Journal for the Study of

the New Testament

16. Non-Pauline Letters 2019, Vol. 41(5) 85­–90
© The Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/0142064X19849542
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The Function of Sublime Rhetoric in Hebrews

Christopher T. Holmes
WUNT 2.465; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018, 978-3-16-155752-1, €79.00, xviii + 234 pb

This study, based on PhD research, draws on modern scholarship that emphasizes the
significance of the so-called ‘radical rhetoric’, a distinctive rhetoric of religion in the NT.
Such rhetoric is described as the rhetoric of authoritative proclamation, which is different
from the rhetoric of rational persuasion. It appeals to the power of religious texts under-
lining the intended effects of a text on its audience and producing powerful emotions. An
additional framework for understanding of the religious rhetoric comes from the analysis
of the literary treatise, De sublimitate. There the author finds the evidence of what he
calls ‘sublime rhetoric’ and explores the powerful and nonrational effects of discourse.
The rest of the study offers a reading of Heb. 12.18-29 informed by the insights drawn
from De sublimitate. The focus on God’s powerful speech in this passage, the imagery of
heavenly places and beings, and a promise of an unshakeable heaven exemplify the
power of the text, point to the authoritative truths without offering any logical evidence,
and move the audience to proleptic participation in extra-worldly realities (for example,
the text helps its audience to imagine their gathering as the location of God’s speech and
to be part of an unshakeable kingdom of God). Holmes concludes his research by offer-
ing several fruitful suggestions for how to understand Heb. 12.18-29 and the whole epis-
tle by paying attention to the form and style of the letter.
This is a well-researched, well-presented and well-developed academic piece that
offers further implications for the question of relationship between the text’s expression
(its language and style) and its conception (its ideas), and more specifically between text
and religious experience.
Svetlana Khobnya

Der Höhepunkt des Hebräerbriefs: Hebräer 12,18-29 und seine Bedeutung für die Struktur und die
Theologie des Hebräerbriefs
Lukas Stolz
WUNT 2.463; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018, 978-3-16-155754-5, €109.00, xxiv + 527 pb

This is Stolz’s revised Basel PhD thesis. It argues that Heb. 12.18-29 is the theological
and rhetorical climax of Hebrews. Part A lays out a history of research, particularly
focusing on macro-structural proposals. Nearly all highlight the importance of 12.18-29.
86 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 41(5)

Yet disagreement remains as to whether it is the peroratio (Stolz: ‘amplifying summary’)

of the whole. Part B begins by establishing 12.18-29 as the appropriate rhetorical unit
and then presents a detailed exegetical treatment in three parts: vv. 18-21, 22-24, 25-29.
Part C, the heart of the argument, builds on this exegesis to answer the question of
whether and how 12.18-29 forms the structural and theological highpoint of Hebrews.
Stolz finds the unit to close the frame opened in 1.1-4, and to be a densely woven and
climactic synkrisis, issuing in warning and exhortation. Hebrews 12.18-29 gathers into
itself the variegated strands of nearly every preceding textual unit in Hebrews. It is
deservedly regarded, in other words, as the peroratio. The section concludes by briefly
suggesting that this conclusion highlights the character of ch. 13 as an epistolary appen-
dix, applying some aspects of the homily (yet by the same author). Part D summarizes
the findings of the study.
Stolz has provided a thorough and helpful exegetical study. He acknowledges the
independent, yet very similar contemporary study by Holmes (The Function of Sublime
Rhetoric in Hebrews, WUNT II.465, 2018), but understandably does not interact with it.
One expects that together these books will help us sharpen our appreciation of the cli-
mactic section of Hebrews and the structure and function of the whole.
Bradley J. Bitner

Inventing Hebrews: Design and Purpose in Ancient Rhetoric

Michael Wade Martin & Jason A. Whitlark
SNTSMS 171; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018, 978-1-108-42946-7, £75.00,
xiv + 305 hb

