An die Hebrer, EKK XVII/2

This second part of the commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews comprises the central part 7.1-10.18, which is decisive for high priests' christology. The focus is on the mysterious figure of Melchizedek from Gen 14 (chap. 7), the new covenant (chap. 8) and the atoning death of Jesus, interpreted in typological correspondence to Joern Kippur in Lev. 18 (chapters 9 and 10). In addition to the analysis and the most precise philological exegesis possible, special attention is paid to illuminating the religious-historical background, the traditional-historical contexts and the history of the impact. Since the rhetorically trained and Alexandrian educated author of the Epistle to the Hebrews presents his cult theological reinterpretation of the Passion kerygma in a highly mythological way, hermeneutical considerations are also required, without which current understanding is not possible. It shows that the Epistle to the Hebrews has a share in at least two of the currently most intensely discussed questions: the question of anti-Judaism in the New Testament and the question of "atonement as a salvation event" (B. Janowski). This commentary pays special attention to both questions. The fact that the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews knows how to put his high cult theology entirely at the service of the Paraklesis and to rekindle a burned fire of faith again distinguishes him as a theologian, as does the result of his cult criticism, which has Pauline format: Christ is the end of the earthly Cult as a way of salvation.