Second Reading

Hannah Praying
Commentary on Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25

Hebrews 10:11–14 offers several comparisons between the Levitical priesthood and [...]

The Poor Widow's Offering, Frederick Goodall, before 1904
Commentary on Hebrews 9:24-28

The first verses of this week’s passage from Hebrews repeat much of what has been [...]

spray-painted hearts
Commentary on Hebrews 9:11-14

This week’s passage opens with the conjunction de (“but”), marking a transition to the discussion [...]

Raising of Lazarus by Peter Paul Morandell on the facade of the cemetery chapel in Rum, Tyrol (1956)
Commentary on Revelation 21:1-6a

“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).1 As [...]

Millstone in a garden
Commentary on James 5:13-20

The first four chapters of James are not exactly comforting. In fact, the author’s blunt, [...]

a mighty fortress
Commentary on Romans 3:19-28

Many preachers, especially those in Lutheran and Reformed traditions, will feel at home with the [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Hebrews 7:23-28

The lectionary texts from Hebrews for the previous week, this week, and the coming two [...]

Lucas van Leyden: Detail from Inner left wing of a diptych with Christ as the Man of Sorrows
Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10

Affluence, social status, academic degrees of all sorts, summa cum laude honors, and worldly wisdom [...]

threading a needle
Commentary on Hebrews 4:12-16

The preacher of Hebrews, whose focus is on God’s salvation history, includes 21st-century Christian believers [...]

judge's gavel
Commentary on Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the [...]