Summary: Arranging a variety of theological, authorial, thematic and linguistic data into visual form, Charts on the Book of Hebrews by Herbert W. Bateman IV offers pastor, scholars and lay persons alike a plethora of easy to access information and data on the biblical book.
Review: I have to start this review by expressing my absolute delight in this book. Each page of it contains an enormous amount of data that Bateman has expertly presented in a simple, easy to understand format.
Charts is like a thorough exegetical commentary, without the commentary. There are often no definitive conclusions drawn here in the charts. Rather, Bateman gathers and presents the data. For example, six charts explore various aspects of the authorship of Hebrews, but Bateman offers only the data, not his opinion. I personally found this refreshing because it let me sit back and look at the information without feeling “scholar pressure” in forming my opinions.
The book is divided into four parts:
1. Introductory Considerations (including authorship, recipients, canonicity, etc.)
2. Old Testament/2nd Temple Influences
3. Theology of Hebrews
4. Exegetical Matters
Each section is wonderfully helpful in understanding everything from structure, to the comparison of Jesus with the priestly line. Section four may be somewhat inaccessible to a layperson with little Greek background, but even if that were the case, the previous three sections are illuminating enough to justify a layperson adding this to his or her library.
Some charts are more helpful than others, but that is to be expected in a book of this nature. Among my favorite sections are the charts tracing the Old Testament quotations and allusions in Hebrews, the portraits of God shared with Jesus in Hebrews and the “Jesus as Wisdom Paralleled” charts.
For pastors, scholars and Christians going through the book of Hebrews this resource is a must-have. In fact, if you had to chose between a good commentary and this book, I would recommend this book above the commentary.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (I loved it).
You can find the book at Kregel or on Amazon.
Review: I have to start this review by expressing my absolute delight in this book. Each page of it contains an enormous amount of data that Bateman has expertly presented in a simple, easy to understand format.
Charts is like a thorough exegetical commentary, without the commentary. There are often no definitive conclusions drawn here in the charts. Rather, Bateman gathers and presents the data. For example, six charts explore various aspects of the authorship of Hebrews, but Bateman offers only the data, not his opinion. I personally found this refreshing because it let me sit back and look at the information without feeling “scholar pressure” in forming my opinions.
The book is divided into four parts:
1. Introductory Considerations (including authorship, recipients, canonicity, etc.)
2. Old Testament/2nd Temple Influences
3. Theology of Hebrews
4. Exegetical Matters
Each section is wonderfully helpful in understanding everything from structure, to the comparison of Jesus with the priestly line. Section four may be somewhat inaccessible to a layperson with little Greek background, but even if that were the case, the previous three sections are illuminating enough to justify a layperson adding this to his or her library.
Some charts are more helpful than others, but that is to be expected in a book of this nature. Among my favorite sections are the charts tracing the Old Testament quotations and allusions in Hebrews, the portraits of God shared with Jesus in Hebrews and the “Jesus as Wisdom Paralleled” charts.
For pastors, scholars and Christians going through the book of Hebrews this resource is a must-have. In fact, if you had to chose between a good commentary and this book, I would recommend this book above the commentary.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (I loved it).
You can find the book at Kregel or on Amazon.
Note: I received a physical copy of this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.
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