Revised by Mary Hinkle Shore, 10/23
SUMMARY
The Book of Hebrews brings a word of encouragement to discouraged Christians. The intended readers once had a vivid sense of God’s presence and later showed bold support for others during an outburst of persecution. Yet as time dragged on, some began drifting away. The author emboldens them by telling of the way Jesus the pioneer went through suffering into glory, making a way for others to follow. As high priestThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus., Christ offered himself as the atoning sacrificeSacrifice is commonly understood as the practice of offering or giving up something as a sign of worship, commitment, or obedience. In the Old Testament grain, wine, or animals are used as sacrifice. In some New Testament writings Jesus’ death on the cross as the…, bringing others into a new covenantBecause Israel had broken the old covenant, the prophet Jeremiah declared that God would establish a new covenant, one that would be written on the heart. The New Testament is often referred to as the New Covenant because Jesus came to fulfill the law and… relationship with God. People are therefore called to persevere in faith, knowing that God will be faithful.
SO WHAT?
Hebrews speaks to people who find that daily life seems to be far removed from the kingdom of GodThe kingdom (reign) of God is a central theme of Jesus’ teaching and parables. According to Jesus this reign of God is a present reality and at the same time is yet to come. When Christians pray the Lord’s Prayer, they ask that God’s kingdom…. The author recognizes that the Gospel’s message may be glorious, yet life in the Christian community and the wider society is often discouraging. Through vivid images of Israel in the wilderness, the sanctuaryA sanctuary is the consecrated area around the altar of a church or temple. It also means a place of safety where one can flee for protection. In the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, God is referred to as a sanctuary, a refuge from… and its worship, and a panoramic view of the whole history of Israel, the author shows how the message of hope can continue to motivate people to lives of faith and service.
WHERE DO I FIND IT?
The Letter to the Hebrews is the 19th book in the New Testament. It stands between the two sections typically called the “Pauline corpusThe Pauline corpus is the body of New Testament letters known to have been written by the apostle Paul. The seven epistles generally accepted as being by Paul are 1 Thessalonians, Philippians, Philemon, Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans. The authorship of the remaining…” (Romans through Philemon) and the “Catholic Letters” (James through Jude).
WHO WROTE IT?
Hebrews was once thought to have been written either by PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. or a companion of Paul, since the author was a friend of Timothy, the friend of Paul (13:23). Nevertheless, the author is never named in the book and most acknowledge that the identity of the writer remains unknown.
WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN?
Hebrews was probably written between 60 and 90 CE. The intended readers were not eyewitnesses to the ministry of Jesus and lived in a community that had been founded some years before. The book addresses a situation of malaise experienced by Christians some decades after the ministry of Jesus ended.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Hebrews encourages dispirited Christians to persevere in faith, since Christ has brought them into a new covenantA covenant is a promise or agreement. In the Bible the promises made between God and God’s people are known as covenants; they state or imply a relationship of commitment and obedience. relationship and God will be faithful to them.
HOW DO I READ IT?
Hebrews calls itself “a word of exhortation,” which means that it is a sermon (Hebrews 13:22; Acts 13:15). Exhortation is strong encouragement; the vivid images used throughout the book are designed to embolden people in faith. The book takes people on several journeys: through the wilderness following Jesus the pioneer (2:10; 4:9-11), then into the sanctuary following Jesus the high priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. (4:14-16; 10:19-25), and finally to a celebration on the heavenly Mount ZionZion originally referred to a mountain near Jerusalem where David conquered a Jebusite stronghold. Later the term came to mean a number of other things like the Temple, Jerusalem, and even the Promised Land. (12:22-24). If faith is the assurance of things unseen (11:1), Hebrews makes the promises of God seem tangible through the power of its imagery.
