Includes bibliographical references (p. [205]-224) and index.

Preliminary Materials / E.F. Mason -- Introduction / E.F. Mason -- Chapter One. Hebrews’ Presentation Of Jesus As High Priest / E.F. Mason -- Chapter Two. Previous Theories Of The Background Of The Motif / E.F. Mason -- Chapter Three. Messianic Priest Traditions In Second Temple Judaism / E.F. Mason -- Chapter Four. Melchizedek Traditions In Second Temple Judaism / E.F. Mason -- Chapter Five. The Priestly Christology Of Hebrews And Qumran Traditions / E.F. Mason -- Bibliography / E.F. Mason -- Index Of Authors / E.F. Mason.

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Scholars have long questioned the conceptual background for the priestly Christology of the Epistle to the Hebrews, with suggestions including Gnosticism, the thought of Philo of Alexandria, common themes in early Christian theology and exegesis, and the creativity of the author of Hebrews himself. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls prompted waves of enthusiasm for understanding Hebrews in that context, both in terms of the Qumran sect’s priestly messianism and understanding of Melchizedek, but claims often were excessive and the approach was discredited. The present study reevaluates the priestly Christology of Hebrews and the presentations of the messianic priest and Melchizedek in the Qumran texts, arguing that the latter do indeed provide the closest parallels to Hebrews’ thought.