Pioneer and Priest
Jesus Christ in the Epistle to the Hebrews
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2013
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Publisher's Description
The interest that Hebrews holds today is testimony to its enduring message. Central to its message is what Jesus Christ did and continues to do for his people. This is spelled out in arresting images. Dr. McKelvey provides new insight on Hebrews by demonstrating that two of its chief images - pioneer and priest - function not independently but in tandem. Christ is not pioneer without also being priest, and his priesthood is only properly understood in terms of the pioneer figure. Only one who is both pioneer and priest can provide the church with the help it needs. The double analogy in fact conveys the meaning of the Christian faith. This creative work takes account of the author's rhetorical style, showing how Hebrews is addressed to an urgent practical situation. It will appeal to those who want to know more about Hebrews as well as those who believe that the emerging church must follow Christ "outside the camp."
Endorsements (5)
“This clear and careful exploration of the dual Christology of Hebrews may itself prove, as McKelvey describes the epistle, 'a pastoral response' to the needs of Christians in crisis.”
“In this highly accessible study, Hebrews is read as a response to the needs of a community in crisis. . . . Written with a sense of urgency and with contemporary Christian communities in mind, this book makes a substantial contribution to the recent resurgence of interest in Hebrews and is in itself pioneering in several ways.”
“This book makes an original and insightful contribution to scholarly discussion on the Christology of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and is essential reading for all scholars of the epistle. It is an invaluable resource for theology students with its clear, measured, and stimulating analysis of the major issues of the epistle, and also for hard-pressed, modern-day Christians with its meticulously researched insights into the author of Hebrews' pastoral strategies.”
“R. J. McKelvey, Pioneer and Priest (Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2013) is a fine book on the christology of the Letter to the Hebrews. . .The principal thesis is that the themes of 'pioneer' and 'priest' work in tandem in the argument of Hebrews. The church is both a pilgrim people and a pardoned people. We 'go out' (Heb. 13:13) "into an uncertain and risky world" (p39), following Jesus the way-maker and helped by Jesus the priest. And we are able to 'draw near' (Heb. 4:16), because our leader opens the way into heaven, and our mediator meets his people there with mercy and grace. . .This is highly respectable academic writing. But it deserves to be read much more widely too. The style is clear, yet it is obvious throughout that the author is dealing with serious pastoral issues. This is an excellent piece of mature Christian scholarship.”
“McKelvey's book is very engaging, and not least for his grasp of a wide range of scholarship, succinctly and appreciatively discussed, while keeping hold of the argument being pursued. Having read it reflectively I think I can justifiably claim I now have a clearer grasp of a piece of Christian scripture I already greatly valued. That both terms, 'pioneer' and 'high priest' were important for the author in his attempt to encourage an uncertain and, it seems, somewhat dispirited early Christian community, is widely recognised. McKelvey, I think uniquely, shows, in clear steps, how both terms interlock and interpret each other. We are invited by A Letter to Hebrews to trust that what Christ as priest pioneers for us he continues to do with us, bringing us closer to God in a deeper trusting awareness.”
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