A short introductory synopsis to the New Testament book of Hebrews with an outline to the book.
There have been many discussions as to the authorship of this book of the Bible""Paul, Apollos, Silas, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla, and Clement of Rome. Although there are many stylistic, resemblances to Paul's writings there are as much dissimilarity to Paul's writings. One of the main dissimilarities is that Paul always mentioned his apostolic authority in his Epistles. The writer of this book points out the many eyewitnesses to the ministry of Jesus as opposed to the witness of just one. As the theologian Origen said in the third century, "only God knows who wrote Hebrews," is the position this writer also takes, only God knows the authorship of this book.
The Book of Hebrews addresses three questions concerning the audience of this book:
1. Ethnicity of the people: many state the book is addressed to the Gentiles, however the evidence of the book itself points more towards the Jewish race for these reasons: a) the title of the Epistle""to the Hebrews. b) Allusion to the prophets and angels as ministers to Israel. c) Passages referring to the Levitical worship
2. The location of the people seems to point to Italy or Palestine with most theologians leaning towards Italy for these reasons: a) Palestinians were poor at this time and these people were not poor. b) The Palestinians generally did not read from the Septuagint and this was the used regularly for readings from the Old Testament. c) And the reference in chapter 13 verse 24 saying, "˜those from Italy greet you,' suggests that the people were from Italy.
3. The spiritual condition of the people suggested they were believers: a) chapter 3 verse 1, "˜Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.' b) The writer of this Epistle calls the book an exhortation to the people to strengthen their faith in Christ and conversion from Judaism. c) The readers of this letter were also being persecuted and the letter itself is a fervent apologetic for the superiority of Christianity.
The writing of this book is not actually known. The assumed writing date is from 64 to 68 although many have said it was written as late as 90. The early writing dates though are more accepted because the writing of first Clement uses the writing of Hebrews and it was written in 95. The book also makes mention the recent release of Timothy from prison (chapter 13:23) suggests also that it was written in the late 60's.
The Epistle of Hebrews shows Christ as the conclusion, body, basis, and truth of the law. The truth set forth in this book is that Jesus Christ is the true God. The unbelieving Jews drew numerous arguments to disprove the faith of their believing brethren. The Law of Moses was shown as superior to the Christian freedom from sin through Jesus Christ. The writer, however, demonstrates the authority of Jesus as the Son of God by showing the benefits of the Christian religion as much more excellent and perfect than that of the Law of Moses. Moreover, the main message of Hebrews is to bring the converted believers into the knowledge and truth of the Gospel of Christ.
An Outline to Hebrews:
Christ superior - 1:1 to 4:16
Christ is superior to the Prophets and the angels - 1:1-14 - 2:18
a. 1:5-14 shows superiority in His divine person
b. 2:1-4 shows His saving grace
c. 2:5-18 shows His purpose in delivering the people
Christ is superior to Moses - 3:1-6
Christ is the Ultimate Object of Faith - 3:7-4:16
a. The devastation of unbelief -- 3:7-19
b. The results of unbelief -- 4:1-10
c. The remedy for unbelief - 4:11-16
The Priesthood of Christ - 5:1 to 10:39
Christ superior in all things - 5:1-10
A warning given to not fall away from Christ - 5:11 - 6:20
Christ is superior as Priest - 7:1 - 8:13
The Priestly Ministry of Christ is superior - 9:15 - 10:18
a. His earthly priesthood - 9:1-10
b. His Spiritual priesthood - 9:11-14
c. The fulfillment of Christ's promise - 9:15 - 10:18
A warning to the people to not look down on Christ - 10:19-39
The power of Christ - 11:1 to 13:19
The Power of faith in Christ - 11:1-40
a. A depiction of faith -- 11:1
b. An example of faith - 11:2-40
The Power of a hope in Christ - 12:1-29
The Power of Christ's Love - 13:1-19
The Ending Words of Hope and Love for the People - 13:20-25
Resources:
KJV Holy Bible
RSV Holy Bible
Thompson Chain NIV Holy Bible
Sermon Notes by Pastor Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
