Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews

By Dennis E. Johnson, Edited by Thomas R. Schreiner, Brian S. Rosner

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Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews

By Dennis E. Johnson, Edited by Thomas R. Schreiner, Brian S. Rosner

... Show All

An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Hebrews

The book of Hebrews can be intimidating for modern-day Christians due to its connection to Old Testament text. However, once understood, this New Testament epistle offers great insights into the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus—rightly justifying his place as high priest. 

In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Dennis E. Johnson highlights the main biblical-theological themes of Hebrews. Johnson explores how Jesus fulfills perfect priesthood by becoming the covenant mediator and the trailblazer who leads his people into a better inheritance. Hebrews calls Christian believers, both of the early church and today, to hold fast to their faith even when faced with persecution and exclusion. It reminds us to cling to the eternal Son who offered his body and blood as the everlasting sacrifice for our sin.

  • Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Deeply: Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople
  • Helpful Bible Study Resource: A great companion to commentaries on Hebrews 
  • Part of the New Testament Theology Series: Other volumes include Ministry in the New Realm and Hidden with Christ in God

Read Chapter 1


Author:

Dennis E. Johnson

Dennis E. Johnson (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor emeritus of practical theology at Westminster Seminary California and assistant pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Tennessee. He is the author of several books and contributed to the ESV Study Bible and the ESV Expository Commentary. Dennis and his wife, Jane, live in Dayton and have four children and sixteen grandchildren.

Editors:

Thomas R. Schreiner

Thomas R. Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Brian S. Rosner

Brian Rosner (PhD, Cambridge) is principal of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He previously taught at the University of Aberdeen and Moore Theological College. Rosner is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity. He is married to Natalie and has four children.

Product Details

Category: Biblical Studies
Theology
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 216
Size: 5.5 in x 8.5 in
Weight: 8.98 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-7553-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-7553-2
ISBN-UPC: 9781433575532
Case Quantity: 48
Published: September 10, 2024

Table of Contents

Series Preface
Preface
Abbreviations       
Introduction: Truth-Driven Transformation in Troubled Times

Chapter 1: The Wilderness Pilgrimage of the People of God  
Chapter 2: The Historical Trajectory of Redemption and Revelation
Chapter 3: The Interpretation of Ancient Scripture  
Chapter 4: The Divine-Human Mediator              
Chapter 5: Jesus’s Priestly Qualifications and Tenure
Chapter 6: Jesus’s Once-for-All, Conscience-Perfecting Sacrifice
Chapter 7: Persevering Faith through Congregational Solidarity

Conclusion
Recommended Resources
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

“Dennis Johnson joins exegetical skill, theological acumen, and pastoral care to give his readers a rich treatise on Hebrews. His analysis of the genre and purpose of Hebrews leads to a portrait of Jesus that encourages weary pilgrims of every era.”
Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

“Drawing on more than forty years of study, Dennis Johnson skillfully summarizes the main message of Hebrews with the precision of a scholar, the knowledge of a theologian, and the concern of a pastor. This volume is both profound, reflecting the central message of Jesus’s superiority, and accessible, dealing with the text at a practical level. As weary pilgrims, we all need to be reminded of our perfect priest. So read this book and be greatly encouraged.”
Benjamin L. Merkle, Dr. M. O. Owens Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies and Research Professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Hebrews is a master class in how to read the Bible. It shows us how all of Scripture points to Christ, explaining what God has done in Christ to save his people. Dennis Johnson is the ideal teacher to help us mine the many riches that God has given us in this ‘word of exhortation.’ Drawing from half a century of deep reflection on the teaching of Hebrews and from decades of pastoral ministry in the church, Johnson is a skilled and experienced guide to this biblical book. He helps us to see from Hebrews the unity of Scripture, the majesty of Christ, and the salvation that is ours in Christ, and he does so in such a way as to lead us to adore and praise our great God. Whether you have never really studied Hebrews or have been poring over Hebrews your whole life, Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims will stir you to know better that ‘great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God.’”
Guy Prentiss Waters, James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

“Dennis Johnson does a masterful job of making the daunting book of Hebrews accessible and clear. As an expert exegete, he connects the message of Hebrews to us today through a redemptive-historical lens. The fruit of reading this book is not only greater knowledge of our perfect high priest but also greater love and affection for him. I highly recommend this life-giving resource for weary pilgrims!”
Lloyd Kim, Coordinator, Mission to the World, Presbyterian Church in America

“Dennis Johnson’s treatment of the theology of Hebrews by focusing on its central theme of the (high) priesthood of Christ makes a most welcome contribution. Written out of his careful study of many years, it serves a broad audience. Both those with a beginning interest in what Hebrews has to teach about the person and work of Christ and those who have long treasured this teaching will read this book, as I did, with great profit.”
Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary

“The book of Hebrews is a difficult nut to crack. The contemporary church often struggles with making sense of a book that is so steeped in Old Testament language and imagery. Dennis Johnson is a gifted communicator—incisive and elegant—and every time I read his writing, I learn a great deal. Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims captures the complex theology of Hebrews yet never loses sight of the book’s exhortation for believers.”
Benjamin L. Gladd, Executive Director, Carson Center for Theological Renewal; series editor, Essential Studies in Biblical Theology

“As a New Testament scholar, a homiletics professor, and a seasoned pastor, Dennis Johnson is ideally equipped to explore the exhortatory sermon we call Hebrews. Like the unknown author of Hebrews, he delights in exploring theology for the sake of practical application in the daily life of the Christian. In so doing he unlocks the treasures of Hebrews in a most helpful manner, giving special attention to the Christological interpretation of the Old Testament. Johnson wonderfully reveals the beauty and brilliance of Hebrews and will bring about a new appreciation of a much-neglected New Testament book.”
Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary