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God's Word for You
Hebrews For You: Giving You an Anchor for the Soul
Applied expository guide to Hebrews—a book that shows us how and why Jesus is better than anything else.
We are all tempted to drift away from Jesus, but in the book of Hebrews God gives us an anchor: a detailed understanding of how and why Jesus is better than anything else.
Seminary professor Michael J. Kruger unpacks this rich book verse by verse. He explains the Old Testament background, gives plenty of application for our lives today, and shows us how Jesus is the fulfilment of all God's work on earth. He encourages us to live by faith in Jesus: the only anchor for our souls.
This expository guide can be read as a book; used as a devotional; and utilised in teaching and preaching.
We are all tempted to drift away from Jesus, but in the book of Hebrews God gives us an anchor: a detailed understanding of how and why Jesus is better than anything else.
Seminary professor Michael J. Kruger unpacks this rich book verse by verse. He explains the Old Testament background, gives plenty of application for our lives today, and shows us how Jesus is the fulfilment of all God's work on earth. He encourages us to live by faith in Jesus: the only anchor for our souls.
This expository guide can be read as a book; used as a devotional; and utilised in teaching and preaching.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
158 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Kruger
34 books119 followersMichael J. Kruger (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is president and professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, and the author of a number of articles and books on early Christianity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 29, 2021
Really excellent. I read this as a part of my Time with the Lord in the morning and it fit perfectly there. Would definitely recommend.
January 6, 2026
Not only is the author an amazing theologian, but this short and concise commentary was a refreshing way to walk through Hebrews on a devotional but also academic level. I really enjoy this series of commentaries, and would highly recommend this specific book for anyone wanting to dig deeper into the beauty and grace of Jesus, our high priest, as seen throughout the book of Hebrews. It’s a feast to be savored again and again.
October 2, 2025
Used weekly for family Bible study discussions. Appreciated the background material in it for the different passages.
August 23, 2021
(3.5) Theologically sound and absolutely useful. It’s just that it was so elementary, and wasn’t quite marketed like that. If you are newer to studying the Bible, this would be a great resource.
But if not, I would recommend “The Bible Speaks Today” series over the “God’s Word for You” series for more in-depth nourishment. Especially for such a rich and complex book like Hebrews.
But if not, I would recommend “The Bible Speaks Today” series over the “God’s Word for You” series for more in-depth nourishment. Especially for such a rich and complex book like Hebrews.
December 12, 2025
Greatly respect Dr. Kruger but this commentary was disappointing. Comments were so rudimentary that it rarely yielded helpful insights into the many difficult passages in Hebrews. So much so at times the interpretations were inaccurate or insufficient. The expositor will find some helpful outlines for preaching.
February 19, 2023
“Jesus is superior to every possible thing that you could put in his place. He’s superior to the angels. He’s superior to the prophets. He superior to Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. His covenant is superior to the old covenant. This is the major theme of the book: Jesus is better. There is nothing grander, greater, more beautiful, more wonderful, more satisfying, or more extraordinary than him.”
October 4, 2024
Really great book going through verse by verse in the book of Hebrews! Kruger gives a good job of cross referencing and / or making historical contexts. Highly recommend reading this as a study with friends!
November 10, 2024
Hebrews has always been a confusing book with all the allusions to the OT, but Kruger unlocked new understanding for me helping me appreciate Hebrews more.
May 4, 2021
Michael Kruger does an excellent job of breaking the book of Hebrews down into small, easy to understand nuggets. Perfect as a supplement to reading and/or studying the book.
April 6, 2021
This Bible study supplement is clear and well-written, with a deep attention to historical context. Michael J. Kruger breaks down this complicated book of the Bible into smaller groups of verses, and shares insight about each piece of the larger whole. Hebrews for You clearly engages with the Bible book's original audience of Jews who had converted to Christianity but were considering going back to their old practices. In response to their uncertainty, the author of Hebrews provides a profound explanation of Christ's sacrifice and why he is absolutely enough, and Kruger argues that Christians today can only fully understand and appreciate Hebrews if they understand biblical history regarding sacrifices and priests. He provides a strong foundational basis for people who may not be familiar with these elements of the Old Testament, or who need to refresh their memories.