After surveying recent approaches, part 1 of this study examines syncrisis (compari-
son) as a key rhetorical feature in Hebrews, finding that it employs and arranges its
topics conventionally, then assigns secondary and primary roles respectively to
Hebrews’ two ‘alternating rhetorical genres’ (p. 18) – epideictic and deliberative.
Part 2 analyses Hebrews as an ancient speech, exploring its rhetorical arrangement in
considerable detail, via the speech’s argumentatio (2.1-18; 3.7–4.13; 5.11–6.20;
10.19–12.17; 12.25-29), narratio (1.5-14; 3.1-6; 5.1-10; 7.1–10.18; 12.18-24), exor-
dium (primary: 1.1-14; and secondary: 4.14-16) and peroratio (secondary: 12.14-17;
and primary: 13.1-25). From this evidence, the authors conclude that Hebrews, rhetori-
cally speaking, is ordered classically and in such a way that its primarily deliberative
purpose is given ancillary service by its epideictic portions (as rhetorical handbooks
envisaged).
The presenting issue is familiar: ‘whether Hebrews is essentially an epideictic speech
designed to praise Jesus in comparison with others, or a deliberative speech designed to
encourage perseverance and discourage apostasy’ (p. 253) – both kinds of material being
present. Here, Martin and Whitlark argue that Hebrews is predominantly deliberative in
purpose, with its epideictic narratio portions – which collectively praise the superior
origins, birth, education, deeds and death of certain new covenant subjects over against
old – furnishing the premises which ground the argumentatio’s deliberative exhortations
to urge perseverance in the new covenant faith. Throughout, the case is meticulously
documented and closely argued; at every point, the rhetoric of Hebrews is measured
Booklist 16. Non-Pauline Letters 87

against advice from ancient rhetorical theorists and compared to relevant examples
drawn from other ancient literature.
Gordon Campbell

Jude
Herbert W. Bateman IV
EEC; Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2015, 2017, 978-1-68359-052-1, $39.99, xix + 486 hb

This is a lengthy and thorough commentary on the letter of Jude, which Bateman argues
was written by Jude the brother of James and Jesus between AD 62 and 66. The occasion
was the growing tumult in the lead up to the Jewish War, and the opponents are specifically
Judaean Zealots, with whose cause these early Christians in Judaea are urged not to asso-
ciate. Following a 100-page introduction – a third of which is devoted to exploring evi-
dence for antipathy to Roman rule in Second Temple Jewish and other first-century AD
literature – for each passage the commentary proper offers introduction, textual notes,
translation, detailed commentary and brief sections on biblical theology and ‘application
and devotional implications’. Two very short excursuses on Gen. 6.1-4 and 1 Enoch are
appended; Greek is not transliterated.
Those seeking extensive evaluation of the not insignificant textual problems in Jude,
and close exegetical readings of the text, will be well served by this work. The historical
setting will not convince all: although Jude describes the intruders as rebellious, there is
little evidence that this is directed against Rome, as opposed to God or the believing
community. The imbalance between the long and overridingly technical main text and
the very brief theological/practical sections (introduction) or biblical theology/applica-
tion sections (commentary) leads to some abrupt gear changes and suggests that the work
would be less useful for pastors or church members without theological training. Overall,
an important resource for those needing to do more extensive textual or exegetical
heavy-lifting.
Nicholas J. Moore

Jude on the Attack: A Comparative Analysis of the Epistle of Jude, Jewish Judgement Oracles
and Greco-Roman Invective
Alexandra Robinson
LNTS 577; London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2018, 978-0-567-67878-2, £85.00, xix + 251 hb

Along with an introduction, conclusion, bibliography and indexes, this study comprises
six main chapters. Two cover preliminary matters (like how to read Jude 22-23 or Jude’s
relationship to 2 Peter) or a literary review and examination of the relevant genres. Four
substantive chapters then analyse the structure, aims, themes and style of Jewish judg-
ment oracles (as represented by Jer. 23.9-22), Graeco-Roman invective (as instanced by
Demosthenes’ Against Meidias and Ovid’s Ibis) and then Jude itself – with a further
comparative analysis of all three undertaken to establish whether, or to what extent, Jude
shows itself indebted either to invective or judgment-speech or both.
This book builds on the consensus that Jude is a polemical attack which owes some-
thing to both Graeco-Roman and Jewish influences (variously conceived). Its particular
88 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 41(5)

aim, in comparing Jude both to Graeco-Roman invective and to polemical Jewish judg-
ment oracles, is to understand better the nature of Jude’s attack and identify more fully
what stylistic influences have shaped it. Robinson’s discussion of Jude’s structure, aims,
themes or style with one eye on Jer. 23, Against Meidias or Ibis proves enlightening. Like
invective structurally, Jude nonetheless incorporates prophetic elements; while aiming to
empower the community and expose its false teachers, Jude nevertheless defers to God
(not the community) for judgment; and while Jude’s themes, like its stylistic devices
(metaphors, similes or allusions), are common to both genres, their content is predomi-
nantly Jewish. In short, Jude is ‘Jewish invective’ (p. 204), representing a creative fusion
of Graeco-Roman and Hebraic rhetorical characteristics.
Gordon Campbell

