Hebrews
Author: Paul (?) (Paul & Apollos / Paul & Barnabas / *Paul & Luke)
AD 67-68
Thesis: Christianity is Superior to Judaism, so don’t turn back to Judaism to avoid persecution.
- Christ is superior to the angels (Chs. 1-2).
- Christ is superior to Moses (Chs. 3:1-4:13).
- Christ’s priesthood is superior to the priesthood of Aaron (4:14-7:26).
- The new covenant is superior to the old covenant (8:1-9:28).
- Christ’s blood is superior to the sin-offering under the old covenant (10:1-10:18).
- Therefore, do not abandon the best (10:19-12:28).
Highlights:
1:1-2 – God speaks to us through the message of Christ.
1:14 – Angels presently and continually serve Christians.
2:14-18 – Christ understands and helps with our problems.
3:12-14 – Christians should encourage each other daily.
4:12- The Word of God is living and active.
4:13 – You can’t hide anything from God.
4:14-5:3 – Christ feels for us and bears gently with us when we hurt or make honest mistakes.
5:8-9 – God saves those who obey him.
6:19 – Hope is the firm and secure anchor for our souls.
8:7-13 – God gave us a new covenant offering forgiveness of our sins and to be the God of both Jews and Gentiles.
9:22 – Without the blood of Christ, there is no forgiveness for sin.
10:25 – Christians must not neglect the assembly on the Lord’s Day.
10:26 – If we turn to a lifestyle of sin, the sacrifice Christ made will not be available.
11:1-40 – Faith has always made people act.
12:4-11 – Trouble in life is sometimes the discipline of a loving Father.
13:4-6 – God will judge the sexually immoral.
13:7-8, 17 – We must follow and obey our leaders.