Kruger provides clear explanations of complex historical and spiritual concepts, and helps readers understand Hebrews in a deeper way. He includes practical illustrations and application ideas throughout, and balances a theological focus with an understanding of how Hebrews should change our lives, especially as we grow in understanding how Jesus has done everything required for us to be united with God, is mediating for us right now, and guarantees that we will never be condemned. Kruger emphasizes how Christians should move away from shame and self-righteousness, but also addresses the issues of apostasy that come into Hebrews, exploring ideas related to falling away from the faith.
I think that this part of the book could have been more sensitive, since many people leave the church not because they are rejecting Jesus, but because of ways that people have misrepresented Jesus to them. What he wrote is scriptural and fair, but I wish that he had differentiated between people who reject Christ and those who go through crises of faith because of church-related trauma. We should avoid apostasy, and should remain consistent in the faith, but we should also be sensitive to the reasons why some people lose faith, knowing that it's sometimes not about their rebellion, but other people's sin against them, which gives them a skewed and distorted image of Christ.
However, even though I think that this element of the book could have been more sensitive and complete, this is a great guide to Hebrews which addresses lots of different theological issues, practical applications, and gospel encouragements. Each section ends with discussion or reflection questions, and this could be helpful for personal reading, family devotions with older kids, a Bible study group, or a reference for sermon preparation. It is very well-written and carefully organized, and can help give readers a deeper understanding of this complex, theology-heavy book of the Bible.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kruger provides clear explanations of complex historical and spiritual concepts, and helps readers understand Hebrews in a deeper way. He includes practical illustrations and application ideas throughout, and balances a theological focus with an understanding of how Hebrews should change our lives, especially as we grow in understanding how Jesus has done everything required for us to be united with God, is mediating for us right now, and guarantees that we will never be condemned. Kruger emphasizes how Christians should move away from shame and self-righteousness, but also addresses the issues of apostasy that come into Hebrews, exploring ideas related to falling away from the faith.
I think that this part of the book could have been more sensitive, since many people leave the church not because they are rejecting Jesus, but because of ways that people have misrepresented Jesus to them. What he wrote is scriptural and fair, but I wish that he had differentiated between people who reject Christ and those who go through crises of faith because of church-related trauma. We should avoid apostasy, and should remain consistent in the faith, but we should also be sensitive to the reasons why some people lose faith, knowing that it's sometimes not about their rebellion, but other people's sin against them, which gives them a skewed and distorted image of Christ.
However, even though I think that this element of the book could have been more sensitive and complete, this is a great guide to Hebrews which addresses lots of different theological issues, practical applications, and gospel encouragements. Each section ends with discussion or reflection questions, and this could be helpful for personal reading, family devotions with older kids, a Bible study group, or a reference for sermon preparation. It is very well-written and carefully organized, and can help give readers a deeper understanding of this complex, theology-heavy book of the Bible.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2021
Mom, what can I have for a snack? (I love this question, because it means they likely haven’t raided the cookies or candy yet).
The fun of a sweet treat is great, but for the sake of everyone’s health, we try to encourage fruit and veggies for a snack, reminding them–and ourselves–that it’s something better.
If you’re familiar with the book of Hebrews, you likely recall Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith” and maybe the first verses of chapter 12, with words to spur us on to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:2).
But what is the rest of the book about?
In “Hebrews For You,” Dr. Kruger teaches us that the whole theme of this epistle is that Jesus is better. We learn how Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law, but to fulfill it, by becoming a better priest, a better prophet and a better sacrifice.
The book of Hebrews quickly introduces us to quotes from the Old Testament, then references to the old covenant and its sacrificial system. Here’s where we can get lost, wondering what this has to do with Jesus and our own present-day realities. The history and relevance escape us, which doesn’t position us well to interpret, nor apply the passages.
This is where “Hebrews for You” is an excellent resource. It reminds us that the Bible is one whole book, inspired by God, and if we apply ourselves to learn and understand the context, we are better equipped in our understanding: Because as Hebrews unfolds, drawing in these Old Testament truths, we see with fresh eyes the unity of scripture and the beauty of God’s story.
“So, the story of Jesus not a new story, but the finishing of an old one. The writer to the Hebrews is showing us that we need to look back at how God spoke at first, in order to understand how that led up to his final word in Jesus.”
