. Koester has contributed to discussions of Scripture in the academy and the church. His books include landmark commentaries on Hebrews (2001) and Revelation (2013 forthcoming) for the Anchor Yale Commentary series. In Johannine studies, he is known for his Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel (2nd edition, 2003), The Word of Life: A Theology of John’s Gospel (2008), and numerous articles. His book Revelation and the End of All Things (2001) is a popular resource among seminary and college students, and is widely used in congregations.

Dr. Koester is has led and organized seminars for the Society of Biblical Literature and Society for New Testament Studies. He has served as associate editor of the journals New Testament Studies and The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and regularly presents his work at international gatherings of scholars. He was a scholar in residence at the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey in 1992-93 and 2007.

In the church, Dr. Koester speaks at theological conferences, synod gatherings, pastors’ workshops, and congregations. He is one of the designers of the Narrative Lectionary, which enables congregations to move through major sections of both Old and New Testaments from September through May each year. At the international level, he is involved in the work of the Lutheran World Federation on the interpretation of Scripture, and presented papers at the conferences in Nairobi, Kenya (2011) and Eisenach, Germany (2013).

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most informative and enjoyable commentary I've read to date. It was filled with references to Classical texts which have always been of interest to me. Those references made for a good back drop to understanding the thinking and experiences of the original audience. Yet, at the same time, the themes of the book of Hebrews are still applicable today. I think the commentator did a great job of connecting past and present.
The book also analyzed the literary elements of classical rhetoric that were used in Hebrews.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so enjoy a well-read author. I thought the best part of this commentary were the references to other works of antiquity. It made for a better understanding of the original audience. And yet, the message of Hebrews is still applicable today. I will revisit this tome.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Koester's commentary on Hebrews because it promised historical context, especially of the book's use in Christian history, plus a discussion of the Greek and Roman rhetorical world. It provided those details, but also a consistent pastoral theme. At first I found wading through the Anchor commentaries sections - translation, notes on the text, and then comments on the text, a bit laborious, but it came to be second nature by the end. Koester weighs interpretations, provides the full range of differing views, and offers his own well-considered opinions. After reading his commentary I consistently found my view of the Biblical text expanded and not constrained by arcane knowledge inexplicable to normal Bible readers. It has made teaching Hebrews exciting and consistently challenging.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Koester is not for everyone or the go-to commentary for a pastor-teacher, but I’ve enjoyed his introduction to Hebrews and insights along the way. He also ends each section with what is usually a two point expositional outline with summary explanations under each point.

I enjoyed my pilgrimage with Koester.

[Sagely · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I need an authoritative, credible introduction to a biblical book, I often think of the Anchor commentary series. In part, this may be because I'm a sucker for the woodcut illustrations on their covers. But, much more, it's my grad school and seminary profs, who usually referred to these volumes as a benchmark for critical scholarship (whether they agreed with their conclusions or not).

So when I began a series on through the rocky terrain of Hebrews, I ordered Craig Koester's ABC volume on Hebrews. Koester does provide an excellent introduction. I especially appreciated an overview of how Hebrews has been interpreted and used throughout the ages.

Of course, as you'd expect, the verse-by-verse commentary is dense and circumspect. Some might say it verges on dusty and dry, exhaustive to the point of exhaustion. Usually, I find a latent pay-off in this sort of ABC commentary in the presentation of a text's social setting. Unfortunately, Koester's interaction with Hebrews' social setting is less than compelling. It's one factor among many.

I'm glad to have this volume on the shelf. It does what I expect of it, but nothing more. I'd class it more as a book to refer to than one to walk with through my next series on Hebrews.

[Stephen Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Koester's work on Hebrews is my particular favorite. I really appreciate:

(a) His thorough digestion of his predecessors.

(b) His attention to ancient rhetorical process.

This is a very solid commentary, and I don't really have anything negative to say about it (other than the price...but I got it used for $15). Perhaps that will change as I go through it again this summer...