AUTHOR The origin of Hebrews is unknown. Uncertain are its authorship, its date, and its readership. Hebrews 13:18-24 tells us that this book was not anonymous to the original readers. They evidently knew the author. For some reason, however, early church tradition is divided over the identity of the author. Part of the church attributed it to Paul, others preferred Barnabas, Luke, or Clement, and some chose anonymity. Some aspects of the language style and theology of Hebrews are very similar to Paul’s Epistles. However, significant stylistic differences have led the majority of biblical scholars to reject Pauline authorship of this book.
TIMES: AD 64-68
KEY VERSES Heb 4: 14-16
THEME: Hebrews was written for a group of Jewish Christians who were thinking about returning to their original faith. The author goes to great lengths to convince them to stay with their new faith. Point by point he goes through a whole series of arguments showing how Judaism was a foreshadowing of Christ. Everything promising about the Old Testament Judaism is fulfilled in Christ. The new way is the superior way as Christ and the faith that He established supersedes what has gone before. Understanding Jewish faith and practice, and the role of Moses and Aaron had in biblical history, is a prerequisite to understanding Hebrews.
God’s Final Word in His Son
1:1-2 God spoke the truth to prophets long ago, but in these latter days has revealed the character of His Son emphasizing who he is more than what he has said.
1:3 radiance …of the glory The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus’ glorious brightness comes from being essentially divine. Perfect imprint here means that Jesus reflects His Father’s essence. Upholding and maintaining and propelling all things refers to a movement and progress toward a final end. The Son not only spoke everything into existence, he also maintains and directs its course. He is the Governor of the universe. Sat down means that Jesus assumed the position of High Priest in contrast to the Levitical priest who never finished his work and sat down (assumed the position of High Priest).
1:4 Jesus was higher than angels and his excellent and glorious name is higher than any other name.
1:6 And when He again brings the firstborn This is in reference to the second coming. Firstborn means the one who ranks above all others.
1:7 Ministering spirits The Son is superior to angels because he is sovereign whereas angels are ministering servants of God.
1:9 Companions This term comes from a word that means companions. This term here refers to those who will be participants with Christ in His reign.
1:10 You, LORD in reference to Psalm 102 this indicates that the Lord is the One who would appear in the future to Israel and the nations (Ps 102:12-16)
1:13 The LORD will make Jesus’ enemies a footstool for his feet .
1:14 those who will inherit salvation Salvation here refers to believers who inherit the kingdom or rule in God’s kingdom as a reward for their service to the Son (9:28; Col 3:24)
Give Heed
2:1 The author’s audience was immature, so he warned them not to be carried away by popular opinions that surrounded them. Instead, they were to hold on to Christ’s words because they were the words of God.
2:3 how can we escape. If people who heard the message delivered through angels were justly punished when they disobeyed the law, how can believers expect to escape punishment when they neglect the even greater message delivered through the greater Messiah, the Son?
2:4 signs and miracles this phrase refers to the miracles performed by the Holy Spirit through the Lord and his apostles in fulfillment of the ancient promises regarding the coming of the Messiah. (Ac 2:22, 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 14:3; 15:12; 1Cor 12:12)
2:6-8 To prove the claim of Jesus’superioriy, the author Psalm 8, a reflection on Genesis 1, to prove that God has placed humanity over all created things, which include the angelic world.
2:9-10 founder of their salvation Jesus took on the limitations of humanity and endures the sufferings on this earth which makes Him our leader. And he not only endured them but also triumphed over sin, death, and Satan through them.
2:12 My brethren Jesus associates himself with all those who place their faith in God.
2:14 he might make powerless…free all Having established the unity between the Son and the believer, the author concludes there are two purposes of this close identification. The Son became human to destroy the devil and release those who were in bondage in sin.
