Hebrews
Unknown (Paul, Apollos, Barnabas?)
Hebrews demonstrates Christ's superiority to everything in Judaism: angels, Moses, Joshua, the priesthood, and the old covenant. Written to Jewish Christians tempted to return to Judaism, it presents Christ as the final, perfect High Priest whose sacrifice needs no repetition. The letter calls believers to persevere in faith.
Chapters
Book Outline
The Son is God's final Word, above angels.
Greater than Moses, offers true rest.
Melchizedek priesthood, better covenant, final sacrifice.
Examples of faith from Old Testament.
Run the race, practical instructions.
Key Themes
Christ's Superiority
Jesus is greater than any aspect of the old covenant.
Perfect Sacrifice
Christ's one sacrifice perfects believers forever.
Perseverance
True faith perseveres to the end.
Key Verses
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.
Christ is God's final revelation.
We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses... Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence.
Access to God through our sympathetic High Priest.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Definition of faith.
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Call to persevering faith.
