Hebrews

Author: unknown
Place of writing: unknown
Time of writing: 60-70 A.D.

Although the author of this letter is unknown today, it is obvious that he was well-known and respected in the early church, and he speaks with truth and authority. The tone of his writing is very stern and solemn, for his recipients seem to be in danger of apostasy (2:1; 3:12). They are plagued by immaturity and unbelief (5:11-6:12), and appear to be on the verge of rejecting the sacrificial death of Jesus, and so putting the blood of his cross to an open shame (10:26-29). This letter is a resounding cry not to turn away from God, but to remember instead the excellence and all-sufficiency of his Son, Jesus Christ.

From the beginning of the letter, it is clear that its central theme is the superiority of Jesus Christ. He is God’s last and final Word of revelation, and is higher than the angels, the prophets, and the Old Testament priests and sacrifices. Another major theme is the need for faithfulness; several very strong warnings against apostasy are found throughout the course of the letter, as well as many exhortations to persevering faith and examples of believers whose faith did not fail (ch. 11).

The author begins by announcing that God’s last and greatest revelation to mankind came through his Son, Jesus Christ. He proves from the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus is superior to the angels, the prophets, the priests, and the whole sacrificial system. The Old Testament priests offered up many animal sacrifices which were never able to justify men; and they could not continue their ministry of intercession, for they all died. But Jesus offered up once and for all the perfect sacrifice of his own body, and was raised to eternal life, so that he might intercede for his people forever. His sacrifice truly does take away the sins of the people. When he offered up his own body, he was inaugurating a new covenant with the people, which was better than the old covenant that looked ahead to the perfect sacrifice for sins, but could never accomplish it. But if Jesus’ blood has accomplished so much more than any of the old sacrificial rituals, then woe to him who despises it by turning away from God, after he has come to him through Jesus! The author reminds us that, if we reject Jesus’ blood, there is no other sacrifice which can take away our sins – and he warns us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (10:26-31). Then, he encourages us by the examples of many believers who remained faithful to God in spite of every difficulty, and received reward. We too must be faithful to Jesus, not despising the discipline of the Lord, nor preferring worldly pleasure to God’s matchless gift of grace. Even as Jesus suffered reproach from his people, we must be willing to suffer with him – for then we will also share in his eternal life and glory.

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