The unit will offer students an introduction to the rhetorical structure of the Letter to the Hebrews, as well as its theological and Christological content. This will be done through a close reading and critical study of the text and exegesis of major passages. Particular attention will be given to the Jewish background of the letter, as well as to the originality of its contribution to the New Testament reflection on faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for the Christian life.

Prerequisites:

• second level: BS101 and BS102 or equivalent
• third level: two Biblical Studies units at second level

Requirements:
three hours per week

Assessment:

• second level
  • one 2,000 word essay - 50%
  • one 2,000 word tutorial paper
  • plus tutorial work - 50%
    
• third level
  • one 2,500 word essay - 50%
  • one 2,500 word tutorial paper
  • plus tutorial work - 50%

Bibliography:

• Attridge, Harold. W. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Edited by Helmut Koester. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1989.
• Bruce, Frederick. F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Rev. ed. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990.
• Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text. The New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1993.
• Guthrie, George H. The Structure of Hebrews: A Text-Linguistic Analysis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998.
• Johnson, Luke T. Hebrews: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
• Koester, Craig R. Hebrews: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible, vol. 36. New York: Doubleday, 2001.
• Lane, William, L. Hebrews. 2 vols. Word Biblical Commentary, vols 47A–B. Dallas: Word, 1991.
• Mitchell, Alan. C. Hebrews. Edited by Daniel J. Harrington. Sacra Pagina Series, vol. 13. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007.
• Trotter, Andrew H. Interpreting the Epistle to the Hebrews. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1989.
• Vanhoye, Albert. Structure and Message of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Subsidia Biblica, no. 12. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1989.