Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle "to the Hebrews"

Rating:
Summary: Department of Redundancy Department
Review: As a Bible major in my final semester of college, I know that commentaries are not intended to be, shall we say, colorful. But this book takes things a bit too far to the opposite extreme. Though informative and likely accurate in many of his claims, DeSilva's commentary on Hebrews has one major flaw in it: it is about 400 pages too long. I could expound upon this further, but then I would be guilty of the same thing that DeSilva is: saying something simple with far too many words.

Rating:
Summary: Department of Redundancy Department
Review: As a Bible major in my final semester of college, I know that commentaries are not intended to be, shall we say, colorful. But this book takes things a bit too far to the opposite extreme. Though informative and likely accurate in many of his claims, DeSilva's commentary on Hebrews has one major flaw in it: it is about 400 pages too long. I could expound upon this further, but then I would be guilty of the same thing that DeSilva is: saying something simple with far too many words.

Rating:
Summary: A well rounded look at the Epistle to the Hebrews
Review: This book is in the tradition of the socio-retorical commentaries made popular by Ben Witherington III. This format has the advantage of taking keen account as to how the text would have been heard by the original recipients and thus makes this style of commentary particularly strong in exegesis. DeSilva is a solid writer and the book is very well organized. Each section consists of an overview, commentary and summary. In addition there are usually one or more "closer looks" on controversial topics in each chapter. For example DeSilva spends several pages discussing Hebrews 6:4 and whether that verse represents the "unpardonable sin" mentioned in several gospel accounts. Even more helpful are sections titled "bridging the horizons" which give practical everyday applications to the texts just studied.
Hebrews is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I highly recommned this commentary.

Rating:
Summary: 8
Review: This recently developed exegetical method is very helpful in understanding cultural and sociological background as well as the use of ancient rhetoric by the writers of the New Testament. deSilva's contribution is especially helpful for understanding the fact that "honor and shaming" were tools of social control in the ancient world, and this is directly related to the purpose and structure of the "Letter to the Hebrews." He shows how the art of rhetoric is also related to the structure of Hebrews. deSilva makes use of the giant works of William Lane and Harold Attridge, but he provides us with his own unique contribution as well. I would not use it in isolation, but I think it is an indespensible contribution to studies in this letter. The introduction is excellent and provides details of the Socio-Rhetorical method of exegesis in general and especially as applied to Hebrews. A fine work that is as interesting as it is helpful.