This is so important for us as we seek to understand the Bible. The Old Testament can be
tough, with all the history and the law, but as we fit together the pieces we see how it’s really all about the gospel, with Jesus at the center.
I really enjoyed Dr Kruger’s style of writing. He writes with invitation and conviction, and I was easily drawn in to the cultural context of Israel, and apply it practically for my life today, through the great reflection questions.
“Hebrews For You” by Micheal Kruger is a new commentary; part of the “God’s Word For You” series written to help you read, feed and lead in the Word. Each traverses a book of the bible, verse by verse, for the regular believer, sitting in the pews, to learn and grow in their study of the scriptures. If you want to check out one of the commentaries, this month’s free ebook is “John 13-21 For You” by Josh Moody.
So, as you dive into your nutritious snack, remembering that it’s better for you, recall with a grateful heart and thanksgiving, how Jesus is better; a better prophet, a better priest and a better sacrifice, fulfilling everything God spoke from the beginning.
*Big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review. https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/so...
The fun of a sweet treat is great, but for the sake of everyone’s health, we try to encourage fruit and veggies for a snack, reminding them–and ourselves–that it’s something better.
If you’re familiar with the book of Hebrews, you likely recall Hebrews 11 as the “Hall of Faith” and maybe the first verses of chapter 12, with words to spur us on to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:2).
But what is the rest of the book about?
In “Hebrews For You,” Dr. Kruger teaches us that the whole theme of this epistle is that Jesus is better. We learn how Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law, but to fulfill it, by becoming a better priest, a better prophet and a better sacrifice.
The book of Hebrews quickly introduces us to quotes from the Old Testament, then references to the old covenant and its sacrificial system. Here’s where we can get lost, wondering what this has to do with Jesus and our own present-day realities. The history and relevance escape us, which doesn’t position us well to interpret, nor apply the passages.
This is where “Hebrews for You” is an excellent resource. It reminds us that the Bible is one whole book, inspired by God, and if we apply ourselves to learn and understand the context, we are better equipped in our understanding: Because as Hebrews unfolds, drawing in these Old Testament truths, we see with fresh eyes the unity of scripture and the beauty of God’s story.
“So, the story of Jesus not a new story, but the finishing of an old one. The writer to the Hebrews is showing us that we need to look back at how God spoke at first, in order to understand how that led up to his final word in Jesus.”
This is so important for us as we seek to understand the Bible. The Old Testament can be
tough, with all the history and the law, but as we fit together the pieces we see how it’s really all about the gospel, with Jesus at the center.
I really enjoyed Dr Kruger’s style of writing. He writes with invitation and conviction, and I was easily drawn in to the cultural context of Israel, and apply it practically for my life today, through the great reflection questions.
“Hebrews For You” by Micheal Kruger is a new commentary; part of the “God’s Word For You” series written to help you read, feed and lead in the Word. Each traverses a book of the bible, verse by verse, for the regular believer, sitting in the pews, to learn and grow in their study of the scriptures. If you want to check out one of the commentaries, this month’s free ebook is “John 13-21 For You” by Josh Moody.
So, as you dive into your nutritious snack, remembering that it’s better for you, recall with a grateful heart and thanksgiving, how Jesus is better; a better prophet, a better priest and a better sacrifice, fulfilling everything God spoke from the beginning.
*Big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review. https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/so...
March 23, 2021
What does the book of Hebrews have to say to us today? Is it really worth following Jesus? Is the life of the Christian a worthwhile call? In Hebrews For You, Michael J. Kruger guides us through God’s Word to help us see how Jesus is better.
Warnings Against Unbelief
Hebrews is an intimidating book. Packed with theology and warnings about falling away, it is one that demands your attention. Kruger writes with simplicity and clarity, making the text interesting and approachable.
Several sections stood out to me. First were the warnings against unbelief in Hebrews 3. Kruger states that apostasy is a serious matter. He shows how having great spiritual privileges does not guarantee true, saving faith. He tells how this warning applies to everyone. And he points out that a good start does not guarantee a good finish. We need to rest in child-like faith and holy fear.
A Call to Spiritual Maturity
The next section that stood out to me was the warning of spiritual immaturity in Hebrews 5. Those who are immature don’t listen, they are forgetful, they are unskilled in the word, and they are undiscerning. Instead, we must strive for growth in repentance and faith, understand baptism and the church, and be prepared for Christ’s return and our reign with him.
