This is a series called “Up to Date,” where I do a sweeping survey of the latest and greatest biblical commentaries. In 2020, I published a little book called The New Testament Commentary Guide: A Brief Handbook for Students and Pastors (Lexham Press, 2020). I’m proud of my “little orange book,” but a resource like this gets outdated. If you are looking for commentary classics and “best picks” I suggest picking up my book. In this Substack series though, I will be looking at what has been published in the last five years (2019-2024).
Important Recent Hebrews Commentaries
**Click images to purchase or learn more
Dana Harris (EGGNT)
This is an in depth look at the Greek text. I love this series, if you took Greek in seminary, this series is very insightful, and Harris’ Greek expertise and knowledge of Hebrews is a powerful combination.
Thomas Schreiner (EBTC)
Schreiner is a seasoned commentary writer and offers here a comprehensive exegetical study with emphasis on key theological themes like promise/fulfillnment, eschatology, typology, and cosmology. (From what I have been told, if you have his 2015 Hebrews commentary, you don’t need this 2020 version)
James W. Thompson (Proclamation)
This is not a commentary, certainly not verse-by-verse. This series offers sweeping exposition and outlining, and then tips on preaching responsibly through the text. I love this series, and Thompson does a great job. NB: these are very short volumes (this one is about 115 pages)
Reading Hebrews in Context (Zondervan)
Okay, this is not a commentary either; it is a set of studies from various expert scholars on setting Hebrews within its historical, social, and cultural context. This is a FANTASTIC resource. Highly recommended. (This is also a Zondervan series, so check out the other volumes on Romans, Mark, etc.)
Amy Peeler (CCF)
I have spent a good about of time in Peeler’s book since it came out in May (2024) and I can say this is my top recommendation for getting a theological commentary on Hebrews, and I will be turning to this first and foremost as I study Hebrews myself for lecture prep or research.
**This is a MUST HAVE
Douglas Moo (ZECNT)
File this under “coming very soon,” it is due out Nov 19, 2024. Obviously I don’t know anything about the book in advance, but this is a great series (that expects basic knowledge of Greek).
Coming Soon (or Not So Soon)
Here are some commentaries that are coming in the future. No clear timeline or release dates for these.
Dana Harris (Bible in God’s World)
Loveday Alexander and Philip Alexander (ICC)
David deSilva (WBC)
Buist Fanning (EEC)
Madison Pierce (BECNT)
Up next: stay tuned for new commentaries on Philemon next week!
Thanks as always. I ordered a couple of these