Digital Logos Edition
Thorough as a student of Greek, R. C. H. Lenski interprets the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Epistle of James with meticulous exegetical research while providing an original, literal translation of the text. With his conservative Lutheran perspective, he is unwavering in his high view of Scriptural authority, probing deeply and passionately—arguing his conclusions masterfully. Beyond exegesis, he provides linguistic and textual analysis, historical background such as information on the author, date, time of writings, authorial intent, chief themes, and much more. Often addressing difficult text, evading nothing, Lenski evaluates multiple interpretations before choosing one in particular. The Lenski Commentary, therefore, will introduce you to a range of interpretations and viewpoints, allowing you to see how other interpretations relate to one another, and will provide the context as to why he has settled on a particular viewpoint.
A great work of exegesis, every page the result of long meditation, based on rich scholarship, warm with holy reverence for the Word of God.
—Moody Monthly
Lenski is one of the most helpful commentators on the New Testament you'll find — especially for his knowledge of the original Greek text. No serious exegete should neglect his insights.
—The Discerning Reader
The treatment is exhaustive; it seems that nothing has been overlooked or omitted.
—The Lutheran
My favorite New Testament commentary is that of R.C.H. Lenski. I smile whenever this scholar stabbed the “chiliasts” or those who reject infant baptism; yet I profit greatly from his sane and spiritually sensitive exposition. You do not have to be a Greek scholar to benefit from Lenski.
—Warren W. Wiersbe, A Basic Library for Bible Students
A conservative, very extensive and generally helpful exposition based upon an exegesis of the Greek text. Armenian in doctrine, maintains a rigid approach to Greek grammar, and follows an amillennial interpretation of eschatology. Exceedingly helpful background material and abounds in good preaching values.
—Cyril Barber, The Minister's Library
R. C. H. Lenski a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator, studied for the ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Upon earning his Doctor of Divinity, he became Dean of the seminary. He was a former professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught in the fields of exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative perspective.
“What is said is not written in order that we may judge others as to their fall and pronounce it irreparable, but so that each of us may check himself lest he fall and be doomed.” (Page 180)
“The evidence we possess fully warrants the conclusion that Apollos wrote Hebrews to the body of Jewish Christians at Rome after the martyrdom of Paul and before the destruction of Jerusalem, between the years 67 and 70, probably in 68 or 69.” (Page 22)
“Let us add that any person who fears that he has committed what has by another name been called ‘the unpardonable sin’ by that very fear proves that he has not committed it, that the door to repentance has not been irrevocably closed against him by God. Those who have fallen as is here described never show such fears; their horrible fear sets in at death.” (Page 181)
“The thought is that, when trials come, a lot of joy comes to people of faith. There is no denial that trials also produce strain and pain; there is, however, the reminder that, when they come, and when we evaluate them aright, we ought to bear them with joy. The flesh will not like them, but the spirit will rejoice to prove itself and to gain from the trials what Christ intended should be gained. The aorist imperative is in place, for it is more decisive than the present and determines once for all that the readers are to consider it all joy whenever trials come, no matter when they come, or of what kind they may be.” (Page 524)
“This body of purely Jewish Christians lived in Rome. The salutation of ‘those from Italy’ in 13:24 points almost directly to Rome.” (Page 15)