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Below you will also find the summary of this book.
Purpose of The Book of Hebrews:
Written in the context of suffering to Alexandrian/Hellenistic Jews. Because of severe
suffering some were thinking about “going back” to their former beliefs and practices. Many of the early
Jewish believers were slipping back into the rites and rituals of Judaism in order to escape the mounting
persecution. This letter, then, is an exhortation for these persecuted believers to continue in the grace of
Jesus Christ.
Summary of The Book of Hebrews:
The writer of Hebrews continually makes mention of the superiority of Christ in both
His person and work. In the writings of the Old Testament, we understand the rituals and ceremonies of
Judaism symbolically pointed to the coming of Messiah-the rites of Judaism were but shadows of
things to come. Hebrews tells us that Christ Jesus is better than anything mere religion has to offer. All
the pomp and circumstance of religion pales in comparison to the person, work, and ministry of Christ
Jesus. It is the superiority of our Jesus that remains the theme of this letter.
The writer of Hebrews gives ample encouragement to believers, but there are five solemn warnings:
there is the danger of neglect (Hebrews 2:1-4), the danger of unbelief (Hebrews 3:7-4,13), the danger of
spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:11-6,20), the danger of failing to endure (Hebrews 10:26-39), and the
inherent danger of refusing God (Hebrews 12:25-29). In Hebrews we find a magnificently rendered
portrait of Jesus Christ-the Author and Finisher of our great salvation (Hebrews 12:2).
Author and Dates of The Book of Hebrews:
Although some include the Book of Hebrews among the Apostle Paul's writings, the certain
identity of the author remains an enigma. Missing is Paul's customary salutation so common to his other
works and the suggestion that the writer of this epistle relied upon knowledge and information provided
by others who were actual eye-witnesses of Christ Jesus (2: 3) makes Pauline authorship doubtful. Some
attribute Luke as its writer; others suggest Hebrews may have been written by Apollos, Barnabas, Silas,
Philip, or Aquila and Priscilla. Regardless, Hebrews speaks with the same canonical authority as the
other sixty-five books of the Bible.
The early church father Clement quoted from the Book of Hebrews in 95 A.D., however, internal
evidence such as the fact that Timothy was alive at the time to epistle was written and the absence of any
evidence showing the end of the Old Testament sacrificial system that occurred with Jerusalem's
destruction in 70 A.D. indicates the book was written around 65 A.D.
Outline of The Book of Hebrews:
Themes of The Book of Hebrews:
Jesus is a great and faithful high priest.
Warning to nelievers to persevere.
Holiness is to be pursued in the Community of Faith.
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