Hebrews

About Hebrews

Hebrews is a long, sermon-like letter written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to drift back to their old way of life under pressure. It argues, step by step, that Jesus is greater than angels, Moses, and the old priesthood, and that his once-for-all sacrifice fulfills everything the temple system pointed toward. In the Bible's big story, Hebrews is the bridge that shows how the whole Old Testament finds its goal in Christ, and it calls weary believers to hold on and keep going.

Written by

The author of Hebrews is genuinely unknown; the letter never names its writer, and guesses over the centuries have included Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and others.

When

Most scholars place it in the 60s AD, since it speaks of the temple sacrifices as if they were still happening before the temple fell in AD 70, though some argue for a date in the 70s or 80s.

Themes

• Jesus the great high priest
• A better covenant
• Once-for-all sacrifice
• Persevering faith
• Drawing near to God

Key verses

• Hebrews 1:1-3On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
• Hebrews 4:14-16Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
• Hebrews 12:1-2Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.