Hebrews for Everyone

New Testament For Everyone #13

by Tom Wright

Writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright helps us to find our way round the letter to the Hebrews, one of the most bracing and challenging writings in the New Testament. He acknowledges that people often find it difficult, because some of the ideas it contains are strange to us. Yet, like meeting a new friend, he helps us to find it full of interest and delight, with a powerful message that comes home to today's and tomorrow's church as much as it did to yesterday's.

Genres: Theology, Christian, New Testament, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Reference

196 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2003

About the author

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

He also publishes under N.T. Wright.

Reviews

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guide is similar to the other volumes in N. T. Wright’s For Everyone series, but I enjoyed it more than some of the others because I find Hebrews a more difficult book to love. I love sections of it, of course, as most Christians do. But the detailed, sometimes tortuous, argument the author crafts around imagery of the temple and the priesthood, and the extended discussions-within-discussions in this “brief exhortation,” mean that the book overall doesn’t sit in my memory as one of my favorite parts of the New Testament.

Because of that, Wright’s informal, personal, storytelling approach to Hebrews was perfect for me. His comments kept me focused on the main point of each section, where I might otherwise get lost in the historical and contextual details. Also, it seemed to me that Wright’s reflections for each section in this volume were a bit longer than in other books in the series, which I found helpful—more time to spend with each part of Hebrews. Throughout the book, Wright keeps the focus on what faith really means, and what it might look like to live out faith every day.

[Daniel Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wright's usual method of always checking Old Testament quotations to bring in their wider context serves him particularly well with the book of Hebrews. But his translation does not quite come up to his usual standard, and fails to simplify its more complex language. And having come to the end, when I ask myself 'What do I know now about the letter that I did not before?', the answer is, 'Nothing specific'.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of my daily devotional practice this year I have committed myself to using N.T. Wright's "Everyone" series. I have just completed his examination of the book of Hebrews, and, like everything Tom Wright seems to set pen to, this is yet another gem. Hebrews has long been regarded as a difficult book to interpret within the Christian community. Martin Luther thought it should be removed from the Canon!! I myself have rarely preaching upon it as my main text. Yet in the way few others can, Wright once again leads the reader easily and insightfully into the challenges of this book and brings a deeper and more profound understanding of this text and how it can give hope, encouragement and direction for Christian discipleship in the 21st century. It was a wonderful resource and I highly commend it to anyone. I am very eager to tackle another book in his "Everyone" series!

[Nate Offord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wright’s “for everyone” Bible study companions are always a treat.

You get an easy-to-read and digest companion to the New Testament book you’re reading. It hints at his deep scholarship without forcing you to engage with the totality of it.

I have found each of his NT (ha!) accompanying books in this series to be a solid companion to the biblical text.

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This little book is a great devotional look at Hebrews. It is divided into 3-4 sections per chapter, and Wright starts each section with a little story that illuminates a greater truth about the passage. He has a light enough touch with theology to be enjoyable for people who are not as familiar with the Bible, but is deep enough with application to be convicting for any Christian reading its pages.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read small parts of this over the past month every day enjoyed it. As Hebrews is full of direct quotes from and allusions to the Old Testament, Wright is very strong at highlighting these and commenting on their significance.

Hebrews leaves me a little cold - it’s rhetorically very clever and subtle - and after I read a passage I’m always asking the “so what?” and “is this true?” questions. Wright tries with the first, but some of his applications tend to be generic, pietist or moralistic. And he never really grips up the second question apart from asserting the Bible says it. For example, the claim that Christians have replaced the Jewish people as the people of the covenant is highly problematic on face value and needs some serious explanation. Also, I find it objectionable (and not based in the text) Wright’s speculation towards the end of this commentary that the destruction of the Jewish Temple in AD 70 may have been God’s judgment on the Jewish people.

With this commentary, Wright hasn’t addressed the truth or credibility questions well and this is why I give this good book a 3-star rating.

[Mattie Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hebrews for Everyone has an extremely important goal—one that values inclusion, accessibility, and education. Wright surpasses this goal as he has written a resource that can be understood by anyone everywhere. Although I enjoy the ancient languages and the more intellectual considerations of a text, I acknowledge that those sorts of conversations are not for everyone. The gospel, on the other hand, is for everyone. In the same way, although Hebrews can be extremely intimidating, the message is for everyone to understand and to enjoy.
My only critique is that because of the simple writing and formulaic structure, the process of reading through the book could be monotonous at times. I also grew bored of the illustrations fairly quickly, and I would find myself skimming through them to get to the meat of the passage. However, this book was meant as a supplemental resource rather than a page-turner. I acknowledge these opinions are merely subjective rather than constructive. At the end of the day, I was extremely impressed with this read and hope to revisit it soon. It gave me the confidence to say that one day I would enjoy leading a Bible study or preaching a sermon on Hebrews.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hebrews letter edition of Wright's commentary series.