The covenants and the priesthood play an important part in understanding Hebrews. Kruger takes the time to explain the basics to help you better read and respond to the text.
The Antidote to Apostasy
A final section that stood out to me was Kruger’s encouragement in Hebrews 10, giving us an antidote to apostasy. He says we can look back to see how Christ has changed us. A willingness to endure suffering, loving others, and the joy within you are evidence of salvation. We can also look forward to the finish line – our reward in heaven.
The book ends with a look at faith and our future hope. We run the race with discipline, looking towards Heaven, and clinging to Jesus. The book of Hebrews has become one of my favorites. It calls us to perseverance. It calls us to push on. And it calls us to praise the founder and perfecter of our faith: Jesus.
I received a media copy of Hebrews For You and this is my honest review.
Warnings Against Unbelief
Hebrews is an intimidating book. Packed with theology and warnings about falling away, it is one that demands your attention. Kruger writes with simplicity and clarity, making the text interesting and approachable.
Several sections stood out to me. First were the warnings against unbelief in Hebrews 3. Kruger states that apostasy is a serious matter. He shows how having great spiritual privileges does not guarantee true, saving faith. He tells how this warning applies to everyone. And he points out that a good start does not guarantee a good finish. We need to rest in child-like faith and holy fear.
A Call to Spiritual Maturity
The next section that stood out to me was the warning of spiritual immaturity in Hebrews 5. Those who are immature don’t listen, they are forgetful, they are unskilled in the word, and they are undiscerning. Instead, we must strive for growth in repentance and faith, understand baptism and the church, and be prepared for Christ’s return and our reign with him.
The covenants and the priesthood play an important part in understanding Hebrews. Kruger takes the time to explain the basics to help you better read and respond to the text.
The Antidote to Apostasy
A final section that stood out to me was Kruger’s encouragement in Hebrews 10, giving us an antidote to apostasy. He says we can look back to see how Christ has changed us. A willingness to endure suffering, loving others, and the joy within you are evidence of salvation. We can also look forward to the finish line – our reward in heaven.
The book ends with a look at faith and our future hope. We run the race with discipline, looking towards Heaven, and clinging to Jesus. The book of Hebrews has become one of my favorites. It calls us to perseverance. It calls us to push on. And it calls us to praise the founder and perfecter of our faith: Jesus.
I received a media copy of Hebrews For You and this is my honest review.
December 26, 2025
Hebrews For You has been an invaluable companion for our men’s group as we’ve slowly and intentionally walked through Hebrews over the past seven months. Hebrews is a demanding book—deep, weighty, and theologically rich—but this commentary has helped us slow down without losing momentum and go deep without getting lost.
What stands out most about Michael J. Kruger is his clarity and pastoral sensitivity. He helps you see how every passage presses us toward Christ—our better priest, better sacrifice, and better covenant—while keeping the authority and beauty of Scripture front and center.
As a leader, this commentary has helped me read the text more carefully, lead discussions more confidently, and teach with greater faithfulness to the passage. It doesn’t spoon-feed conclusions; it trains you to think biblically and love the text more.
Several men in our group ended up buying the commentary themselves, and more than one shared how it opened their eyes—not just to Hebrews, but to a deeper affection for Scripture as a whole. That kind of fruit speaks for itself.
If you’re studying Hebrews personally or teaching it in community, this commentary is a gift. It doesn’t replace the Bible—it pushes you deeper into it. And that’s exactly what it should do. Recommend.
What stands out most about Michael J. Kruger is his clarity and pastoral sensitivity. He helps you see how every passage presses us toward Christ—our better priest, better sacrifice, and better covenant—while keeping the authority and beauty of Scripture front and center.
As a leader, this commentary has helped me read the text more carefully, lead discussions more confidently, and teach with greater faithfulness to the passage. It doesn’t spoon-feed conclusions; it trains you to think biblically and love the text more.
Several men in our group ended up buying the commentary themselves, and more than one shared how it opened their eyes—not just to Hebrews, but to a deeper affection for Scripture as a whole. That kind of fruit speaks for itself.
