When is a letter not a letter? When it is The Letter to the Hebrews. Daniel J. Harrington describes this text as "the greatest Christian sermon ever preached or written" and its author as "the patron saint of preachers." The basic theological point of the sermon is that Christ is both the perfect sacrifice for sins and the priest who offers himself as a sacrifice. The anonymous author of this work addresses Jewish Christians who had embraced Christianity with enthusiasm but were becoming discouraged and falling away in the face of suffering. The biblical text and Harrington's uncomplicated commentary are ideal components for individual and group study. Reading and reflection will produce a renewed appreciation of the saving work of Jesus. Comprehensive and understandable, the New Collegeville Bible Commentary series brings the timeless messages and relevance of the New Testament to today's readers. With recent scholarship, this series provides vital background and addresses important questions such as authorship and cultural context. The New Collegeville Bible Commentary includes New American Bible translation and will appeal to preachers, teachers, Bible study groups, and all Bible readers.
