Hebrews

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The epistle to the Hebrews was always associated with Paul, but not always ascribed to him. The major problems with Pauline authorship of Hebrews are found in the high-quality Greek used (more ‘polished than that of Paul’) and the lack of characteristic Pauline introduction.

Clement of Alexandria and Origen in particular (both, figures from the very early Church) defend Paul’s authorship of Hebrews. Doubtless noticing the similarities between the quality of Greek in Hebrews and in Luke-Acts, Clement suggests that Paul wrote to the Hebrews in Hebrew, and our Greek translation is by the hand of Luke.

He further suggests that the lack of a Pauline introduction can be explained by the possibility that Paul did not want to antagonise the Hebrews (who had formed a strong bias against him), so he wrote anonymously.

Origen ascribes the writing of the letter to one of Paul’s disciples, who took notes of what the apostle said and then composed the letter. Some suggest Luke as that disciple, others Clement of Rome, but Origen did not speculate (Origen quoted in Eusebius, op. cit., vi, 25).

Tertullian (another early Church Father) suggested Barnabas, and it appears from his writing that this is not an unpopular view at his time. The Western Church did not receive Hebrews as Pauline until the joint influence of Jerome and Augustine, who argued that it didn't matter who the author really was, as the work is ‘honoured daily by being read in the churches’.

Today we are no closer to determining the author of the letter to the Hebrews.

     Date:  (top)

The Epistle to the Hebrews was probably written between 60 and 70 AD, but it is conceivable to date it between 50-96 AD.

     Content:  (top)

• 1:1-3:6 The Superiority of Christ
• 1:1-14 In the past God has spoken to us through prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son, who is far above all, the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being.
• 2:1-4 We must pay careful attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away.
• 2:5-18 God has left nothing that is not subject to Christ - but at present we don't see this - we see Jesus, who was made a little lower then the angels now crowned with glory and honour because He suffered death, tasting death for everyone. And He is able to help those who are being tempted because He Himself suffered when He was tempted.
• 3:1-6 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself.
• 3:7-6:20a Living in God's Purposes
• 3:7-19 See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
• 4:1-13 Since the promise of entering God's rest still stands, let us be careful that none fall short of it, for everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
• 4:14-5:10 Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, for we have a great high priest who has been tempted and suffered just as we, yet was without sin.
• 5:11-6:3 By this time you ought to be teaching others of the spiritual truths of God, yet you seem to be slow to learn. Let us move onto the mature things of God.
• 6:4-12 It is impossible for those who have shared in the Holy Spirit in salvation, if they turn away from God, to be brought back to repentance. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
• 6:13-20a Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear, He confirmed it with an oath; and it is impossible for God to lie.
• 6:20b-10:18 Jesus Christ our High Priest Forever
• 6:20b-8:13 Jesus Christ is our High priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was a special priest as he was not a descendant of Levi, yet he was indeed great. Similarly, Jesus, though not in the tribe of Levi, is declared to be a priest forever. And with the new and perfect Priest comes a new regulation; therefore the former regulation is set aside. And Jesus lives forever, therefore He meets our need - He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.
• 9:1-10 The gifts and sacrifices offered in the earthly tabernacle, under the old regulations, were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper.
• 9:11-10:18 Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary to offer sacrifices, but entered heaven and offered Himself. Day after day other priests offer again and again the same sacrifices which can never take away sins; but Christ made one sacrifice to make perfect forever those who are being made holy; and now He sits at the right hand of God.
• 10:19-13:17 Living with Christ as High Priest
• 10:19-39 Since we have this great high priest, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith; let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
• 11:1-40 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
• 12:1-13 Since we are surrounded by so many witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. And endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons - for what son is not disciplined by his father?
• 12:14-29 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy. You have come to the heavenly Jerusalem, to God and to Jesus; see to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks.
• 13:1-3 Keep on loving one another as brothers.
• 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all.
• 13:5-6 Be content with what you have.
• 13:7 Remember those who spoke the word of God to you and imitate their faith.
• 13:8 Jesus Christ is and remains the same always.
• 13:9-16 Hold steadfastly to the grace of Christ, and praise His name continually.
• 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.
• 13:18-25 Concluding Remarks
• 13:18-19 Pray for us.
• 13:20-21 May God equip you to do His will, and work in us what is pleasing to Him.
• 13:22-25 Bear with my word of exhortation. Timothy has been released and if he arrives soon we will come to see you. Greet all your leaders and God's people. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you.