2:16, 17 The author explains that Christ came to the aid of Abraham’s sons, not the angelic hosts; in things related to God Jesus participated in our nature and in our sufferings on earth so He could be a sympathetic Mediator between God and humanity. He understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us in the presence of God the Father. Make atonement this term refers to the satisfaction of the claims of a holy and righteous God against sinners who have broken His law. Christ appeased God’s righteous wrath by dying on the cross in our place. (Romans 3:21-26). Although completely sinless, Christ voluntarily submitted to the penalty of sin, His agonizing death on the cross. This voluntary sacrifice of Himself for our welfare satisfied the justice and holiness of God. The benefits of His sacrifice are applied to all who place their faith in Him.
2:18 He Himself [in His humanity} has suffered in being tempted Christ’s suffering included temptation. He experienced the lure of sin but never succumbed to it. Because he knows what it is to be tempted, he can assist those who are being tempted.
Jesus Our High Priest
3:2 in all God’s house this refers to the tabernacle, the center of Israelite worship. Moses faithfully obeyed God’s instructions concerning the tabernacle, and in the same way, Jesus was faithful in the mission God the Father had given him. Through obedience, God established a new house of God, the church.
3:3-4 worthy of much greater glory and honor than Moses this implies that the covenant established through Jesus’ death is more glorious than the covenant established at Mt. Sinai.
3:5 things which were to be spoken afterwards Moses’ work pointed forward to Christ. The regulations of the law of Moses pointed out both the sin of humanity and the need for a perfect sacrifice to reconcile people to their holy Creator.
3:7-11 Do not harden your hearts The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95:7-11 to warn Jewish Christians about hardening their hearts to God and the salvation He offers. Moses’ generation had refused to trust God’s provision in the wilderness in Exodus 17:1-7 (and He proved them wrong). The readers of this letter were also in danger. My rest This is a key concept in Hebrews. In the Old Testament, the conquest of the promised land and the cessation of fighting in the land were viewed as a form of rest. In the New Testament, rest speaks of the believer’s eternal home and the joy that he or she will experience in Jesus’ presence. (4:1)
3:12-13 unbelieving heart In essence, unbelief is a stubborn refusal to trust in the truthfulness of His word. It is a grave sin because it leads us away from God.
3:14 partakers of Christ The same word translated companions in 1:9. Believers will be partners with Christ in His future kingdom. (Rev 2:26-27)
3:15-19 And with whom was He angry. The Jewish Christians to whom this letter was addressed were in danger of following their ancestors’ footsteps. They were tempted to doubt the words of Jesus. The author of Hebrews was encouraging them to place their faith firmly in Christ.
The Believer’s Rest
4:2 good news [of salvation] preached This is the translation of a Greek word meaning “the good news was announced.”
4:4 God rested The theme of rest has its beginning in God’s own rest after creation.
4:9 rest the word here is different from the word used in verses 1,3,5,10-11; 3:11,18. Jews commonly taught that the Sabbath foreshadowed the world to come, and they spoke of a day which shall be all Sabbath.
4:11 make every effort to enter that rest Determined diligence is required to enter that rest. There is a danger today that believers will fall into disobedience like their forefathers.
4:15 sympathize means “suffer with” and expresses the feeling of one who has entered suffering.
4:16 approach Because of Christ’s priestly work, believers can approach God’s presence with confidence. This carries with it the idea of fearlessness or courageousness. Believers should boldly approach God in prayer because He is our gracious High Priest who sits at God the Father’s right hand interceding for us.
The Perfect High Priest
5:1 He represents the people and thus must identify with their human nature. But he also represents God to the people and thus must be called by God to his office.
5:2 ignorant and misguided this phrase describes those who intentionally sin (Nu 15:30-36)
5:8 He learned [active, special] obedience Jesus experienced all of what a person goes through on earth, and he knows how difficult it is to obey God completely, just as he knows the attraction of temptation.
5:9 having been made perfect This means that He successfully carried out God’s plan for Him. He endured suffering and temptation so that He could truly function as our High Priest, understanding our weaknesses and interceding before God for us.
5:13 unskilled in the word of righteousness the readers of this letter lacked experience in practicing the information they had.
The Peril of Falling Away
6:1 This phrase refers to a change of mind about the demands of the law of Moses. Although it was good, it was weak because of the weakness of our sinful nature. What is needed for salvation is not lifeless works that cannot save, but faith directed toward God.
