Hebrews - introduction

Hebrews – Rooted in Old Hebrews – Rooted in Old TestamentTestament

• Hebrews has 29 quotations and 53 allusions to the Old Testament, for a total of 82 references.

• Significantly, Hebrews does not refer even once to the books of the Apocrypha.

The AuthorThe Author• For some 1,200 years (from c. a.d. 400 to 1600) the For some 1,200 years (from c. a.d. 400 to 1600) the

book was commonly called “The Epistle of Paul to book was commonly called “The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews.” the Hebrews.” -Timothy, Paul’s right hand man is mentioned -Timothy, Paul’s right hand man is mentioned (13:23). (13:23). - Its subject matter is deep, something Peter said - Its subject matter is deep, something Peter said about Paul’s writings (2 Pet. 3:15, 16).about Paul’s writings (2 Pet. 3:15, 16).-There are occasional breaks in a main topic then -There are occasional breaks in a main topic then a return to subject matter.a return to subject matter.

The AuthorThe AuthorSeveral components have led many to Several components have led many to

question Pauline authorship.question Pauline authorship. For example; in 2:3 he writes about “us” and “those that For example; in 2:3 he writes about “us” and “those that

heard him” rather than having special revelation heard him” rather than having special revelation (Gal. 1:11, 12). (Gal. 1:11, 12).

The style is not typical of Paul’s manner of writing. It The style is not typical of Paul’s manner of writing. It sounds more like a string of sermons which have been sounds more like a string of sermons which have been woven together to exhort one to believe in Jesus rather woven together to exhort one to believe in Jesus rather than a general letter. than a general letter.

Many new words are used that was not in his prior writings.Many new words are used that was not in his prior writings.Others have been considered: Barnabas, Apollos, Luke, Peter, and Others have been considered: Barnabas, Apollos, Luke, Peter, and

Silas respectively. Some have considered a dual authorship noting Silas respectively. Some have considered a dual authorship noting the “we” passages and consider it to be a joint effort by Barnabas the “we” passages and consider it to be a joint effort by Barnabas and Apollos.and Apollos.

What we do know is that the author was keenly aware of What we do know is that the author was keenly aware of Levitical practices, was a master of the Greek language, Levitical practices, was a master of the Greek language,

a frequent user of the OT Septuagint and a master a frequent user of the OT Septuagint and a master homilitician.homilitician.

Date• Hebrews must have been written before Hebrews must have been written before

the destruction of Jerusalem and the the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70 because: temple in A.D. 70 because:

• (1) If it had been written after this date, (1) If it had been written after this date, the author surely would have mentioned the author surely would have mentioned the temple’s destruction and the end of the temple’s destruction and the end of the Jewish sacrificial system; and the Jewish sacrificial system; and

• (2) the author consistently uses the (2) the author consistently uses the Greek present tense when speaking of Greek present tense when speaking of the temple and the priestly activities the temple and the priestly activities connected with it.connected with it.

Addressed primarily to Jewish converts who were familiar with the OT and who were being tempted to revert to

Judaism or to Judaize the gospel (cf. Gal 2:14).

There are no references to Gentiles. • 1) Hebrews who were intellectually convinced and 1) Hebrews who were intellectually convinced and

committed to Christ (faithful).committed to Christ (faithful). Their labor of love was highlighted (6:10)

they were still assembling (10:25) they were compassionate toward

those chains and willing participants of the persecution (10:32-34) they were hospitable (13:3)

they had good leadership (13:7, 17) and overall had good relations with the apostles and missionaries.

Recipients

Recipients• 2) Hebrews who were only intellectually convinced. 2) Hebrews who were only intellectually convinced.

(lack luster believers)(lack luster believers)They should have been mature, but they

weren't (5:12ff). They lost their confidence. Three times they were encouraged to hold up their chin in light of their distress (3:6, 14; 10:35). They were in danger of returning to the patterns of Judaism – thus the whole purpose of writing.

• 3) Hebrews who were neither convinced nor 3) Hebrews who were neither convinced nor committed to Christ. (unbelievers)committed to Christ. (unbelievers)

This group refers to Israel in general. The whole of the book offer evidence needed to bring about faith in Christ (9:11, 14-15).

Theme – “Better Things”• Greek words for “better” and “superior” occur 15 times.• Hebrews could be called “the book of better things.” • The theme of Hebrews is the superiority, or preeminence of

Christ. He is better than any Old Testament person, institution, ritual, or sacrifice. It entails the superiority of Christ over angels, over Moses, over Joshua, over Aaron and his priesthood, and over the Old Covenant.

