Recent years have seen renewed interest in divine action, but much of
the literature tends to focus on the science-theology discussion.
Resulting from multi-year work of the Scripture and Doctrine Seminar,
part of KLC's Scripture Collective, this book attends to the portrayal
of divine action in one major biblical text, namely Hebrews. In the New
Testament, Hebrews is on par with Romans in terms of importance but has
too often been overlooked. Contributors to this volume explore the many
different ways in which divine action is foregrounded and portrayed in
Hebrews. As its name indicates, Hebrews overflows with Old Testament
intertextuality, which also makes it a fertile ground for analysis of
divine action stretching back into the Old Testament and opening out
into different parts of the NT. The essays in this volume:
- rigorously work the interface of theology and exegesis, all related to
Hebrews;
- offer an overview of the current state of discussion of divine action
and the importance of exploring divine action in specific biblical
texts, with special reference to William Abraham's recent 4 volume
work with OUP;
- provide an overview of the reception history of Hebrews in theologies
of divine action;
- explore how this has this played out in historical theology and what a
retrieval of Hebrews for a theology of divine action might mean today;
- explore the relationship between the doctrine of God and divine action
in Hebrews, including an engagement with classical theism;
- provocatively explore divine action in the OT, creation, and
eschatology in Hebrews;
- explore the major theme in Hebrews of divine action through the
ongoing priesthood of Jesus as portrayed in Hebrews;
- relate this all to preaching Hebrews today and to spiritual formation.
The book's conclusion reflects on the primary action of God speaking in
Hebrews.
