"The complex structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews has long intrigued readers. Michael Clark offers a novel analysis of that structure using contemporary discourse theory, showing how repetitive patterns and well-defined chiastic structures contribute to the homily's rhetorical effect. His approach will no doubt stimulate further reflection on the dynamics of this early Christian literary masterpiece." --Harold Attridge, professor of divinity, Yale Divinity School "The structure of the Letter to the Hebrews has been so examined by so many previous scholars that one wonders initially if there is anything fresh to be said about it. Michael Clark amply dispels this anticipation by his consistent inductive approach to the text by his discriminating use of insights from general linguistics and by showing the implications for exegesis of his structural analysis. I find this an extremely thorough and systematic treatment of which future scholars will need to take account." --Paul Ellingsworth, author of The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text "Michael Clark has made a substantial contribution to scholarship. I think he has done outstanding work and has made a significant contribution to the ongoing study of the structure of Hebrews, further developing and enhancing the works of Guthrie and Westfall, for instance.

To be sure, given his subject matter, his thesis will be met with critique, criticism, as well as praise. To that end he has significantly succeeded." --Barry C. Joslin, associate professor of Christian theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary "Michael Clark surveys and critiques landmark studies on the structure of Hebrews and builds on them to develop his approach. Following the wider linguistic discipline of Cohesion Analysis, he notes 'link clusters' of repetition and considers how they function individually, in relation to one another, and to the wider discourse as a whole. With helpful summaries at the end of each section, this complex study provides fresh and significant exegetical and structural insights for the interpreter of Hebrews." --David Peterson, emeritus faculty member, Moore Theological College "Following Vanhoye, scholars have sought to use literary devices to unlock the difficult sections of Hebrews. Michael Clark's study of repetition follows suit, providing stimulating alternatives in the quest to understand this central New Testament text.

" --Matthew Jensen, research associate, Department of Hebrew, Biblical, and Jewish Studies, Sydney University "Michael Clark's investigation of repetition in Hebrews examines, in addition to recognized clusters of repeated words, countless more that have gone unnoticed. Attending to repetition generates fresh insights into both the implications of words and the structure of the treatise. Patterns is especially effective in showing how Hebrews generates meaning and therefore how it elevates Christ." --Philip H. Kern, head of New Testament, Moore Theological College "The Letter to the Hebrews is rightly esteemed for the depth of its theological understanding on the one hand and the complexity of argument on the other. In this study of the 'mystery' of Hebrews, Michael Clark has appreciatively analyzed the major efforts of scholars before him, before advancing his own thesis. This is a work of outstanding scholarship that will chart new directions in the understanding of the Letter to the Hebrews." --Paul Barnett, lecturer emeritus, Moore Theological College.