• From that, the book moves to the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the old sacrifices, of Christ's faithfulness over all the faithless, and of the superiority of Christ's testimony over the testimony of all others.

• This subject matter, by design of the Holy Spirit, should provoke the reader to understand that if he wants to be better, it is only through Christ Jesus that this may be accomplished.

It answers these Key Questions

What is the greatest neglect? Heb. 2:3Why does Jesus care about humanity? 2:6

Can one disappoint God? 3:7Do you understand why there was a

priesthood? (7:11)What is the greatest sin a man can commit? (10:26-29; cf Matt. 12:22-32)

How many examples of faith does it take to help one understand what is

faithfulness? (11:32ff)Do you understand the role of chastisement

in your life? (12:7ff).

The overall The overall question to the question to the reader would reader would

be…….be…….

Who is Jesus Who is Jesus Christ to you?Christ to you?

Jesus in HebrewsIn Chapter 1 he is - God’s mouthpiece (1:1); God’s In Chapter 1 he is - God’s mouthpiece (1:1); God’s

son (1:2, 5-13); Goson (1:2, 5-13); God’sd’s spittingspitting image (1:3); He is image (1:3); He is king (1:8; 2:7, 8) Eking (1:8; 2:7, 8) Eternalternal CreaCreator (1:9-12). tor (1:9-12). Absolute Conqueror (1:13).Absolute Conqueror (1:13).

2: Miracle worker (2:4); 2: Miracle worker (2:4); The CaptThe Captain of one’s ain of one’s salvation (2:10). salvation (2:10). Son of ManSon of Man; Hope of resurrection ; Hope of resurrection and man’s propitiation. Which makes him the and man’s propitiation. Which makes him the Great Sufferer and all the while the Great Great Sufferer and all the while the Great Encourager (2:14-18).Encourager (2:14-18).

3: He is the apostle’s Apostle (3:1)3: He is the apostle’s Apostle (3:1)4: Our great compassionate High Priest (4:14-16).4: Our great compassionate High Priest (4:14-16).5: He’s the N.T. Aaron 5:4; the obedient son (5:8) 5: He’s the N.T. Aaron 5:4; the obedient son (5:8) 6: He’s the great sacrifice (6:6); God’s great 6: He’s the great sacrifice (6:6); God’s great

reminder (6:10); and the forerunner of reminder (6:10); and the forerunner of Melchizedek (6:20)Melchizedek (6:20)

Jesus in Hebrews7: He is the eternal one (7:3); He is the sworn in one (7:21) 7: He is the eternal one (7:3); He is the sworn in one (7:21)

He is superior than the He is superior than the OT MelchOT Melchizedek (7:1ff)izedek (7:1ff)8: People’s Constitution 8: People’s Constitution maker andmaker and administrator (8:1ff) administrator (8:1ff)9: The sinner’s Perfect S9: The sinner’s Perfect Sacrificeacrifice (9:14(9:14))10: He is the Antitype (10: He is the Antitype (10:1); The10:1); The obedobedient one (10:7); the ient one (10:7); the

annulment officer (10:9); annulment officer (10:9); the remitterthe remitter of sins (10:18) and of sins (10:18) and The great Avenger (10:30).The great Avenger (10:30).

11: He’s the perfect example of faith11: He’s the perfect example of faith12: He’s The author and finisher of our faith (12: 2); The 12: He’s The author and finisher of our faith (12: 2); The

fatherly chastiser (12:4-11); the establisher of the church fatherly chastiser (12:4-11); the establisher of the church (12:22-24); and The Voice (12:25-29)(12:22-24); and The Voice (12:25-29)

13: He’s Our Sanctifier (13:12); and shepherd of the sheep 13: He’s Our Sanctifier (13:12); and shepherd of the sheep (13:20).(13:20).

General OutlineI. The New Testament is better than and takes the place of the

First Testament because its Founder, the Messiah, is better than (1:1-8:6):1. The prophets (1:1-3)2. The angels (1:4-2:18)3. Moses (3:1-6)4. Joshua (3:7-4:13)5. Aaron (4:14-8:6)

II. The New Testament is better than and takes the place of the First Testament (8:7-10:39), because:1. It was prophesied to be better (8:7-13)2. It is actual; the First Testament only typical (9:1-15)3. It is made effective with better blood (9:16-10:39)

III. Of all the examples about people of faith, Christ is the one to watch (11:1-12:2)

IV. Final Warnings and Exhortations (12:3-13:25)

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