Epistle to the Hebrews

Placement in the Holy Bible:

• Nineteenth book of the New Testament

Author:

• The author is not explicitly identified, though traditionally attributed to Paul, some scholars believe it might be written by other authors.

Intended Audience:

• Primarily Jewish Christians who were believing in the new covenant through Jesus Christ and needed to understand the superiority of the new covenant over the old.

Purpose:

• To affirm the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant.
• To clarify the limitations of the old covenant and the preeminence of the new covenant received through Jesus.
• To encourage believers to remain steadfast in faith and dedication to Christ.

Key Themes:

• Superiority of Christ: The superiority of Jesus Christ, His elevated status compared to the old covenant, and His role.
• Limitations of the Old Covenant: Criticism of the temporary and limited nature of the old covenant and confirmation of the permanence and completeness of the new covenant.
• Steadfastness in Faith: Encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in faith, adhere to Christian ethical principles, and persevere through difficulties.

Major Sections:

1. Superiority of Christ (Chapters 1-4): The divinity of Jesus Christ, His superiority, and His higher status compared to the old covenant.
2. Limitations of the Old Covenant and Christ’s New Covenant (Chapters 5-10): The limitations of the old covenant’s duties and sacrifices, and the completeness of Jesus’s sacrifice and the new covenant.
3. Steadfastness in Faith and Ethical Conduct (Chapters 11-13): Inspiration for believers, Christian ethical principles, and guidance for maintaining steadfastness in faith.

Structure:

1. Chapters 1-4: The superiority of Jesus Christ and His higher status compared to the old covenant.
2. Chapters 5-10: The limitations of the old covenant, Jesus’s sacrifice, and the confirmation of the new covenant.
3. Chapters 11-13: Steadfastness in faith, ethical conduct, and principles of Christian life.

Characteristics:

• Superiority of Christ: The divinity of Jesus Christ and His prominence in the new covenant.
• Criticism of the Old Covenant: The temporary nature of the old covenant and the completeness of the new covenant.

Steadfastness in Faith: Stability in faith and adherence to Christian ethical principles.