If you’re studying Hebrews personally or teaching it in community, this commentary is a gift. It doesn’t replace the Bible—it pushes you deeper into it. And that’s exactly what it should do. Recommend.
May 12, 2022
4.5 // I read this as I taught through Hebrews at youth group this past year, and it was the most helpful of the resources I used. Kruger is a good writer with a practical mindset and does a great job of exploring the context, identifying trickier issues, and pulling out applications. This is what I’ve come to expect from the “For You” series. There were several times when I thought that the book could have benefitted from being split into two volumes, similar to “Romans For You,” but overall it was a fantastic resource.
November 19, 2022
Perhaps I already knew quite a lot about the book of Hebrews. I gave this 4 stars (rather than 5) because I didn't learn as much from it as I have from other books in this series, but the author's explanations were clear and he did a good job of applying the lessons of the book to our lives in the twenty-first century.
January 14, 2025
Faith-filled and illuminating commentary.
Michael Kruger gives us a faith-filled and illuminating commentary on the book of Hebrews. He helps us to connect this book with the wider biblical canon. It provides a great framework for applying the teachings to our churches and daily lives. I highly recommend this commentary
Michael Kruger gives us a faith-filled and illuminating commentary on the book of Hebrews. He helps us to connect this book with the wider biblical canon. It provides a great framework for applying the teachings to our churches and daily lives. I highly recommend this commentary
November 29, 2025
A Very Good Explanation of Hebrews
This is not a commentary, but the book of Hebrews is treated in depth. Each chapter is thoroughly explained, and there are reflection questions both at the halfway of the chapter, and the end of the chapter. This is a good book to understand Hebrews.
This is not a commentary, but the book of Hebrews is treated in depth. Each chapter is thoroughly explained, and there are reflection questions both at the halfway of the chapter, and the end of the chapter. This is a good book to understand Hebrews.
March 3, 2021
Very helpful and readable new commentary on Hebrews. Kruger is warm and pastoral, yet unafraid of contentious passages and clear teaching.
Up there with the very best of this series from The Good Book Company. Very much recommend it, full review to follow elsewhere.
Up there with the very best of this series from The Good Book Company. Very much recommend it, full review to follow elsewhere.
August 17, 2021
Don't put this series into the popular shelf. There is deep material to wrestle with and prods to make scripture and its teaching alive in us. With outcomes for this world and our own faith discovery. A delight to dip into daily. Appreciate The Good Book Co publishing house.
June 28, 2022
User-friendly commentary on the book of Hebrews. There’s always questions at the end of each section for personal development and reflection which turns it not only into a “brainy” thing but a heart thing too
June 14, 2025
Really approachable, pastoral exposition of Hebrews! I used it as a commentary alongside my personal study and it was very helpful. I hope to read more books in the “For You” series and would recommend it to others looking for a deep but approachable commentary.
August 31, 2025
3.5 stars — while i enjoyed this book, particularly the middle chapters comparing the Old Covenant of the past and the New Covenant we find in Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, it was not my favorite “For You” study i have done…
October 7, 2025
Our church has been studying the Book of Hebrews throughout this year and recommended Michael Kruger's book as a good text to accompany the study.
It is thoughtfully presented and easy to navigate, especially in conjunction with a study.
It is thoughtfully presented and easy to navigate, especially in conjunction with a study.
April 26, 2021
Another great addition to this series of devotional commentaries. The teaching is clear, engaging & well-applied. It's been an encouragement to me.
June 2, 2021
I used this as a supplement to our family worship. A great, accessible resource that can be used for devotions or teaching through Hebrews.
October 13, 2021
An excellent non-technical readers commentary on the book of Hebrews. Practical insight for individual study, group study or application for sermon preparation. A joy to read.
November 6, 2021
Good exegesis and well illustrated & applied
Short but not skimping on careful analysis of the text.
One of the best in this series I (Jerry) have used
Short but not skimping on careful analysis of the text.
One of the best in this series I (Jerry) have used
November 17, 2021
This was a great book to read and discuss with a group of ladies as we studied Hebrews together.
January 10, 2022
So far, this was my favorite book in the "God's Word for You" series.
January 24, 2022
This was and excellent commentary/breakdown of Scripture that could help a new believer/mature Christian understand the truths written in Hebrews more deeply.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews