Hebrews Introduction

The book of Hebrews is a rich theological work, written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews is unknown, though it is traditionally attributed to Paul or one of his close associates. The primary theme is the supremacy of Christ—He is greater than angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews also emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the old covenant's rituals and sacrifices. The letter calls believers to persevere in faith, reminding them of the superiority of the new covenant and offering practical advice for Christian living.

Hebrews Chapter 1
This chapter establishes the supremacy of Christ over angels and all creation. The author highlights that God has spoken through His Son in these last days, emphasizing that Jesus is the heir of all things, the Creator, and the radiance of God’s glory. Christ is shown to be far superior to angels, and several Old Testament quotations are used to affirm His eternal reign and divine nature. The chapter sets the tone for the letter, focusing on Christ’s divine authority.

Hebrews Chapter 2
The author warns believers not to drift away from the message of salvation delivered by Christ, which is superior to the Law given by angels. The chapter explains Jesus' humanity—He became lower than the angels for a time to suffer death and bring salvation. By sharing in humanity's nature, Jesus destroyed the power of death held by the devil and became a merciful and faithful High Priest. This chapter emphasizes Jesus' solidarity with humanity and His role in their salvation.

Hebrews Chapter 3
In this chapter, the author compares Jesus with Moses, showing that while Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, Jesus is faithful as a Son over God’s house. The chapter encourages believers to hold firmly to their confidence in Christ and warns them against hardening their hearts as Israel did in the wilderness. The chapter ends with a call to heed God's voice today and remain faithful to avoid falling away.

Hebrews Chapter 4
The author speaks of the promise of entering God’s rest, linking it to faith and obedience. Just as Israel failed to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, the writer urges believers to strive to enter the rest offered through Christ. The chapter highlights that the Word of God is living and powerful, penetrating the heart. It also introduces Jesus as the great High Priest who sympathizes with human weakness and encourages believers to approach God’s throne of grace confidently for mercy.

Hebrews Chapter 5
This chapter explains the qualifications of the High Priest and shows how Jesus meets and exceeds these qualifications. Christ, like the earthly priests, was appointed by God but is greater because He is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Though Jesus learned obedience through suffering, He became the source of eternal salvation. The chapter ends with a rebuke of believers for their spiritual immaturity, urging them to move beyond basic teachings.

Hebrews Chapter 6
The chapter continues the warning against spiritual stagnation, urging believers to press on toward maturity in their faith. The author cautions against falling away from the faith, warning that it is impossible to restore to repentance those who have once experienced God’s grace but turn away. However, the chapter also expresses confidence in the believers’ salvation and God’s unchanging promises. The assurance of hope is anchored in God’s faithfulness, confirmed by His oath to Abraham.

Hebrews Chapter 7
Here, the author delves into the significance of Melchizedek, the king and priest who foreshadowed Christ's eternal priesthood. Melchizedek’s priesthood is shown to be superior to the Levitical priesthood because it was established by God before the Law was given. Jesus, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever, and His priesthood brings a better hope than the old covenant could offer. Christ’s eternal priesthood allows Him to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Hebrews Chapter 8
The chapter highlights the new covenant, which is superior to the old covenant made at Sinai. The old covenant had faults, as evidenced by Israel’s failure to keep it. The author quotes from Jeremiah 31, where God promises a new covenant where His laws would be written on hearts, not tablets of stone. Jesus, as the High Priest of the new covenant, mediates a better covenant established on better promises. This chapter focuses on the fulfillment and superiority of the new covenant through Christ.

Hebrews Chapter 9
The author contrasts the old covenant’s earthly sanctuary and rituals with the heavenly sanctuary and Christ’s superior sacrifice. The old covenant required repeated sacrifices, but Christ entered the heavenly Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption. The chapter emphasizes that the blood of animals could only cleanse externally, but Christ’s blood purifies the conscience. It also explains that Christ’s death inaugurated the new covenant, making the old obsolete.

Hebrews Chapter 10
This chapter continues the comparison between the old covenant sacrifices and Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. The repeated sacrifices of the Law could never take away sins, but Christ’s sacrifice has made believers perfect forever. The chapter encourages believers to draw near to God with full assurance of faith, holding fast to their hope. It also warns against willful sin after receiving the truth, reminding believers of God’s judgment. The chapter ends with a call to endure in faith until the promise is fulfilled.

Hebrews Chapter 11
Known as the "faith chapter," Hebrews 11 highlights the faith of Old Testament heroes who trusted in God's promises, even though they did not receive the fulfillment of those promises in their lifetimes. From Abel to Abraham, Moses, and many others, the chapter demonstrates that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. These examples encourage believers to live by faith, looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s ultimate promise.

Hebrews Chapter 12
The author encourages believers to persevere in their faith, using the image of a race where they must fix their eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of their faith. Believers are reminded that God disciplines them as a loving Father, training them for righteousness. The chapter contrasts Mount Sinai (representing the old covenant) with Mount Zion (representing the new covenant), urging believers to be grateful for receiving an unshakable kingdom and to worship God with reverence and awe.

Hebrews Chapter 13
The final chapter offers practical exhortations for Christian living, including brotherly love, hospitality, and honoring marriage. Believers are encouraged to remember their leaders and imitate their faith. The author also emphasizes the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ and warns against strange doctrines. The chapter concludes with a call to continually offer sacrifices of praise to God, to do good, and to obey church leaders. A benediction and personal greetings close the letter.