The series New Studies in Biblical Theology is a
series I can heartily recommend. Key issues in the discipline of biblical
theology are addressed to learn Christians to understand the Bible better. In
this series Peter T. O’Brien, formerly Vice-Prin-cipal of and Senior Research
Fello0w in New Testament at Moore College, Sydney has written a monograph on
the epistle to the Hebrews.
O’Brien characterizes this New Testament epistle as a
sermon sent as a letter. It is a hortatory letter which urges its readers to
endure in their pursuit of the promised reward. They are written that they can
find the power of this endurance in their new covenant relationship with the
Son.
In this context the superiority of Christ above angels
and above the high priests of the old covenant is addressed. Texts and themes
of the Old testament and especially the Aaronic priesthood and the ritual of
the Day of Atonement are shown to be fulfilled and surpassed in Jesus Christ and
his work.
Important is the remark that only after his sufferings
were completed at the cross that Jesus was perfected and fit to serve as an eternal
high priest in heaven before God. So it is completely wrong to suggest that in the
epistle to the Hebrews Jesus’ death is only a preparatory to the atonement.
Jesus’ work as high priest in heaven cannot be separated from his once for all
sacrifice on the cross.
Peter
T. O’Brien, God has spoken in his Son. A biblical theology of Hebrews,
NSBT 39 (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016) paperback 256 pp., $24,99 (ISBN
978-0-8308-2640-7)