Here is a simple outline of the book, with its main divisions. The Superiority Of Christ and The New Covenant As for its theme, I suggest the following: Indeed, the purpose of this epistle was to exhort his readers to remain faithful to the much better things they have in Christ ( Heb 13:22). The heavenly things benefit from "better sacrifices" - Heb 9:23 He is also "the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises" - Heb 8:6 Jesus has become "the surety of a better covenant" - Heb 7:22 We enjoy "the bringing in of a better hope" - Heb 7:19 A key word found throughout the epistle is " better":Ĭhrist is "better than the angels" - Heb 1:4 To encourage his Jewish brethren not to go back to the Old Law, he endeavored to show the superiority of Christ and His Covenant ( Heb 8:1-2, 6). The author wrote this epistle to prevent his readers from abandoning their faith in Christ ( Heb 2:1-4). If the Jewish Christians were in Palestine, it was likely before or at the beginning of the Jewish Wars (ca. The author writes as though priests were still offering sacrifices - Heb 8:4 10:11 There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple There are certainly strong indications that it was written prior to 70 A.D. We know the epistle was written prior to 96 A.D., because Clement of Rome quotes from Hebrews in his letter that was written at that time. In any case, they were Jewish Christians whom the author knew personally ( Heb 10:34 13:19). Others suggest the readers were in Rome and the author elsewhere, based upon a possible implication in Heb 13:24. Many believe the recipients were in Palestine, and the author in Rome. There is uncertainty as to where they and the author were at the time of composition. The general consensus is that this letter was written to Jewish Christians. Perhaps Origen says it best, "But who wrote the epistle, to be sure, only God knows." Other names have been proposed over the years: Barnabas (suggested by Tertullian), Apollos (suggested by Luther), even Priscilla (suggested by Harnack). This suggests the author received the gospel message second-hand, while Paul declared that he had not received the gospel from or through men ( Gal 1:11-12). Yet it seems unlikely when you consider the author's statement, ".was confirmed to us by those who heard Him" ( Heb 2:3). Commentary on Hebrews, Robert Milligan, p. Many believe it to be the apostle Paul (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) and have offered arguments in his favor (cf. Warned of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith Impressed with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant Reminded of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ Many Christians find it difficult some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation.īut for Christians willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it, they will be: It begins as an essay ( Heb 1:1-2), progresses as a sermon ( Heb 2:1-4), and ends as a letter ( Heb 13:23-25). The epistle to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament.
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