Book of Hebrews

Beginning today, we’ll be reading the New Testament book of Hebrews.  Unlike most of the other New Testament epistles, Hebrews does not contain the name of the author.  Many different writers have been suggested from Barnabas, Silas, Priscilla or Aquila, Luke, or Apollos.  The majority of Bible believers through the ages have accepted Paul as the writer.  The internal evidence strongly supports Paul’s authorship.   His logical approach is clearly seen in the book.  There is mention of Timothy, Paul’s close companion.  (13:23)  Hebrews was written from Italy about the time that Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30-31; Heb. 13:24)

We know from history that Rome persecuted the Christians under Nero during A.D. 65-68 and Jerusalem, along with the temple, was destroyed in A.D. 70. The epistle implies the sacrifices were still going on and speaks of persecution and suffering (Heb. 10:32-34). This means the book of Hebrews was written before Jerusalem was destroyed and during the persecution. So it safe to say that Hebrews was written about A.D. 65-69.

From the Book, we are able to gather that Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were being persecuted and were contemplating renouncing their faith in Jesus as their Messiah and reverting to Judaism. (See Heb. 3:1; 4:14; 10:23.)  So the Holy Spirit encourages them to "hold on" to their faith in Jesus. He tells them that Jesus is better than anything and anyone including the angels, Moses, Aaron, and any high priest.

Today we live in a world that is so pluralistic in religious beliefs.  As a Christian,  we will come into contact with people from various different religious beliefs and ideas on a daily basis.  Some may be involved in other world religions such as Judaism, Hinduism or Islam, or even groups like Mormonism or Jehovah’s Witness.  And others you know may claim to be atheist.

All of these groups will come to you as a Christian with one question, “Why is Christianity better than my religious beliefs?”  They may not come out and say it, but if you get into a discussion with other people, you may find that they are uncomfortable with a stand that says “Jesus is the only way.”  The book of Hebrews in the Bible was written to help with this issue.  The writer is challenging you to realize that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God and heaven, and that Jesus is superior to all others. 

Hebrews is also a book of challenge and warning.  The danger that the readers faced was to leave their faith, or to fail to embrace Christ wholeheartedly.  The easiest choice was to drift back to Judaism, or to have a partial commitment to Christianity.  Hebrews is a challenge to leave old belief systems and religious efforts to get to God behind, and to press on to maturity in Christ.

There is really no other book like Hebrews.  It will open your eyes to know Jesus more.  You will see Jesus in new ways in all His majesty and superiority.  

Robert Prater