6:2 laying of hands This action was used to impart the Holy Spirit (Ac 8:17-18; 19:6) It was also used for ordination of the ministry. (Ac 6:6; 13:3) I was also used in the Old testament in commissioning someone to public office. Eternal judgment refers to the belief that everyone will be judged by the great judge.
6:4-6 and then have fallen away there are several thoughts about this, but in general, the author gives us a clear warning not to denounce Christ or spurn His offer of salvation. Verse 6 says once they have fallen away after having tasted all of the heavenly gifts, it is impossible to bring them back to repentance.
Better Things for You
6:13-15 This is an example of faith and patience. Abraham promised son Issac didn’t arrive until 25 years after it was promised.
6:18 two unchangeable things These things are God’s word and God’s Oath. Since God does not lie and He is all-powerful, H will fulfill all of His promises.
6:20 forerunner Jesus is our forerunner. Others will follow him.
Melchizedek’s Priesthood Like Christ’s
7:1 The name means “king of righteousness” Salem means “peace.”
The ideal king rules in righteousness which assures peace. (Is 32:17)
7:3 There is no genealogy for Melchizedek. Like Melchizedek, Jesus is both Priest and King belonging to a righteous priesthood that is independent of Aaron’s.
7:4-10 Melchizedek was greater than Abraham the patriarch and received tithes from him and the Levites through him. Melchizedek appears to be immortal since there is no record of his death.
7:15-18 but on the basis of the power of an indestructible and endless life Jesus is a different kind of priest, another indication that the law has been changed. There has been a disannulling, a putting away, of the law.
7:25 He is also able to save Christ is able to save because He is fully God and fully human. (2:18; 4:15) Save in this verse speaks of our sanctification by which we are freed from the power of sin. This continuing process of sin will eventually be completed in our glorification when we are saved from the presence of sin.
7:26 no day-by-day need, like those high priests unlike the high priests Jesus offered Himself up once, a perfect, sinless sacrifice for the sins of all. And since he was perfect, he didn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins.
A Better Ministry
8:2 holy places this refers to the heavenly reality represented by the most holy place. The reality is the presence of God. Our High Priest serves there and desires to bring us there.
8:6 As it is, Christ has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is more excellent [than the old Levitical priestly ministry], for He is the Mediator (Arbitrator) of a better covenant [uniting God and man], which has been enacted and rests on better promises.
A New Covenant
8:7 If the first covenant had been sufficient, there would have been no need for a second covenant.
8:10-12 There are 4 provisions of the new covenant.
- God’s law will be written on the believers’ minds and hearts.
- Believers will have a relationship with God fulfilling the promise of Leviticus 26:12 (2 Cor 6:16)
- All will know God. Pharisees and scribes won’t have to teach the intricacies of the law to people any more.
- God will forgive the sins and remember them no more. The continual sacrifice of animals for the atonement of sin will cease.
8:13 When God speaks of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete.
The Old and the New
9:2-5 a tabernacle was put up. These verses describe the furniture of the tabernacle. The tabernacle courtyard contained an altar for animal sacrifice and a laver for ceremonial washings. A veil divided the tabernacle into two rooms. The first part was the sanctuary or holy place housing the lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The second room was the most holy place (the holy of holies) containing the ark of the covenant, in which were stored the symbols of the Mosaic covenant-the tablets with the 10 commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a jar of manna.
9:7-8 once a year The High Priest is the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies.
9:9 The old system was lacking because it did not completely reconcile the people to God.
9:12 through his own blood Christ obtained eternal redemption. His sacrifice never has to be repeated because it is perfect.
9:13 Before Christ’s sacrifice, Hebrew ceremonies could only purify a person’s exterior, not a person’s heart.
9:14 the eternal [Holy] Spirit All three persons of the Trinity are involved in cleansing. Christ’s death has the power to purify a person’s mind and soul.
9:15 redeems Christ paid the price to free us from our own sin. His death substitutes for our death.
