The Writer of Hebrews as a Biblical Expositor

Abstract

The Letter to the Hebrews stands out among New Testament writings as the one which typically ‘expounds’ a selected text at some length, exploring its relevance to the current situation of the readers. This article identifies seven such extended expositions within the letter, and analyses the way scripture is understood and applied in each. While the writer respected the original meaning of the text, his ‘christological interpretation’ leads to new and sometimes surprising applications, which may not be (or be intended to be) ‘scientific exegesis’, but are fully in keeping with the hermeneutical approach of the early Christian movement and of its founder.