Hebrews

Author: Probably Paul; others have suggested Barnabas or Apollos.

Period: Probably in the 60s A.D., but before A.D. 70.

Summary: This letter persuasively presents the distinctiveness of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The letter is primarily written to Jewish Christians who were wavering between Judaism and Christianity. Its primary message is to prove that Jesus Christ was the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy and symbol. With Christ as the fulfilment, there was no longer a need to make the animal sacrifices required under the Mosaic Law. Christ is the High Priest and mediator of all believers in all ages who look for the redemption of God.

CHRIST: THE NEW AND LIVING WAY

Key Verses: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:19-25

Breakdown:

Christ the Son: better than his predecessors: Chapter 1:1 – 7:28

  • A better voice than the Prophets: 1:1-3
  • A better name than the angels: 1:4 – 2:18
  • A better apostle than Moses: 3:1-19
  • A better leader than Joshua: 4:1-13
  • A better Priest than Aaron: 4:14 – 7:28
  • A better priestly order than the Levitical: 7:1-28

Christ the sacrifice: confirming a better covenant: Chapter 8:1 -10:18

  • Christ the antitype of the Mosaic order: 8:1-5
  • Christ the mediator of a better covenant: 8:6-13
  • The Mosaic Tabernacle: 9:1-5
  • The lessons the Tabernacle taught: 9:6-10
  • Christ provided a better sanctuary: 9:11-14
  • Christ provided a better sacrifice: 9:15-28
  • The limitations of animal sacrifices: 10:1-4
  • The effectiveness of Christ’s offering: 10:5-10
  • The completeness of Christ’s offering: 10:11-18

Christ and faith: the true and better way: Chapter 10:19 -13:25

  • Faith–the true response: 10:19-39
  • Faith–the moving power of the ages: 11:1-40
  • Faith leads to Christ: 12:1-13
  • Faith expresses itself in practical morality: 12:14- 13:21

Final words: Chapter 13:22-25