How to Read John Owen on Hebrews in Under a Decade

One of my biggest frustrations as book lover and lover of rich theology is that I can’t read more. I see sales advertising multiple-volume works from theologians that I want to read, but realize I never will with my current pace of life. (A great example is John Owen’s magisterial 3,967 pages on Hebrews.) That’s why I’m so glad someone took the time to make John Owen’s rich treasure trove in Hebrews accessible in about 196 pages.

Sixty Days with John Owen in Hebrews works through Hebrews phrase-by-phrase in sixty days, providing Owen’s insightful and rich commentary. Hebrews is such an important book for seeing the work of Christ in the New Covenant and understanding how Christ fulfills the Old Testament types, shadows, and systems. My experience with Owen in Hebrews was a glorious feast beholding the wonders of our Savior. (One can only imagine how rich his multiple-volume set would be!) This book will deepen your understanding of Hebrews and stir your passion for Christ, who is both the High Priest and propitiatory sacrifice of the New Covenant.

The application questions (presumably not written by Owen) were actually my favorite part of the book—they encouraged me to contemplate the Christ-exalting truths of Hebrews and drew my heart to worship at the wisdom and power of Christ’s sacrifice. In a world that craves quick spiritual fixes and easy tips for a better life, it was refreshing fixing my eyes on our glorious Savior—which will in the end have a greater effect than a thousand “quick fixes.”

One little squabble with the book is that going phrase-by-phrase through Hebrews could make some readers lose sight of the whole of the book (losing the forest for the trees). I recommend reading the introduction to Hebrews in a study Bible or watching The Bible Project’s helpful overview video a time or two on your journey with Owen to ground you in the book’s overall context and message.

(As far as I know, this book is only available on Kindle, but it’s a steal at $0.99.)

You may also be interested in Owen’s Hebrews Commentary in Crossway’s Classic Commentary Series.

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Kevin

I serve with Unlocking the Bible. I blog for the glory of God, to nourish the church, and to clarify my mind. A lover of Christ first, people second, and random things like coffee, books, baseball, and road trips. I wrote When Prayer Is Struggle. Soli Deo Gloria