An Introduction to the Epistle to the Hebrews
The Holy Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, is a collection of literature — 66 books — with the subject being the Person and work of Jesus Messiah. The reader of the Bible, consciously or unconsciously, is looking for the main protagonist in the cosmic drama of God’s own design. This is His story; and God himself is the Hero.
Some books of the Bible are vivid high Christology. Jesus, the Son of God, sent from God the Father in heaven, is exalted to the highest for the benefit of the reader/listener. One such book is the epistle to the Hebrews, the 19th book of 27 in the New Testament.
Written in post-persecution times (although much more persecution ensued), the author addressed his audience for the purpose of exhortation. The mid-60s of the first century A.D. was such a time of tribulation for the Jewish Christians. Thus, it is reasonable to date the writing around A.D. 68–69.
Immense pressure from family, friends, the synagogue, and whole communities tempted Jewish converts to Christianity. The allure of the traditions and teaching of Judaism posed the real threat of apostasy.
The author of this general epistle is unknown. He is likely Jewish because of his obvious grasp on old covenant themes. Some are convinced that the Apostle Paul is the author. One who is familiar with Pauline literature will note numerous similarities. Other possible authors have been suggested by scholars; but no clear evidence supports any one of those recommended.
The letter has many sermon qualities. For this reason, the reader of Hebrews should keep the idea of a sermon in mind. It is agreeable for us to see a letter being written to a congregation of 2nd generation Jewish believers in Jesus, by a pastor who knows them, which the author clearly does.
The location of the unknown author and the location of his unknown audience are both unknown. None of these missing elements diminishes the remarkable value of this book for both Jews and Gentiles.
Warning and exhortation are delivered in very elegant language, along with an elevated rhetorical style. Simply put, Hebrews is a work of literary art. The themes are so rich that each concept should be savored, especially the main theme: continued faith in Christ, who is supreme.
Jesus Christ is better than anyone else. He is better than anything else. Any dilution or distortion must be rejected. At stake is the end goal objective — an eternity in the heavenly presence of our God and Savior. To shrink back is destruction (Heb 10:39), for our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29); and it is impossible to please Him without faith (Heb 11:6). The threat of men is nothing when compared to the terrifying expectation of the righteous judgment of God (Heb 10:27).
The author/pastor simply exalts Jesus in making his argument. An inventory of titles ascribed to Jesus, by the author, will persuade the reader to look to no one else for so great a salvation. In the same way, a simple inventory of all that Jesus has done should convince the reader/believer to hold fast to Him.
When one comes to faith in Christ Jesus, the Lord, the hostilities of the world become apparent (Jn 16:33). All those who wish to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12). God’s grace toward His beloved church in the wilderness of this world is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). This must be taught; and then it will be experienced. Hebrews 11 presents a list of Old Testament saints who learned and experienced God’s faithfulness to His chosen people. A promised Sabbath rest remains for pilgrims fueled by the promises of God (Heb 4:9). Joining with the saints of old and with those from around the world, we must press on in our sojourn toward the Promised Land of Mount Zion and the heavenly new Jerusalem (Phil 3:14; Rev 21:2, 10).
The reader of Hebrews is blessed with a hope that does not disappoint. This present suffering is not to be compared to the glory to be revealed to us (Rom 8:18). The One who secured this better hope of a better future is our great high priest (Heb 4:14), who offered Himself as the acceptable substitute sacrifice for our sins (Heb 10:12).
In His high priestly work, Jesus is the Mediator of a new and better covenant between God and man (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15). Jesus represents those of humanity chosen by the Father and given to the Son before the foundation of the world (2 Tim 1:9). Christ died for us (1 Cor 15:3). He shed His blood for our purchase and our forgiveness (Mt 26:28; Acts 20:28; Eph 1:7). He did this once, to an eternal effect (Heb 7:27; 9:28). Having finished His priestly sacrifice of Himself as the Lamb of God, He sat down at the right hand of Majesty, at the right hand of God the Father (Ps 110:1; Heb 1:3; 8:1).
The perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, on the cross of Calvary, was accepted by God, as demonstrated by His raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place and giving Him the name above every other name (Acts 17:31; Eph 1:21; Phil 2:9).
The reader of Hebrews will need to unpack the fact that Jesus is the creator of all things (Col 1:16; Heb 1:2; 11:3). He is the sustainer of all things (Heb 1:3). Everything He conceived and made is designed to fulfill His purpose of having it (no matter what it is) point to Him. This is to bring Him all glory, honor, and praise from His creation. Therefore, it again behooves the reader to take time to meditate on each theme.
Jesus promised that His own will have trouble in the world. The writer of Hebrews promises good things, however, for those who continue “in Christ”. There is simply no one and nothing better than Him. Press on and study the book of Hebrews.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
March 26, 2024
