Hebrews is one of the most intriguing, yet challenging books of the New Testament. Here are some common questions people have about this fascinating letter:
Who wrote Hebrews?
The author of Hebrews is unknown. In the past, some believed Paul wrote it, but the writing style and theology are quite different from Paul’s other letters. Others have suggested Barnabas, Apollos, or Priscilla as possible authors. But ultimately, we don’t know who penned this work. The author clearly had knowledge of the Old Testament and strong skills in rhetorical writing.
When was Hebrews written?
Scholars believe Hebrews was likely written between AD 60-95. The author mentions Timothy being released in Hebrews 13:23, which may provide a clue to the date if this refers to the Timothy from the book of Acts. The letter also discusses sacrifices at the temple as if they were still occurring, meaning it was written before the temple’s destruction in AD 70.
Who was the audience of Hebrews?
The original recipients seem to have been a community of Jewish background believers who were facing persecution and tempted to return to Jewish customs and sacrifices. The writer refers to them as brethren (Hebrews 3:1) and includes himself in the group by using “we” frequently throughout. The author is intimately familiar with their situation and struggles.
What was the purpose of Hebrews?
The key theme of Hebrews is the supremacy of Christ. The author masterfully argues that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the entire sacrificial system. His goal seems to be strengthening the faith of Jewish Christians by proving from the Old Testament that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. Hebrews repeatedly warns against returning to Judaism and exhorts its audience to persevere by fixing their eyes on Christ.
What are some of the key messages in Hebrews?
– Christ is supreme over the angels, for only He is called the Son of God (Hebrews 1-2)
– Jesus is greater than Moses, for He created the house while Moses was part of the house (Hebrews 3:1-6)
– Jesus provides eternal rest, unlike Joshua’s temporary rest (Hebrews 4:8-10)
– Jesus is a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10, 6:20)
– The new covenant in Christ is superior to the old covenant of law (Hebrews 8:6-13)
– Faith is confident assurance and conviction of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1)
– We are surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” who model faith (Hebrews 12:1)
How is the Old Testament used in Hebrews?
The writer is intimately familiar with the Torah and prophets, quoting extensively from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament). References and allusions to the Old Testament can be found in almost every chapter. Psalms, Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, the Pentateuch and other books are all used to authenticate the author’s arguments about Christ’s superiority.
What are some of the notable chapters in Hebrews?
– Hebrews 4 – Argument that Jesus provides true, eternal rest which Israel under Joshua failed to obtain
– Hebrews 5-7 – Discussion of Jesus as a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek
– Hebrews 8-10 – Contrasts between the old and new covenants
– Hebrews 11 – The “Faith Hall of Fame” chapter
– Hebrews 12 – Encouragement to run the race of faith surrounded by saints
What genre is the book of Hebrews?
Hebrews has qualities of a letter, sermon, commentary, and essay. But it’s primarily modeled after a Hellenistic Jewish synagogue sermon using rhetorical techniques to persuade listeners. It also incorporates elements of an ancient “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22).
What are some of the literary features in Hebrews?
As a masterful rhetorical writing, Hebrews contains:
– Eloquent Greek language with complex sentences
– Rhetorical questions to provoke thought (Hebrews 2:3)
– Metaphors like milk/meat and anchor/curtain
– Careful use of Old Testament quotations and rabbinic interpretive techniques
– Warnings against falling away (Hebrews 6:4-8)
– Encouragement through great examples of faith (Hebrews 11)
– Vivid words pictures like “word of God sharper than a two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12)
What are the major themes and words in Hebrews?
Major themes include the supremacy of Christ, warnings against unbelief, and exhortations to endure. Key words repeated through Hebrews are faith, better/superior, promise, warning, perfect/perfection, and covenant. The writer skillfully weaves together rich theology with practical applications for believers.
How does Hebrews portray Jesus?
Hebrews provides a comprehensive picture of Jesus as:
– The divine Son through whom God created the world (Hebrews 1:2-3)
– The radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3)
– Superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4-14)
– The merciful High Priest who made atonement for sins (Hebrews 2:17)
– The builder of God’s house, which is the church (Hebrews 3:3-6)
– The eternal High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6)
– The mediator of a new, better covenant (Hebrews 8:6)
– The same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)
How does Hebrews portray faith?