Consistent with the formula, each section is translated by Wright, who then generally has some little vignette to introduce a contextual interpretation of the text and concludes with some relevant applications.

I find it interesting that for someone who has otherwise done a lot of re-thinking about the New Testament, Wright remains very traditional about Hebrews as written to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. I think he grounds this on his understanding of some verses in Hebrews 13, the interpretation of which is not sufficiently strongly grounded to maintain that level of confidence.

As might be expected he does well at showing where the resurrection is presumed by the author even if not explicitly mentioned. On the whole the commentary accomplishes its purpose, providing a great basic framework for the letter to the Hebrews. The major downside is that those who read it ought to be aware that the nature of the audience is not as firmly fixed as Wright would suggest.

[Dan King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that this was a worthwhile read. However, I was expecting it to blow me away, and it didn't. Maybe my expectations were just too high for it, so that could be on me. And like I said, it was definitely worthwhile. Just not enough to make me shout from the rooftops about how great it was.

Also... I read it on Kindle, and there are many blatant formatting issues, indicating that little care was put into making it a great reading experience for digital readers.

Good stuff though, and was helpful to read as I was hearing sermons based on Lectionary readings through the book of Hebrews. It provided some good meat to chew on during that time.

[Ian Minielly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a fan of NT Wright. I think this is the second or third of this series I have read and Wright has an excellent pace and delivery. He does not get bogged down in the technical aspects of language, so if you are looking for a technical series, this would not be it. There are much more designed for the laymen and Bible Study teacher. For which they are excellent.

I recommend This book on Hebrews, not because Hebrews is all that challenging of the books of the Bible, but because Wright adds some color to each chapter that makes all of make more sense and he flows very well. I also like to compare his English examples and ways to American.

[Daniel Addo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is a very accessible commentary written by a great scholar. It is rare that a scholar with a mind like NT Wright’s can communicate in such easy, practical language. But this work was filled with so many practical examples that brought Hebrews to life for me in new and fresh ways. Those looking for a more technical treatment of this book may be disappointed. However, if your question is “what does Hebrews have to do with me today?” Then this is the book for you

[Joey Feldmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable look at one of the most confusing books in the New Testament. (And maybe even the whole Bible.) I enjoyed moving through the book of Hebrews with this well-written text. Best of all? Unlike some Biblical commentaries, which are written for scholars and those who have had theological training (and we need those), this book is written in a way that, IMO, could be read by the average lay person. Recommended.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hebrews is a complex book with a tremendous amount of Old Testament background needed. As always, Wright explains well, drawing the reader through the entirety of the text to a much deeper level of comprehension. I also thought he did an excellent job in turning head knowledge to heart change and life action.

[Rachel Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

eBook via Hoopla

I am a HUGE fan of this series of Bible commentaries by NT Wright! They are very helpful to provide context, translations, and anecdotes to the books of the New Testament.

The book itself contains Scripture, and is formatted as Section of Scripture - commentary - Section of Scripture - commentary- etc.

[Arjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Wright starts every paragraph with a small story or anecdote, which often are very helpful to see the point brought home to you. Wright helps you understand how Hebrews is a well designed letter, and how everything is connected. Very helpful commentary for this beautiful letter.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always in this series, I found this an easy to read, devotional commentary by Tom Wright, which felt relevant to contemporary life - no mean feat with Hebrews, which can feel so archaic and 'alien'.

[E.M. Welcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Good.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Wright’s very readable style makes these devotionals a joy to read. Had wanted to look closer at the book of Hebrews for a while, and found this really helpful and inspiring.

[Tim&Kelli Buczek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pithy and accessible.

Pithy and accessible. NT Wright has a delightful way of navigating straight into the heart of the passage without rushing past the important details.

[HelenA33 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down to earth, easy to read, interesting stories which really make the book of Hebrews more accessible

[Trevor Atwood]

If you’re reading or preaching Hebrews- you can’t go wrong with NT Wright! Simple yet profound commentary.

[Jeffrey N. Hora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent commentary.

[Merilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Wright opens up the challenging book of Hebrews and makes it understandable and accessible, giving context and background and explanation in ordinary language.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good and accessible commentary. I learned some new things and understood more with the help of this book.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This translation and commentary may be fine for devotional reading, but would not be useful for serious study.

[James D. Corradi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent way to read the bible. N.T.Wright explains everything so clearly! My walk in faith with each gospel I read!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Solid.

[Tim Zurcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is great for a devotional option or study

[J Grimsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking study of this new testament book

[Amanda Opelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the introduction and opening segments of this book to be particularly helpful.