Hebrews, Christ, and the Law

This book seeks to fill a lacuna in studies of the Epistle to the Hebrews, namely, the writer's theology of the Mosaic Law, which is seen most clearly in the doctrinal center of the book, 7:1-10:18. Joslin concludes that for the writer of Hebrews the work of Christ has transformed the Law, and that this transformation involves both its fulfillment and internalization in the New Covenant; the Law has forever been affected christologically. As such, there are continuous and discontinuous aspects of the Law that turn on the hinge of Christ, the writer's chief 'hermeneutical principle'.
'Joslin's thesis that work of Christ has transformed the Law christologically is exegetically and theologically sound. This work is a significant contribution to the lacuna in Hebrews studies on the relationship of the law to the New Covenant believer.'
-- David L. Allen is Dean of the School of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
'Hebrews' understanding of the Mosaic Law is vital for proper appreciation of this important New Testament work. Dr. Joslin has given us a thorough, balanced discussion of this crucial topic and has made a significant contribution to New Testament theology.'
--Gareth Lee Cockerill is Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Wesley Biblical Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
'Scholars in the last few years have focused on the Pauline view of the Law, but other parts of the New Testament have not received the same attention. Barry Joslin has now written a fresh and stimulating work on the role of law in Hebrews. Nor is Hebrews considered in isolation, for the place of the Law in Second Temple Judaism is explored. Further, the structure of the argument of Hebrews is examined so that Joslin's interpretation of the Law is integrated with the argument of Hebrews as a whole. Future studies of the Law in Hebrews will have to reckon with Joslin's careful reading of the text.'
-- Thomas R. Schreiner is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

Barry C. Joslin earned his PhD in New Testament Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently Assistant Professor of Christian Theology at Boyce College, a school of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.