Introduction 

Preface

Introduction to Hebrews

Authorship

Many people have been put forward as possible authors of Hebrews, including:

• Luke
• Clement of Rome
• Pricilla and Aquila
• Barnabas
• Apollos

Place of Writing

Recipients

Date

If the Epistle was written after Paul's death (before June. a.d. 68) and before the destruction of the temple in a.d. 70, we have an even more narrow margin for the date, somewhere near a.d. 69.

Style

Canonicity (Accepted as part of the Holy Scriptures)

Purpose

Themes

While Hebrews ends like a letter, with a few personal references, it doesn't begin like one. Instead, it seems to be structured almost like a sermon or homily. In it the author develops a number of strong themes, including:

• Jesus' fulfillment of the Old Testament as both High Priest and sacrifice.
• The preexistence, humanity, and exaltation of Jesus as God's Son.
• The ability of believers to call upon their great High Priest for help in daily pressures and trials.
• The greatness of Christ in contrast with other human leaders and angels.
• An expectation of the City of God.
• A recitation of the faith of heroes and heroines of the faith.
• The most thorough Christian view of the Old Testament found in the Bible.
• An exhortation to be faithful in spite of suffering and a glimpse into the role of suffering to help one mature as a Christian.

The Line of Argument

 (a) Jesus Is Better Than the Prophets (1:1-3)

 (b) Jesus Is Better Than the Angels (1:4-2:18)

 (c) Jesus Is Better Than Moses and Joshua (3:1- 4:13)

 (d) Jesus Is a Better High Priest Than Aaron (4:14-7:28)

 (e) Jesus Ministers Under a Better Covenant (Chp. 8)

 (f) Jesus Serves in a Better Sanctuary (9:1-12)

 (g) Jesus Offers a Better Sacrifice (9:13 - 10:18)

 (h) Jesus Fulfills the Promises (10:19 - 12:3)

The Application (12:4 - 13:25)

 (a) Chastisement Is Proof of God's Love (12:4-17)

 (b) The Warning of Mount Zion (12:18-29)

 (c) If Necessary, Come Out of Judaism (Chapter 13)

Five Warning Scriptures