Peter T. O'Brien

The volume contains a series of essays examining Second Temple literature in light of E.P, Sanders' landmark work on Palestinian Judaism and his formulation of covenantal nomism. The core essays each examine a selection of typical literature across a wide variety of genres, from psalms and prayers, additions and expansions of Biblical accounts to wisdom literature and apocalypses. Literature from Qumran is also considered along with the writings of Philo and Josephus. An essay focuses on the Pharisees and their place within normative Second Temple Judaism and a linguistic examination of the relevant Hebrew terms surrounding righteousness and covenant. Overall, the majority of the authors found that, with some qualification, covenantal nomism was a broad, but fair statement of the representative literature. Surprising in the light of the consistent affirmation of Sander's proposal was D. A. Carson's concluding summarizing essay which seems to ignore the conclusions of the previous essays and assert the insadaquancies of the concept.… (more)

In this carefully crafted commentary, Peter O'Brien uses discourse analysis to show how the letter to the Hebrews is put together. He reveals what it would have meant for its first hearers and what it means for readers today. / O'Brien views the epistle as a "word of exhortation" -- a homily or sermon that skillfully interweaves exposition and exhortation, encouraging faithful perseverance in the light of the superlative final word God has spoken in Christ. / "It would be difficult to find a more helpful guide than Peter O'Brien or a guide better endowed with his combination of competence and genial wisdom." D. A. Carson (from the preface)… (more)

This commentary sold me on Peter O'Brien. He proves himself here a trustworthy and capable writer / commentator. (I later also picked up his works on Philippians and Colossians!) The Pillar series is limited in how much technical Greek information is included, but his insight, explanations and conclusions do not suffer limitation.

He surprised me when he said Ephesians 1:9-10 is the theological core of Ephesians. I didn't believe him at first, but in time he convinced me.

An excellent commentary by an excellent commentator. Having this volume along with Hoehner will serve you quite well.… (more)