And Now for Something
Completely Different: A Verse by Verse Study of the Book of Hebrews by
Matthew Martin
The Book of Hebrews is one of the most significant books in
the NT for its focus on Jesus using OT promises and fulfillment, but also it is
an imminently practical book. Matthew
Martin, in his new book And Now for Something Completely Different sets out to
provide the reader with a verse by verse exposition of the text of
Hebrews. Akin to a John MacArthur
commentary, Martin tries to elucidate the meaning of many of the Greek words in
Hebrews. The commentary also focuses on
how Christ is Better than everything that came before him, a concept that
permeates the entire sermon. There are
no footnotes in the text but Matthew indicates that he consulted commentaries
in his study.
One thing to recommend in this commentary is Matthew’s
insistence that Christ be the center of the entire sermon. Christ brings a peace that no Levite priest
could in offering a perfect sacrifice (54).
Christ also was able to intercede for his people without hesitations
that he couldn’t fulfill his duty because of sin, for Christ was sinless. The robust significance of keeping Christ at
the center of this commentary is helpful because it keeps the Christ is Better
theme running seamlessly throughout the book.
At times, other commentaries focus too much on themes such as falling
away, Melchezidek, and sacrifice. I give
Matthew a hearty Amen that he continually brought back to our eyes the Messiah
that we believe in. Matthew also does a
fine job at referencing the OT in context with Hebrews passages that speak of
the Sabbath, sacrifice, and the high priest.
We need good descriptions of what was happening in the OT to understand
various portions of Hebrews that are strung together like a chain of pearls.
There are two deficiencies in this commentary that I must
mention; use of translation and lack of notes.
Matthew uses the KJV as his guide throughout the commentary. There is nothing inherently wrong with the
KJV but I hoped he would have consulted other versions (ESV, NIV) and compared
it with the KJV in a more comprehensive manner.
Second, his lack of interaction with other scholars is not a good sign
of serious study. The commentary is not
a scholarly tome but it is only right to do one’s research and to show the
results in your study. Some interaction
with Wenham, William Lane, and Paul Ellingworth would have enhanced his
commentary.
Thanks to Book Crash for the copy of this commentary in
exchange for an honest review.
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