9:24 Christ’s sacrifice was better than sacrifices made under the Mosaic covenant because Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary, which was a copy; instead, He entered the true sanctuary, which is in heaven—the very presence of God.
9:26 Christ’s sacrifice was better because He offered Himself once for all time.
One Sacrifice of Christ Is Sufficient
10:1-4 The sacrifices of the Mosaic covenant were imperfect sacrifices of mere animals and could not completely purify the person who offered them. The annual sacrifice on the Day of Atonement was just a visible reminder of the people’s sins.
10:5-7 the Old Testament prophets had warned the Israelites that sacrifices would not please God. He desired obedience. Jesus’ obedience to God was one of the reasons why His sacrifice was better than the Old Testament sacrifices.
10:8-9 The author explains that the imperfect sacrifices were abolished so that the perfect Sacrifice could impart true life.
10:11-12 Sitting down indicates that Christ’s work of atonement is finished. His final words on the cross, “It is finished”, declare this spiritual reality (Jn 19:30)
10:16-18 I will remember no more this does not mean to forget, but to not hold sin against us anymore.
A New Way of Living
10:19 Believers can approach God with boldness because we possess Christ’s righteousness and not our own.
10:20 Once only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, but now believers can enter into God’s presence through Christ’s sacrificial death.
10;22 Our consciences can be cleansed through the blood of Christ.
10:25 The author encourages believers to gather together for worship.
Christ or Judgment
10:26 The author warns the believers to not habitually sin.
10:29 Spirit of grace this refers to the Holy Spirit, the agent of God’s gracious gift of salvation. A believer who commits these offenses will be judged with a punishment worse than physical death.
10:35 If the recipients of Hebrews return to the safety of Judaism, they would lose an eternal reward at the judgment seat of Christ.
The triumph of Faith
11:1 This verse is not a definition of faith but a description of what faith does.
Assurance means reality. Faith treats things hoped for as reality.
Evidence means proof. Faith itself proves that what is unseen is real, such as the believer’s rewards at the return of Christ (2 Cor 4:18)
11:4-5 The author speaks about the faith of Abel and Enoch.
11:6 The author stresses the fact that faith is mandatory for those who approach God
11:7-9, 11 The author speaks of the faith of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Sarah.
11:17-19 Abraham was tested, but he believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead, if necessary. This incident is figurative of what God has done for us. Isaac was as good as dead, but God provided a ram to sacrifice in his place. (Gen 22:9-14)
11:20-32 The author speaks of the faith that Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua,
Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.
11:40 made perfect this means “made complete.” This completion of the realization of all of God’s promises in Christ’s coming kingdom awaits all believers.
Jesus, the Example
12:1 cloud of witnesses This refers to the people of faith mentioned in chapter 11. they are witnesses testifying to the truth of the faith (11:2, -6)
12:2 Perfector Christ has done everything necessary for us to endure in our faith.
He is our example and our model. The joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him His attention was not on the agonies of the cross, but on the crown, not on suffering, but on the reward.
12:3 consider Believers should compare their sufferings to the torture Christ endured on their behalf.
A Father’s Discipline
12:7 You must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline. God is dealing with you as sons.
12:11 The result of God’s discipline is peace and righteousness.
12:14 Continually pursue peace with everyone.
The Contrast of Sinai and Zion
12:18-24 The author contrasts the Mosaic covenant with the new covenant by contrasting two mountains. At Mt Sinai, the Israelites received the law with fear and trembling for God displayed His awesome power. But in contrast, Christian believers have come to a heavenly Jerusalem on Mt. Zion through Jesus’ blood. This mountain is a celebration of the Holy One, attended by angels, believers, and righteous people. Then the author encourages his readers not to reject Christ’s offer of salvation.
12:23 righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect. His phrase refers to all believers who have died. They are righteous because they have been justified and perfect because they are now “complete” in heaven.
The Unshaken Kingdom
12:25 Him who warns from heaven This is a reference to Christ, who spoke on earth and now is in heaven.
