Hebrews

by John Brown

Commentaries generally belong to one of two categories. Either they aim at a devotional thoroughness which lays no great emphasis on the exact meaning of individual words, or they concentrate on such a detailed examination of the text that the spirit and power of the book is largely lost. Among the few commentators who stand between these two positions is Dr. John Brown of Edinburgh (1784-1858).

By seeking to develop a style of exposition that was both edifying to his congregation and valuable to his divinity students, he produced commentaries which, in the words of Dr. William Cunningham, 'formed a marked era in the history of Scriptural Interpretation'. Not behind the foremost contemporary scholars in his emphasis on correct exegesis, he nevertheless sought not only that the minds of his readers might be brought 'into immediate contact with the mind of the Spirit' but that their whole being might be resigned to 'the empire of the Word of God'.

Genres: Theology, New Testament

740 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 1961

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

John Brown was a Scottish minister and theologian, known for his exegesis as a preacher. He was the grandson of John Brown of Haddington

Reviews

[Zach Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this commentary for a number of reasons. For sake of brevity, I will include only one. Many modern commentaries get pigeonholed by either the specialized training of the commentator (a NT scholar, but not a ST scholar, or an academic, but not a pastor) or by a particular viewpoint (every verse must be read through a redemptive-historical lens). Brown writes before these modern day oversights occur. He can speak about a wide range of exegetically informed theological loci while applying them to the conscience of the reader.

Commentaries of this nature make me long for a simpler day.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this commentary straight through as I was focusing on the book of Hebrews for a year in my devotional reading. Commentaries are not the easiest to read in this manner, and though this one was certainly easier than most, I did still find myself plowing through it, rather than tearing through it.

But the purpose of a commentary is to explain the text and it did that very well. In particular, I remember being surprised at the unexpected, but compelling explanation he gave of “The Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword…” He says that this verse speaks of the Word of God as it comes in judgement. It is reminding us that the Bible does not give idle threats- if it warns of punishment, know that it is a sword that pierces to the dividing of soul and spirit, joint and marrow. Brown remarks that when a sword divides joint from marrow, the result is death. This is a fearful verse, which is not how I had thought of it or heard it used.

I also appreciated how he spoke of the importance of using Scripture carefully and not attaching our own hidden meanings to it, even if we can prove that our meaning is also taught somewhere else in Scripture. The right message needs to go with the right text. He especially deals with this when he talks about the temple. There are some things concerning which the Bible tells us the significance or what it foreshadows, but where the Bible is silent, there we should be as well.

I also liked this nugget from the second to last page of the 728- page volume: “Proper expressions of love increase love on both sides.” He was speaking of Christians of different countries (commenting on 13:24 “Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.), but it is true of all relations and connections. The more we show and express love towards each other, the deeper that love grows.

[Alex Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Brown of Edinburgh is a no-nonsense, faithful and insightful commentator on holy Scripture. He is unafraid to tackle difficult passages with a fair and balanced view. I found this commentary very helpful in preparation for group study. A worthy title in the classic Geneva series.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar commentary, both sensitive to textual details but also rich in application. I have enjoyed learning from John Brown through multiple months of devotional time in Hebrews.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF MANY EXCELLENT COMMENTARIES THAT I USED WHEN PREACHING THROUGH THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.
GREAT COMMENTARY BY A NOTE WORTHY SCOTTISH DIVINE, THE GRANDSON OF JOHN BROWN OF HADDINGTON