Services on Demand
Article
Indicators
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in Google
Share
HTS Theological Studies
On-line version ISSN 2072-8050
Print version ISSN 0259-9422
Abstract
CROMHOUT, Markus. The 'cloud of witnesses' as part of the public court of reputation in Hebrews. Herv. teol. stud. [online]. 2012, vol.68, n.1, pp.177-183. ISSN 2072-8050.
By drawing parallels with the function of ancestors in African traditional religions, this article looks at the possibility that the Israelite ancestors mentioned in Hebrews played a far more dynamic role for the author and community he wrote for than most commentators appreciate. In addition to being examples of loyalty, it is argued that they also constitute an active presence, and similar to God, form part of the public court of reputation distributing honour to the Jesus followers. This also grounded and affirmed their Israelite identity.