Hebrews 11 gives the fullest definition of faith in the New Testament as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). The author illustrates faith throughout Israel’s history by highlighting Abraham, Moses, and others as examples of courageous trust in God’s promises despite trials and lack of visible evidence. This “Faith Hall of Fame” shows that faith pleases God and empowers His people to persevere.
What are the 5 warning passages in Hebrews?
The writer includes five warning passages spaced throughout Hebrews to wake up the audience and warn against rejecting Christ and turning away from the faith:
1. Pay attention lest you drift away! (Hebrews 2:1-4)
2. Do not harden your hearts like Israel in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:7-4:13)
3. It is impossible to restore those who fall away (Hebrews 6:4-8)
4. Continue in faith, or face judgment (Hebrews 10:26-31)
5. Do not refuse God who speaks from heaven (Hebrews 12:25-29)
What are some of the challenges in interpreting Hebrews?
– Difficulty pinpointing the historical audience and setting
– Complex arguments about covenants, priesthood, sacrifices, and temple
– Hard sayings like Hebrews 6:4-6 warning about falling away
– Understanding how the author uses the Old Testament messianically
– Determining the roles of faith and works in perseverance
Despite these challenges, Hebrews remains a profound book detailing Jesus’ supremacy that has much to teach modern readers. We must interpret it in light of the author’s original context and intention to accurately apply its message today.
What are some ways Hebrews applies to Christian living?
Hebrews provides many vital applications for believers today:
– Fix your eyes on Jesus as the supreme authority over everything (Hebrews 12:2)
– Hold fast to your confession of faith in Christ (Hebrews 4:14)
– Spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)
– Remember the great examples of the saints who persevered by faith (Hebrews 11)
– Draw near to God’s throne of grace for mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16)
– Pray for perseverance and live uprightly (Hebrews 13:18)
– Do not forsake gathering together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)
– Imitate leaders who taught the word of God faithfully (Hebrews 13:7)
What are the main points and arguments in Hebrews?
Here is an overview of the flow of thought in Hebrews:
– Jesus is supreme over the prophets and angels (Hebrews 1-2)
– Jesus is greater than Moses and Joshua (Hebrews 3-4)
– Jesus is a high priest like Melchizedek, not Levi (Hebrews 5-7)
– The new covenant in Christ is better than the old (Hebrews 8-10)
– Faith examples show we must persevere through trials (Hebrews 11-12)
– God disciplines those He loves, so endure hardship (Hebrews 12)
– Concluding exhortations to live uprightly until Christ returns (Hebrews 13)
Throughout the book, the writer masterfully argues from Scripture that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who established a new, unchanging covenant between God and man.
How does the ending of Hebrews emphasize persevering in faith?
In the conclusion of his sermon, the author highlights the need to continue running the race of faith:
– He points to past leaders who modeled faith until the end (Hebrews 13:7)
– He prays for God’s help to equip them in every good thing (Hebrews 13:20-21)
– He appeals to Jesus the Great Shepherd who equips believers (Hebrews 13:20-21)
– He exhorts them to bear the reproach of identification with Christ (Hebrews 13:13-14)
– He urges them to continually offer praise and thanksgiving to God (Hebrews 13:15)
– He reminds them that God is pleased with sacrifices of doing good and sharing (Hebrews 13:16)
– He commands them to submit to church leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
– He requests prayer for himself and his readers (Hebrews 13:18-19)
Perseverance in faith until the end is a constant undercurrent throughout Hebrews. The writer closes his message by passionately appealing for steadfast endurance.
What are some interesting facts about Hebrews?
– Contains the most Old Testament references (over 55 direct quotes) of any New Testament book
– The only New Testament book to call Jesus a priest
– Discussion of Melchizedek is unique to Hebrews among all books of the Bible
– Only time the new covenant is mentioned outside the Gospels and 1 Corinthians 11
– First description of faith as “assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)
– One of the stylistically richest Greek texts in the New Testament
– Exposition on discipline and endurance rivaled only by James 1
– Combines passionate appeals with patient explanation grounded in the Old Testament
– Only book to state that “without faith it is impossible to please” God (Hebrews 11:6)