To whom did Paul write the Book of Hebrews?
(Hebrews 1:1-21; 2:1-4; 3:1, 6. 12-13) Blog Dec 26 – Jan. 1, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
INTRODUCTION: When Saul, the persecutor, was unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit of Stephen, the deacon, he arranged for a trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin hoping to eliminate the hated Christian sect. Stephen was accused of speaking against God’s people, God’s sanctuary and God’s law. Saul of Tarsus knew well Stephen’s arguments that the Jewish nation was no longer God’s people, that the temple in Jerusalem was no longer God’s house, and that the ceremonial law of Moses had been nailed to the cross. But Jesus had to arrest him on the way to Damascus for him to realize that Stephen was right. After three years of communion with Christ in Arabia Saul became the champion of Stephen’s doctrine which he later wrote out in the book we call Hebrews.
Facts about the Book
1. Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? The author of the Book of Hebrews was in prison in Italy, considered Timothy as his representative, & was well acquainted with the community of believers – he was Paul the Apostle (Heb. 3:1; 10:34; 13:23-24).
2. To whom did Paul write the Book of Hebrews? Paul wrote Hebrews to believers in Jesus, “partakers of the heavenly calling” & not to unbelievers or just to Jews only (Heb. 3:1).
3. What additional evidence does Paul give in Hebrews that he was writing to true Christian believers and not to Jews that were considering becoming Christians? Paul includes himself with his readers as having received the Gospel with the demonstration of signs, wonders, & spiritual gifts (2:1-4); he refers to them as part of Christ’s family (3:6); he writes to those who have repented, been baptized, & received he Holy Ghost (6:1-5); to those who were ministering to fellow believers (6:10); to those who helped Paul when in prison suffering financial loss (10:32-34).
4. When did Paul write the Book of Hebrews? Paul wrote Hebrews shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, probably in AD 65 (Heb. 8:4).
5. If Paul is the author of Hebrews, why does he not state so as in his other epistles? Instead of beginning with his name, Paul begins with God’s name for this is a message direct from heaven which he leaned from Stephen, the deacon, & from Jesus while in Arabia (Acts 6:9, 13-14; 8:1; Heb. 1:1).
The Focus of the Book
6. As he concludes his letter what does Paul say he has written? Paul says that in Hebrews he has written an “exhortation” (Heb. 13:22).
7. What is an exhortation? To exhort is different than to teach or to reprove; rather it is an effort to move people to action by warning or advising them (Acts 2:40; 2 Thes. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:2; 2 Tim. 4:2)
8. What exhortation is repeated over and over in the Book of Hebrews? The Book of Hebrews repeats the warning to true Christians to not fall away from Christ & lose their salvation (Heb. 2:1; 3:12; 4:1; 6:4-6; 10:26-27, 35; 11:15; 12:15-16, 25).
9. What does Paul exhort believers to do for themselves and fellow believers so as not to depart from Christ into perdition? Paul recommends giving renewed, earnest attention to the Gospel message (2:1); to exhort one another while probation lasts (3:12-13); to advance toward perfection in the Christian life (6:1); to continue ministering to the saints (6:10-11); to provoke one another to love & good works while meeting together (10:24-25); to not throw away their faith but to patiently continue believing (10:35-36); to lay aside sin & run the race with patience (12:1); to obey their leaders in the church (13:17); & many more.
An Overview of the Book
10. How may the Book of Hebrews be divided? Hebrews may be divided into five sections: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is superior to David, the king, Aaron, the priest, & Moses, the prophet (1:1 – 3:6); an exhortation to remain faithful to Jesus (3:7 – 6:20); Jesus the minister of the new covenant (7:1 – 10:39); the meaning & importance of faith (11:1-40); how to live in light of coming judgment (12:1 – 13:25).
11. What is the theme of the Book of Hebrews? The theme of Hebrews is Jesus as our high priest in heaven & our persevering faith in him (Heb. 1:1-4; 3:6. 4:14; 7:25-26;9:24; 11:6).
12. Give an outline of Hebrews chapter one:
Son of God (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Hebrews begins by introducing Jesus as prophet, priest, and king – One equal with the Father in glory, substance, and eternal power who upon earning our forgiveness was enthroned in heaven.
I. His position – “the brightness of his glory” (1-2)
A. Greatest Prophet of God = Voice of God [Amos 3:7; 2 Chron. 20:20]
1. God spoke often, 2. in different ways, 3. to the fathers, 4. through prophets
5. Now God speaks through his Son
B. Greatest High Priest — Heir of all things [Ex. 29:29; Num. 3:12-13; Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15]
1. Firstborn = priest of all the family [Num. 8:17-19]
2. Sworn to be a priest by God [Psa. 110:4]
C. Greatest eternal King – Creator of all [Psa. 89:27; Jer. 31:9] (2-3)
1. designated heir [Psa. 89:27-; Isa. 9:6; Acts 2:30-]
2. Creator of all [Juan 1:1-4; Col. 1:16]
II. His nature Equal to the Father (2-3)
A. Same glory = character, nature, purpose [John 1:14]
B. Same substance = form, essence [Eph. 2:6]
C. Same power = omnipotent [Col. 1:16]
1. creator of the universe 2. sustainer of all things 3. in word power
III. His work (3)
A. On earth
1. purged humanity’ sins [1 John 2:2]
2. by himself – without our help [Isa. 63:3]
B. In heaven – installed in a heavenly work (3)
1. “sat down” = an official position — not a physical position [Deut. 32:21]
2. “on the right hand” refers to a royal/priestly position [Zac. 6:13]
Jesus – Eternal King (Hebrews 1:4-14)
Hebrews chapter one shows Jesus to be the fulfillment of all the promises made to King David for he is above every angel and being God, he has access to heaven.
I. The Father says: (he inherited a more excellent name than angels) (4-9)
A. He is my Son I am his Father [Psa. 2:7] (5)
B. “This day have I begotten thee” on a certain day [Psa. 2:6-7] (5)
C. He is David’s promised Son [2 Sam. 7:12-14]
D. Being introduced into the world “Let all the angels worship him” [Col. 2:18; Rev. 22:8-9] (6)
E. “Thy throne, O God, is forever” / an ideal government [Psa. 45:6-7] (8-9)
1. “loved righteousness” = lived a virtuous life on earth [John 4:34]
2. “hated iniquity” = resisted every temptation to evil [Heb. 4:15; 1 Ped. 2:22]
F. Anointed of God
II. Jesus is Creator, Lord, & eternal King (10-14)
A. Creator of heaven & earth [Col. 1:16] (10)
B. Creation decomposes / Jesus remains the same forever (10-12)
C. God installed him at his right hand [Sal. 110:1] (13)
D. He awaits a kingdom without enemies [Sal. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25] (13)
E. His people = subject to him / saved by grace / children of faith (14)
III. Angels are: (7, 13-14)
A. Created beings (before human beings) [Job 38:7]
B. Spiritual beings (superior to humans in power, intelligence, & nature) [Psa. 8:4-5; 103:20]
C. There are various levels — archangel, seraphim, cherubin
D. Ministers that serve God’s children: protecting, guiding, delivering [Psa.103:21]
E. Flames of fire – brilliant ministers of the Holy Spirit [Eze. 1:14]