Hebrews
Summary[i]
Writer: The authorship of Hebrews has
been in controversy from the earliest times. The book is anonymous, but the
reference in 2Pe_3:15 seems conclusive
that Paul was the Writer. See also Heb_13:23.
All agree that, whether by Paul or another, the point of view is Pauline. We
undoubtedly have here the method of Paul's synagogue addresses. No book of
Scripture more fully authenticates itself as inspired.
Date: From internal evidence it is
clear that Hebrews was written before the destruction of the Temple, A.D. 70
(cf Heb_10:11).
Theme: The doctrinal passages reveal
the purpose of the book. It was written with a twofold intent:
1. To confirm Jewish Christians by showing that
Judaism had come to an end through the fulfilment by Christ of the whole
purpose of the law; and
2. The hortatory passages show that the Writer
had in view the danger ever present to Jewish professed believers of either
lapsing back into Judaism, or of pausing short of true faith in Jesus Christ.
It is clear from the Acts that even the strongest of the believers in Palestine
were held to a strange mingling of Judaism and Christianity (e.g. Act_21:18-24 and that snare would be especially
apt to entangle professed Christians amongst the Jews of the dispersion.
The key-word is
"better." Hebrews is a series of contrasts between the good things of
Judaism and the better things of Christ. Christ is "better" than
angels, than Moses, than Joshua, than Aaron; and the New Covenant than the Mosaic
Covenant. Church truth does not appear, the ground of gathering only being
stated (Heb_13:13). The whole sphere of
Christian profession is before the Writer; hence exhortations necessary to warn
and alarm a mere professor.
Hebrews is in six divisions, but
these include five parenthetic passages of exhortation.
1. The great salvation (Hebrews 1:1 - 2:18
(Hebrews 2:1-4, parenthetic)).
2. The rest of God (Hebrews 3:1 - 4:16 (all
parenthetic)).
3. Our great High Priest (Hebrews 5:1 - 8:6
(Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12, parenthetic)).
4. The new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary
(Hebrews 8:7 - 10:39 (Hebrews 10:26-39, parenthetic)).
5. The superiority of the faith way (Hebrews
11:1-40).
6. The worship and walk of the believer-priest (Hebrews 12:1 - 13:25 (Hebrews 12:3-17, parenthetic)).