Hebrews 6:4-8: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation (Part 2) -- By: David A. deSilva

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 50:2 (NA 1999)
Article: Hebrews 6:4-8: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation (Part 2)
Author: David A. deSilva


Hebrews 6:4-8: A Socio-Rhetorical Investigation (Part 2)

David A. deSilva

Summary

The first part of this essay established the importance of patron-client roles and expectations for the argument being advanced in Hebrews 6:4-8. Having been privileged to receive such gifts from God, the addressees could not now respond in such a way as would bring dishonor on their patron. Such a course would not only be unjust, but also ultimately disasterous. This second part now considers the ideological texture of the passage, particularly how the author re-engineers the parameters within which the hearers are to consider what will be advantageous for them. The real danger to their safety comes not from perseverance with a marginalized group, but from disloyalty to the patron-client bond God has formed with them. The author thus significantly advances his agenda of motivating perseverance to the end of the journey begun at their conversion and baptism. Finally, the theological debates concerning Heb 6:4-8 are critiqued in light of the social context of patronage: ‘eternal security’ and ‘impossibility of restoration’ are both seen to be positions that ultimately transgress the dynamics of a carefully nuanced system.

VI. The Socio-Rhetorical Strategy Of Hebrews 6:4-8

Having explored prominent aspects of the inner texture, intertexture, and social and cultural texture of Hebrews, it remains to look at the ideology of this passage. How has the author, in responding to what he perceives to be the crucial need of the audience’s situation, shaped their perception of that situation so as to motivate them to follow the course he promotes? How has he offered them a view of reality which brings them closer to ‘seeing things his way’ and to acting as he would have them act? In answering these questions, we will also have an opportunity to review the rhetorical strategy of the author. Finally, what will be the social effects of Hebrews 6:4-8, if the hearers accept

the author’s presentation of their situation and the course they must follow?

Hebrews 6:1 had proposed an overarching agenda for the addressees—being carried along to completion, the end of the journey begun by their conversion, baptism, and early catechesis in the Christian world-view (6:1-2). This is another way of expressing what the author has held forward as the essential significance of life in this world from the beginning (‘in...

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