What is the book of Hebrews?
The book of Hebrews is a letter. It isn’t known who wrote it. It’s thought that the writer worked together with Paul.
It’s thought that Hebrews was written around the year AD 65. It was written before Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed in AD 70.
Who was Hebrews written to?
It isn’t known exactly who Hebrews was written to. It’s thought that it was to the community of Jewish believers in Rome. The people who received the letter knew the writer well.
Followers of Jesus recognise that Hebrews shares the truth about Jesus. It’s for all people everywhere.
Why was Hebrews written?
To show how the promises of God’s covenants with Israel were fulfilled. They were fulfilled in Jesus’ life and work.
To show how Jesus established the new covenant.
To show why the readers shouldn’t choose Jewish beliefs and practices over following Jesus.
To encourage believers who were being treated badly for following Jesus.
Main ideas
Who Jesus is and what he accomplished.
Old Testament prophecies and promises fulfilled in the new covenant.
Jesus as greater than the angels, Moses, Aaron and the priests after Aaron. Jesus as greater than the prophets from long ago.
Jesus as high priest.
Enjoying God’s rest.
Examples of faith.
Outline
God fully shows who he is through his Son (1:1–4).
The Son is greater than the angels (1:5 – 2:18).
The Son is the high priest who is faithful and full of mercy (3:1 – 5:10).
The Son is a priest like Melchizedek (5:11 – 10:39).
The need to have faith and not to give up (11:1 – 12:13).
Instructions about living together as a community (12:14 – 13:21).
Final greetings (13:22–25).