Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews (New Testament Theology)

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“This is maybe the best short theology of Mark I’ve read. Unique to Orr’s book is how he places Mark in conversation with both Peter and Paul. When Mark composed his work, Peter and Paul were already preaching aspects of Mark’s Gospel. Mark more fully narrates the story of this great hero who is more than the Jewish Messiah. He is the divine Son.”

“Peter Orr offers readers a rich biblical-theological treatment of the Gospel of Mark, which summons us to follow Christ, the Son of God and servant King. Orr insightfully calls Mark ‘the beginning of the gospel,’ drawing historical and theological links between this foundational narrative of Jesus’s life and the apostolic preaching of Paul and Peter. This is essential reading for all who study and teach Mark’s Gospel.”

“Peter Orr offers a brief, accessible, and insightful survey of the theology of Mark’s Gospel. Orr emphasizes in The Beginning of the Gospel what Mark emphasizes—the gospel of Jesus Christ—and invites readers to see connections between this Gospel and the epistles of the apostle Paul. This book will equip both specialists and general readers to read and reread Mark’s Gospel with deeper understanding and appreciation.”