The Second Chance for God's People

Description: For centuries the New Testament book of Hebrews has been interpreted as though it had been written for Jewish Christians in danger of lapsing back into legalism and religious ceremony. This view is now being challenged by current scholarship. Rather than attacking the Old Testament and Judaism, the author of Hebrews praises the person and work of Jesus through a series of comparisons on which he bases exhortations and warnings to the present people of God. Hebrews urges God's people to learn from past mistakes and failures, and to take up the challenge in difficult times to live faithfully in the new relationship to God through Jesus, God's Son. In The Second Chance for God's People: Messages from Hebrews, Quaker pastor and professor Timothy W. Seid encourages today's church to respond to the challenge of Hebrews: first individually by progressing in spiritual and moral maturity, and second collectively by being God's faithful people in the world. In the light of ancient Greek language and rhetoric after having extensively researched Hebrews, Seid interprets the text of Hebrews section by section in an accessible and nontechnical way while also illustrating and applying the meaning of the text for the contemporary church. Endorsements: Honoring the attention the author of Hebrews gives to hearing and responding to the word of God speaking through prophets, a Son, and still through the Spirit, Timothy Seid offers an exposition of this early Christian sermon in perhaps the most appropriate form -- a series of sermons inviting contemporary hearers to attend to what the Spirit is saying. Combining the fruits of his doctoral work on the rhetorical comparisons in Hebrews and years of preaching experience, Seid offers a a collection that will inspire pastors in their own proclamation and disciples in their appropriation of this rich and challenging text. David A. deSilva, author of Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle ""To the Hebrews"" (2000) and An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation (2004). ""In The Second Chance for God's People, Tim Seid . . . has worked his way through the book of Hebrews and the book of Hebrews has worked its way through him . . . He offers the fruit of critical analysis and commentary in terms . . . easily understood together with illustrations from popular culture and everyday life as well as practical applications."" Cynthia Long Westfall, author of Discourse Analysis of the Letter to the Hebrews ""[This Hebrews] commentary combines explanation of the book's details with a winsome style and generous use of rich illustrations. The modern church is in great need of Hebrews' relevant messages, and Seid's readable commentary should make those messages both accessible and . . . applicable."" George H. Guthrie, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee ""Timothy Seid has combined the scholar's insights with the pastor's concern . . . The result is a . . . valuable resource for lay readers and church study groups. By . . . clarifying his exegetical insights with illustrations from movies, literature, and his own experience, he shows that Hebrews is a word that is 'living and active.'"" James W. Thompson, author of The Beginnings of Christian Philosophy: The Epistle to the Hebrews About the Contributor(s): Tim Seid is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of New Testament Studies at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. He is also a pastoral minister at Salem Friends Meeting in Liberty, Indiana.