The “epistle to the Hebrews,” though it is somewhat neglected in New Testament study, nevertheless draws together many themes that are important in the New Testament: the identity and saving work of Jesus Christ, the relation of Christianity to Judaism, the use of the earlier scriptures, persecution, perseverance in faith and in the life of the Christian community, the place of Christians in the world. Hebrews may also be the oldest preserved Christian sermon.

The purpose of this course is twofold: to acquaint students with the critical study of Hebrews and its message; and to provide practice in the contemporary critical literary, historical, and theological methods of exegesis needed for an understanding of the shorter New Testament writings, and the biblical writings in general.