BOOK OF HEBREWS and GENERAL EPISTLES
AUTHOR
The author of the Book of Hebrews is unknown. Some people argue that Paul is the author. That is highly unlikely for several reasons.
1. First of all, the Book of Hebrews doesn't have the same format as Paul's 13 books.
2. There is no greeting or prayer at the beginning.
3. There is no identification. Paul not only identifies himself, but he also describes himself as "a servant of God" or "called by God" or something similar.
4. There is no recipient noted.
wrote 10 public letters to churches and a private letter to three people.
5. Paul addressed certain theological issues that are not in the Book of Hebrews.
6. Paul gave a greeting and prayer at the end of his books.
7. The Book of Hebrews contains practical information for the Hebrews.
In this course, "the writer" and "the author" will be used instead of assigning the anonymous Book of Hebrews to anyone.
AUDIENCE
The name is derived for whom the book was written, the Hebrews. Probably the first people to read this book were Jewish Christians. This seems probable that the first audience was apparently tempted to go back to Judaism to avoid further persecution for their Christian faith.
PURPOSE
Jews were reverting from Christianity back to Judaism.
Jewish Christians who were waving in their faith
KEYWORDS
• better (15 times)
• eternal blessings
• revelation
• heavenly
• perfect
• position
• priesthood
• superiority
• covenant
DATE
Probably the letter was written before 70 A.D.
MAIN POINTS
The writer of Hebrews focuses attention on three main points:
1. Who Jesus is
2 What Jesus has done
3. What our response needs to be
Things to Remember About Hebrews
This book puts much emphasis on Christ as a better sacrifice.
1. Christ is seen as our eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
2. Christ is presented as a divine-human prophet, priest, and king.
OTHER BOOKS IN HEBREWS
It would be helpful to have a background in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in order to understand Hebrews because much information from these books is directly or indirectly in Hebrews.
OUTLINE
I. The Superiority of The Person of Christ (1-3)
A. Christ Over Prophets
B. Christ Over Angels
C. Christ Over Moses
II. The Superiority of The Work of Christ (4-9)
A. Priesthood
B. Covenant
C. Sanctuary and Sacrifice
III. The Superiority of The Walk of Faith (10-13)
A. Assurance of Faith
B. Endurance of Faith
C. Exhortation to Love
Popular Chapter 11: The Roll Call Hall of Faith
The Book of Hebrews is usually taught along with the seven GENERAL EPISTLES, but it is neither one of Paul's books nor a general epistle. A general epistle is named after its author.
GENERAL EPISTLES
1. James
2. 1 Peter
3. 2 Peter
4. 1 John
5. 2 John
6. 3 John
7. Jude
More information will be given about each general epistle when it is taught following the completion of the Book of Hebrews.
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