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 1:1-3God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
• Hebrews 4:14-16Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
• Hebrews 12:1-2Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.