DESCRIPTION:
Hebrews is a book about which there has been
much discussion…and much debate. In contrast to most of the epistles, ALL the
usual areas pertaining to introductory matters are open to question: who wrote
it? to whom was it addressed? when was it written? what circumstances did the
readers face? why was it written? what does it teach? While the course will
address these issues, they may not be resolved to everyone’s (or perhaps,
anyone’s) satisfaction! The Jewish perspective being offered is valuable for
anyone since it enables all readers to better recapture the original context in
which this letter was written. The sessions will highlight the importance of
reading the book of Hebrews through Jewish eyes not only to obtain an accurate
reading, but also to enhance the understanding students have regarding how a
Jewish audience today might hear its message of the gospel. This approach
intends to make the letter intelligible for Jews, who have in the past
encountered the NT as an alien religious book from an alien religious
tradition.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Discover and
describe the relationship of the thrust of the book to the ancient Near Eastern
covenants.
• Recognize and articulate how the perspectives of the
Dead Sea Scrolls community inform and shape the book.
• Analyze and outline the flow of the author’s argument.
• Exegete and apply the major warning passages found in
the text.
• Understand and explain the relationship of Judaism to
the book, both at the time it was written, and to Jews today.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be scheduled as a one-week intensive
using lecture format, allowing time for questions and discussion.
REQUIRED
READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select
an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the
instructor:
Anderson,
C.P., “Who Are the Heirs of the New Age in the Epistle to the Hebrews?” in Apocaliptic
and the New Testament, J. Marcus and M.L. Soards, eds., pp. 255-277.
Sheffield, UK: JSOT Press, 1989. (23 pp.)
Fischer, J., “Covenant, Fulfillment and Judaism in Hebrews,” in The Enduring
Paradox, J. Fischer, ed., pp. 37-60. Baltimore: Lederer Publications, 2000.
(24 pp.)
Kinzer, Mark, Postmissionary Messianic Judaism: Redefining
Christian Engagement with the Jewish People. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press,
2005. (320 pp.)
Pentecost, J.D. & Ken Durham, A Faith
that Endures: A Practical Commentary on the Book of Hebrews. Grand Rapids:
Kregel Publications, 2000. (224 pp.)
Trotter, A.H., Jr., Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids: Baker Books,
1997. (222 pp.)
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Buchanan, G.W., To
the Hebrews, 2nd ed. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1976. (282 pp.)
Ellingworth, P., The Epistle to the: Hebrews:: A Commentary on the Greek
Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993. (862 pp.)
Filson, F.V., A Study of Hebrews in the
Light of Chapter 13. Naperville, IL: A.R.Allenson, 1967. (88 pp.)
Guthrie, G.H., The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1998. (480 pp.)
Montefiore, H.W., A Commentary on the
Epistle To The Hebrews. London: a. & C. Black, 1964. (272 pp.)
Swetnam, J., Jesus and Isaac: a Study of
the Epistle to the Hebrews in Light of the Aqedah. Rome: Biblical Institute
Press, 1981. (243 pp.)
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Read through the book of Hebrews 3 times in 3 different
translations. Go through the entire book each time in one sitting. Submit a
report (approx. 500 words typed) of your impressions and general observations
of Hebrews.
2. Carefully read each of the assigned reading texts. Submit a report on each
one (approx. 500 words typed each) that summarizes your reflections and
reactions.
3. Read a recommended text and submit a report as described under #2. (Filson
and Swetnam count as one book for these purposes.)
4. Write an exegetical paper (approx. 2500 words
typed) dealing with a section of text approved by the instructor.
5. Complete the final exam.
PREREQUISITES: None. This course is offered through a special partnership
agreement with MJTI. The budgetary agreement necessitates that anyone who
wishes to audit this course must register and pay audit fees through Messianic
Jewish Theological Institute. Contact Deborah Farrar (MJTI Administrator) at
<mjtiorga@mjti.org>.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL
EXAM: Take-home exam.
Last Date Edited: April 10,
2006