Argument (Outline)

To be added

Hebrews: Main Argument

 

Occasion – Christians were turning back from Christianity to Judaism. 

Thesis – Christianity is superior to Judaism, so do not turn back to Judaism.

Purpose – The writer sought to show that Christianity is superior because of the person of Christ.

 

  1. Christ is superior to the angels through whom Judaism was established (1:1-2:4).
  2. He is the Son of God, but angels are servants (1:1-2:4).
  3. Being made lower than the angels aided His superiority rather than diminishing it (2:5-18).
  4. Jesus is superior to Moses and the prophets (3:1-4:13).
  5. As builder and Son He is superior to Moses who is a servant in the house.
  6. A warning from history (3:7- 4:13)

III. Jesus is superior to the priests of the Levitical order (4:14-8:5)

  1. Christ maintains the strengths and eliminates the weaknesses of the Levitical order (4:14-5:10).
  2. Admonition and warning (5:11- 6:20).
  3. Christ a priest after the order of Melchizedek (7:1-28).
  4. The main point is that we have a perfect priesthood (8:1-5).

 

  1. Christianity provides a superior covenant (8:6-10:18)
  2. It is a perfect covenant with better benefits (8:6-13).
  3. It provides the real things (9:1-10:18).

 

  1. Exhortations and warnings based on the superiority of Christ (10:19-13:25)
  2. Exhort one another to avoid the judgment (10:19-39).
  3. Faith has sustaining power (11:1- 40).
  4. In Christ, we can have confidence and exercise perseverance (12:1-28).
  5. This superior religion should lead to a superior way of life (13:1-25).

 

William T. (Bill) Lambert, Ed D

Professor Emeritus, New Testament Literature and Interpretation

Harding University