I call upon You, Lord, God of Abraham and God of Isaac and God of Jacob and Israel, You who are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God who, through the abundance of your mercy, was well-pleased towards us so that we may know You, who made heaven and earth, who rules over all, You who are the one and the true God, above whom there is no other God; You who, by our Lord Jesus Christ gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit, give to every one who reads this writing to know You, that You alone are God, to be strengthened in You, and to avoid every heretical and godless and impious teaching.

St Irenaeus of Lyons, Against the Heresies 3:6:4


Monday, August 6, 2012

Chiastic Structure of Heb 9:11-24


Here is an interesting chiasm that Fanny found in Hebrews, her favorite epistle.  Its chi or center is the death of Jesus, which was necessary for the ratification of the new covenant.  It is certainly an interesting way to seeing the author's argument, which we usually try to cipher through linear reasoning.     

A. (11)...appeared as high priest

   B. (11)...tabernacle not made with hands...

      C. (11)...not of this (building, KJV) creation...
     
         D. (12)...his own blood...eternal redemption.

            E. (13—14)...sprinkling...purification...blood of Christ...purity...
           
               F. (15)...new covenant...death has taken place...
  
                  X . (16)...where a (last will and testament) covenant is...the death of                                          one who made it...

               F’. (18)...first covenant...not without blood (death)...
 
            E’. (21—22)...sprinkled with blood...purified with blood...

         D’. (22)...without the shedding of blood no forgiveness/redemption.

      C’. (24)...into heaven itself...

   B’. (24)...not a holy place made with hands...

A’. (24)...now to appear in the presence of God...

2 comments:

  1. You might be interested in this chiasmus blog:

    http://biblicalchiasmus.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are absolutely correct. I am very interested in your blog. In fact, now I am following! :)

    Blessings and thanks, Kevin.

    ReplyDelete