12:29 our God is a consuming fire The author concludes his lengthy warning to those who are tempted to abandon the faith with a vivid description of God’s judgment. The Lord will judge His people.
The Changeless Christ
13:2 entertaining angels This is a reference to men in the Old Testament who encounter heavenly beings. These men included Abraham (Gen 18), Lot (Gen 19), and Gideon (Judges 6). The idea is that, when you practice hospitality, you may be helping a messenger of God without realizing it.
13:5 I will never [under any circumstances desert you…nor will I forsake you
This is an emphatic statement used in the New Testament which contains two double negatives, similar to saying in English, “I will never, ever, ever forsake you.” Jesus uses the same technique to express the certainty of eternal life for the believers, (Jn 10:28)
13:9 strange teachings This implies ideas foreign to the gospel message. The author says do not be carried away by these teachings; for it is good to be established and strengthened by grace and not by foods that bring no benefit or spiritual growth to those who observe them.
13:12 Jesus also suffered and died outside the city gate so that He might sanctify and set apart for God as holy the people [who believe] through [the shedding of] His own blood.
God-pleasing Sacrifices
13:15-16 sacrifice of praise Although the Old Testament sacrifices are now obsolete
(8:13), believers are to offer their praise, their possessions, and even their lives.
13:15 Worship Since worship encompasses thought, feeling, and deed, there are many expressions of it. Worship especially includes praise and thanksgiving which may be expressed privately or publicly, whether by grateful declarations (Heb 13:15) or by joyful singing (Ps 100:2; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16) One very important expression of worship for the church is remembering the death of Christ through the Lord’s Supper (1 Co 11:26) The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ Himself. (Mt 26:26-28) and judged by Paul to be taken very seriously. (1 Cor 11:28-32) Since worship means giving something to God, the cheerful giving of money to God’s work is certainly an act of worship 92 Cor 9:7). The exercise of one of the spiritual gifts in ministry to the body of Christ constitutes worship as service (1 Cor 12 as does faithfully occupying a church office (Eph 4:11; 1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). In fact, presenting ourselves (mind and body) to God to serve in any context is described as an act of worship in Romans 12:1. In this manner, our whole lives become acts of worship.
13:20 Having laid down His life for them (Jn 10:15) and now continuing to make intercession for them (7:25), this is another description of Jesus’ ministry.
13:22 The author refers to the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. It is an exhortation not to depart from the living God (3:12) but go on to maturity (6:1) and endure in the faith to the end (3:6, 14).
CONCLUSION
The author goes to great lengths to convince the Jewish Christians to stay with their new faith. He states that Jesus is the perfect imprint of God the Father and he is in the order of Melchizedek who was both High Priest and King. He goes on to say that Jesus is the founder of our salvation. He endured the agony of the cross so that we could benefit from his sacrifice and while doing so, he triumphed over sin, the devil, and death. He paid the price to free us from sin, and he also reconciled us to the Father. Because of these things, the name of Jesus is higher than any other name. He offered the perfect sacrifice because he entered the true sanctuary which is in heaven—in the presence of God.
Jesus was the perfect High Priest because He experienced everything we go through, so he knows how difficult it is to completely obey God. And this is why he can be the best intercessor for us. And because of his righteousness, we can boldly go before the throne of grace with our prayers. Jesus became a sympathetic Mediator and he satisfied God’s righteous wrath by dying on the cross in our place.
The author realizes that he is addressing readers who lacked experience in practicing the information they had, and he also realized that there was a danger that believers might fall into disobedience like their forefathers. So, he stresses “determined diligence” so they could enter that rest that God would provide to those who are obedient and faithful. The author says they must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline. God is dealing with them as sons, and he emphasizes if the people (believers) don’t accept correction and discipline, they are as illegitimate children. The author concludes his lengthy warning to those who are tempted to abandon the faith with a vivid description of God’s judgment. The Lord will judge His people.
Have you ever been tempted to leave your faith? Do you still put your faith and trust in Jesus? How strong do you consider your faith to be? Please feel free to share your comments below.