The title of my post is not the title of the book. Rather it is the subtitle. Which leads me to believe that this author is more about his presentation of this book of the Bible than the book of the Bible. That was my very first thought...first impression are lasting impressions, eh?
About the book: “And Now for Something Completely Different” is a verse-by-verse, in-depth consideration of one of the most important books of the Bible. The book of Hebrews is often under-studied because many Bible readers are unfamiliar with its purpose.
This commentary (written less like a textbook and more like a novel) expands on the narratives and arguments of its original, inspired author in order to walk the reader through the epistle, step-by-step. Thus the book will (1) show the purpose, functions and limitations of the Old Law, (2) explain the greatness of Christianity in contrast to the Israelite Covenant and (3) offer encouragement to Christians who may be (as the original readers were) considering abandoning Christ for an "easier" (temporary) life.
Unlike many other books devoted to the study of this great letter, this commentary avoids relying on cross-referencing other writers and their works. Instead, it keeps the focus on the 303 verses that comprise the epistle, with only occasional references made to related passages of Scripture.
About the author: ... cricket chirp ... Admittedly, I stop searching after three or four websites but I could not find anything about Matthew Martin.
My thoughts: I am keen to learn more about God's Word. In the past two years I have read more books about the Bible than I had ever. I actually finished reading the entire Bible itself within the last two years. I appreciate commentaries on God's Word. However, it is so very important to search the Scriptures themselves to glean more understanding. This book "avoids relying on cross-referencing other writers and their works. Instead, it keeps the focus on the 303 verses that comprise the epistle, with only occasional references made to related passages of Scripture." I take this to mean, first, that this author is set on not relying on other commentaries for this work; second, that he is also set on not using very many other related Scriptures. The first goal I can understand. Man is man; he is not God. His thoughts are not lofty as God's. Man is prone to making many mistakes. There are too many commentaries on the market {imho} that people read instead of the Bible itself. However, the second goal misses something by limiting the referencing of other Scriptures, which I think this Martin fellow has done.
Personally, I did not feel this added anything to the book of Hebrews. It did not lend any more 'aha!' to my reading of the book. Reading the Bible book of Hebrews in a cross-referencing Bible lends much understanding. This book by Matthew Martin doesn't necessarily add much more. It also claims to be an "engrossing narrative"; I fail to get that. Reading the book in the Bible is more engrossing.
***Disclaimer: I received this book free from BookCrash for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***
Thank you very much for this review! My Wednesday night Bible study class is studying Hebrews right now. I am loving it!! We are also using cross references from other books of the Bible and it makes the study so rich and deep.
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