Purpose: The theme of this letter is the superiority of Jesus Christ. This is the only epistle that begins with the word "God". It was written to encourage the discouraged and weary Hebrew Christians to hold fast to their faith in Christ and go on to maturity. There were challenged to see the preeminence of Christ over Judaism (13:22). Jewish Christians were persecuted by Romans and fellow Jews for their faith in Jesus Christ(10:32-34). So the author shows in this epistle the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over Judaism. Christ is superior in His person, purpose, priesthood, and principle. In this epistle many Old Testament references are quoted to assures the Jewish Christians of their spiritual heritage of the new convent into which they have entered. Also by contrasting the old and new convent the author shows the superiority of Christ. As some one said "this is an epistle of encouragement, examination, evaluation, expectation and exaltation".
Authorship: No one knows who wrote Hebrews. The author of this epistle remains anonymous. Some call Hebrews the orphan epistle.Most assumes the authorship to apostle Paul. It seems the author was a Jew and had knowledge of Jewish traditions and Levitical priesthood. The language and the personal reference to Timothy also may attribute the authorship to Paul(13:23). Some think that Barnabas or Apollos or Luke might have written this epistle. As Origen of Alexandria wrote regarding the authorship of Hebrews that "who the author of the epistle is, only God truly knows. But scholars suggest that there is abundance of evidence from the early church that Hebrews was a part of the biblical canon and quoted widely in the early church fathers. There has been little question throughout the centuries about the canonicity of the epistle of Hebrews.
Date: The epistle of Hebrews was written prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Throughout the epistle, it is evident that the Jewish sacrificial system was still going on(8:4; 10:8,11). This epistle was written to a second-generation Christians(2:3).They were severely persecuted under Nero for their faith.(12:4). Temple was still standing when Hebrews was written(10:11). There is a mention of Timothy's recent release(13:23). So it would seem logical to assume that this epistle was written between A D 64 and 68.
Readership: The earliest manuscript shows that this epistle was written "To Hebrews". They were first century Jewish Christians who were in danger of returning to Judaism to escape persecution. Judaism was a legal religion and Christianity was not. These readers were confirmed in their faith in Christ by those who heard Christ(2:3). They were not poor.So it seems they were not located in Palestine. The author closes the epistle by stating that "those from Italy greet you"(13:24).It implies that Italians outside of Ital were sending greetings back home. So we conclude that Rome was the destination of this epistle. Another possibility is that Hebrews was written from Rome to scattered Jewish believers in the Roman empire.
Theme: The theme of Hebrews is the superiority Christ over Judaism. The word superior or better appears thirteen times in this letter. He is superior in His person, priesthood and principles of faith. He is the qualified or perfect High priest to represent us. He is greater than Aaron the high priest. He is the author of eternal salvation. He is our great high priest and eternal mediator. He is superior is His priestly ministry. Christ is superior in His power. His kingdom is unshakable. He is our great Shepherd. He is the same yesterday, today and for ever. Hebrews shows the finality of God's revelation for our salvation and Christian life. Do you know this great Savior. As we continue this study , may the Holy Spirit strengthen us to run the race that is set before us(12:1).May God bless you all!
Authorship: No one knows who wrote Hebrews. The author of this epistle remains anonymous. Some call Hebrews the orphan epistle.Most assumes the authorship to apostle Paul. It seems the author was a Jew and had knowledge of Jewish traditions and Levitical priesthood. The language and the personal reference to Timothy also may attribute the authorship to Paul(13:23). Some think that Barnabas or Apollos or Luke might have written this epistle. As Origen of Alexandria wrote regarding the authorship of Hebrews that "who the author of the epistle is, only God truly knows. But scholars suggest that there is abundance of evidence from the early church that Hebrews was a part of the biblical canon and quoted widely in the early church fathers. There has been little question throughout the centuries about the canonicity of the epistle of Hebrews.
Date: The epistle of Hebrews was written prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Throughout the epistle, it is evident that the Jewish sacrificial system was still going on(8:4; 10:8,11). This epistle was written to a second-generation Christians(2:3).They were severely persecuted under Nero for their faith.(12:4). Temple was still standing when Hebrews was written(10:11). There is a mention of Timothy's recent release(13:23). So it would seem logical to assume that this epistle was written between A D 64 and 68.
Readership: The earliest manuscript shows that this epistle was written "To Hebrews". They were first century Jewish Christians who were in danger of returning to Judaism to escape persecution. Judaism was a legal religion and Christianity was not. These readers were confirmed in their faith in Christ by those who heard Christ(2:3). They were not poor.So it seems they were not located in Palestine. The author closes the epistle by stating that "those from Italy greet you"(13:24).It implies that Italians outside of Ital were sending greetings back home. So we conclude that Rome was the destination of this epistle. Another possibility is that Hebrews was written from Rome to scattered Jewish believers in the Roman empire.
Theme: The theme of Hebrews is the superiority Christ over Judaism. The word superior or better appears thirteen times in this letter. He is superior in His person, priesthood and principles of faith. He is the qualified or perfect High priest to represent us. He is greater than Aaron the high priest. He is the author of eternal salvation. He is our great high priest and eternal mediator. He is superior is His priestly ministry. Christ is superior in His power. His kingdom is unshakable. He is our great Shepherd. He is the same yesterday, today and for ever. Hebrews shows the finality of God's revelation for our salvation and Christian life. Do you know this great Savior. As we continue this study , may the Holy Spirit strengthen us to run the race that is set before us(12:1).May God bless you all!