The Letter to the Hebrews: A Commentary for Preaching, Teaching, and Bible Study
Jon C. Laansma
Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2017, 978-1-4982-9321-1, $44.00, xxi + 353 pb

This commentary was originally written for a series that was subsequently cancelled.
Thankfully, Cascade Books agreed to publish. Laansma states, ‘The intended reader of
this commentary is a motivated, curious, experienced reader of the Scriptures … who
wants a specialist to get straight to the bottom line with each passage’ (p. xiii). So, it is
aimed at the non-specialist (while admitting the value of specialist studies), and this is
reflected in its assumption that such readers have limited access to secondary literature.
Footnotes are used, and there is a short bibliography, index and three helpful illustra-
tions/tables. Some sidebars provide supplementary material. Greek is transliterated. A
preface and long introduction usefully set the scene.
Laansma carefully structures his short chapters under the following headings: Context,
Background, Comments on Wording, Comments on Theological Themes, and Teaching
Hebrews. Constant interaction with OT and other texts is used in showing the flow of
Hebrews’ arguments. Suitable repetitions develop readers’ understanding, and structured
layouts of the text, starting many chapters, help readers to navigate. This is not intended
as a word-by-word technical commentary, but Laansma, as a specialist, reaches his
intended readers in an engaging manner, thus developing understanding and helping
preachers, teachers and Bible study students. His commentary deserves widespread use.
Robert S. Dutch

Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection
Darian R. Lockett
Cambridge: James Clarke, 2017, 978-0-227-17674-0, £21.50, xviii + 255 pb

In discussion with (among others) David Nienhuis and Robert Wall, Lockett continues
his attempts to draw attention to the Catholic Epistles (CE). His thesis here is that the CE
are not seven independent writings, but that they were received, redacted and shaped into
a coherent collection. Chapter 1 surveys recent attempts to read the CE as a collection;
chapter 2 discusses concepts such as canon and canon consciousness. Lockett then sur-
veys church fathers and biblical manuscripts regarding the canonization of the CE and
Booklist 16. Non-Pauline Letters 89

the origin of the label ‘catholic’, without bringing new evidence (chapter 3). Para-textual
evidence, such as order and headings, and the role of Acts in the canon are the subjects
of chapter 4, whereas chapter 5 looks at similarities in the use of the OT and at catch-
words, and chapter 6 at framing devices and theological themes in the CE. The themes
which Lockett identifies also occur in the rest of the NT. The Conclusion revisits the
concept of canon.
Lockett does not really offer many new discoveries, although the similarities between
James and 1 Peter are interesting. He has a tendency to stretch the evidence and to mix it
with less relevant details. There are no indexes of passages or subjects.
Pieter J. Lalleman

Listen, Understand, Obey: Essays on Hebrews in Honor of Gareth Lee Cockerill

Caleb T. Friedeman
Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2017, 978-1-4982-7853-9, $25.00, xx + 187 pb

This well-produced book contains not only the expected tribute and the list of the
honouree’s publications, but also an index of texts and bibliographies at the end of
each essay. There are nine well-written essays, all by scholars close to Cockerill. Rick
Boyd argues that Hebrews uses Ps. 8 both anthropologically and christologically.
Scott D. Mackie shows convincingly that proserchomai and eiserchomai mean the
same thing in Hebrews. Matt O’Reilly argues that in Hebrews ‘rest’ is both a present
and a future blessing. Jon C. Laansma offers a theological reading of the epistle as a
whole; this essay did not come to life for me. Editor Friedeman compares the
Christologies of Mark and Hebrews, finding that both heavily use Ps. 2 and have
much in common; this interesting essay convincingly compares a gospel and an epis-
tle. Amy L. Peeler argues that 1 Peter, Paul, Revelation and Hebrews support the
ordination of some, although all believers are priests. Carey B. Vinzant uncovers the
pattern of pre-existence–kenosis–exaltation in Paul, John and Hebrews, though
expressed in diverse images; this essay I liked most. Thomas H. McCall compares
what Heb. 5.7-10, Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth tell us about the obedience of
Christ. Finally, Christopher T. Bounds shows glimpses of how early Methodists read
Hebrews.
Largely a book for the specialists.
Pieter J. Lalleman

