Hebrews Introduction - KJV (King James Version)
Synopsis:
The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Christians in a time of trial. It does so by focusing on the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. While God spoke in the past "many times and in many ways," he has now spoken to us "by his Son," Jesus Christ, who is the "exact imprint" of God's nature and who "upholds the universe by the word of his power" (1:1-3). Jesus accomplished complete salvation for all who trust in him (1:1-10:18). We dare not "neglect such a great salvation" (2:3; 5:12-6:20; 10:19-39). Rather, in our faith and in our everyday living, we should imitate the example of Christ and of those on the honor roll of faith (chs. 11-13). This letter, whose author is unknown, was probably written between a.d. 60 and 70.
Authorship: Unknown
- Paul (Clement of Rome)
- Unknown (Origen) “Who the author of the epistle is, God only knows.”
- Barnabas (Tertullian)
- Apollos (Luther)
- Philip (William Ramsay)
- Priscilla & Aquilla (Adolf von Haarlack)
Date of Composition: 64-68 AD
- Hebrews quoted by Clement of Rome in 95 AD
- Timothy still alive (Heb 12:23)
- Persecution was mounting
- Old Jewish system was about to be removed (Heb 12:26,27)
- No mention Jerusalem & Temple destruction
Main Topic: Superiority of Christ
Simple Outline:
1. Christ's Superiority (Heb 1-3)
A. Over Prophets (Ch 1:1-3)
B. Over Angels (Ch 1-2)
B. Over Angels (Ch 1-2)
C. Over Moses (Ch 3)
2. Christ's Ministry (Heb 4-9)
A. Priesthood (Ch 4-7)
B. Covenant (Ch 8)
C. Sacrifice (Ch 9)
3. Christ's Ministers (Heb 10-13)
A. Assurance of Faith (Ch 10-11)
B. Endurance of Faith (Ch 12)
C. Exhortation to Love (Ch 13)
Prior Chapter
Next Chapter