Book of Hebrews

The Ancient Book of Hebrews Still Speaks to Seekers Today

Book of Hebrews Two-Edged Sword

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The book of Hebrews boldly proclaims the superiority of Jesus Christ and Christianity over other religions, including Judaism. In a logical argument, the author demonstrates Christ's superiority, then adds practical instructions for following Jesus. One of the outstanding features of Hebrews is the "Faith Hall of Fame" of Old Testament people, found in Chapter 11.

Author of Hebrews

The author of Hebrews does not name himself. The Apostle Paul has been suggested as the author by some scholars, but the true author remains anonymous.

Date Written

Hebrews was written before the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

Written To

Hebrew Christians who were wavering in their faith and all future readers of the Bible.

Landscape

Although addressed to Hebrews who may have been considering Jesus or Hebrew Christians who were "homesick" for Judaism, this book speaks to everyone who is wondering why they should follow Christ.

Hebrews transcends its ancient audience and gives answers to seekers of today.

Themes in the Book of Hebrews

  • Jesus Christ is superior. The Son of God is better than angels, priests, Old Testament leaders, or any religion. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus guarantees believers' salvation and eternal life.
  • Jesus serves as our mediator to the Father. Christ, the Sinless One, is our only valid representative before the throne of God.
  • Christ's sacrifice for our sins was perfect and complete. All the laws, rituals and animal sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed toward Jesus. When we accept him as Savior, our sins are forgiven for all time.
  • Our Christian journey is not an easy one. We will know temptation. By depending on Jesus for help, however, we can grow stronger and bring glory to God with our life.
  • Faith is pleasing to God. We express our faith through obedience to God. God's greatest promise to us is salvation, and that promise was fulfilled through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
  • We are called to persevere. Despite temptations, trials, discipline, and backsliding, we can endure. God is faithful and has prepared a heavenly home for us.

Characters in the Book of Hebrews

Timothy is mentioned toward the close of the letter, and a whole host of Old Testament characters are listed in Chapter 11, the "Faith Hall of Fame."

Key Verses

Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (NIV)

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

Hebrews 5:8-10
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. (NIV)

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? (NIV)

Outline of the Book of Hebrews:

  • Jesus Christ is superior to angels - Hebrews 1:1-2:18.
  • Jesus is superior to the Law and the old covenant - Hebrews 3:1-10:18.
  • A call to be faithful and endure through trials - Hebrews 10:19-12:29.
  • Final exhortations and greetings - Hebrews 13:1-25.
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Your Citation
Zavada, Jack. "Book of Hebrews." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/book-of-hebrews-701032. Zavada, Jack. (2020, August 26). Book of Hebrews. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/book-of-hebrews-701032 Zavada, Jack. "Book of Hebrews." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/book-of-hebrews-701032 (accessed March 28, 2024).