A Perfect Priest: Studies in the Letter to the Hebrews

Albert Vanhoye, edited and translated by Nicholas J. Moore & Richard J. Ounsworth
WUNT 2.477; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018, 978-3-16-154289-3, €84.00, x + 330 pb

Albert (since 2006 Cardinal) Vanhoye (born 1923) is a specialist on Hebrews who has
mainly published in French and Italian, although, in 2011 and 2015, commentaries on the
epistle appeared in English. Vanhoye’s 1963 dissertation and some early work focused
on the (in his view concentric) structure of Hebrews, but later his attention moved to its
Christology and to the priesthood of Jesus and the believers. The present collection of
‘representative’ essays, translated from the French, was the initiative of the translators,
who made a selection from Vanhoye’s many studies using the criteria of quality, spread
90 Journal for the Study of the New Testament 41(5)

over time (1964–2003) and (lack of) accessibility. In an 18-page introduction, Moore and
Ounsworth describe the person and work of Vanhoye, give an account of their work, and
provide introductions to and summaries of each essay. The book contains bibliographies
and indexes, but for the complete list of Vanhoye’s works we are referred to his 2007
Festschrift in Italian.
The essays have not been updated. Most are characterized by limited interaction with
other scholars: Vanhoye listens to Hebrews rather than to the guild; as a consequence, the
index of modern authors is short and lacks the names of many contemporary experts.
However, these experts and we can all now interact (better) with the valuable voice of
Vanhoye. As the original essays are not accessible to me, I cannot comment on the trans-
lations other than to say that they read well.
Pieter J. Lalleman

The Place of Paideia in Hebrews’ Moral Thought

Phillip A. Davis, Jr
WUNT 2.475; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2018, 978-3-16-156003-3, €89.00, xii + 291 pb

Davis argues in his lightly revised 2016 Münster PhD that the exigence of Hebrews is not
apostasy but sinful, faithless living. Paideia in 12.1-17 is therefore crucial for the hom-
ily’s moral discourse; it interprets suffering as ‘righteousness-building’. Chapter 1
defines and distinguishes the category ‘moral thought’, engaging key modern interpret-
ers (esp. Backhaus and Croy). Chapter 2 traces a broad survey of ‘moral perspective’ in
Hebrews, concluding that ‘moral lethargy’ and not (primarily) external persecution is the
key theological and pastoral issue. Chapter 3 surveys ancient conceptions of ‘corporal
punishment’, arguing for an educative, training, corrective role that nonetheless embraces
punitive and painful aspects: it is discipline that leads to virtue. Chapter 4 scrutinizes
Prov. 3.1-12 and 4.20-27 in context and among other Jewish literature (especially impor-
tant are Deut. 8.5 and Job 5.17) to show that suffering and divine discipline are loving
and virtue-forming. Chapter 5 is the exegetical core, carefully applying the moral and
disciplinary frame to Heb. 12.1-17. Rightly understood, divine paideia involves ‘both
encouragement and moral demand’; it trains and motivates towards moral virtue.
Chapter 6 briefly summarizes.
Close engagement with Croy, Prov. 3–4 and Heb. 12.1-17 are all strengths; so too the
attempt to situate paideia in the broad context of Hebrews’ moral discourse. Chapter 2 is
quite broad and not fully persuasive in some key claims (e.g., the interpretation of pistis
and apistia in Heb. 3–4). Hebrews 12.1-17 is indeed a preferable unit to 12.1-13 but the
discourse (and not only thematic) function of 12.18-29 might be given more attention.
Davis’s core argument will contribute to debate concerning the right interpretation of
divine discipline and suffering in Heb. 12.
Bradley J. Bitner

The Crucified Apostle, Wilson & House, eds. 56