Hebrews is a profound and powerful book that uses a wide variety of Old Testament passages to present a clear case for the superiority of Christ over everything that preceded Him.
Hebrews builds a cumulative argument to demonstrate the superiority of Christ over the old covenant, priesthood, and sacrifices. This theme is developed in the frequent use of the word “better” or “superior” as well as the use of the terms “heavenly” and “perfect” to describe the greatness of Christ’s person and work in comparison to what was previously revealed. He is better than the angels in that they worship Him; He is better than Moses in that He created him; He offers a better rest than Joshua, a better priesthood than Levi, a better covenant, a better sanctuary, and a better sacrifice; He also provides the power to live a better life.
Hebrews is the only New Testament book whose authorship remains a mystery. Despite its anonymity, its spiritual quality and depth overcame early questions about its inclusion in the New Testament canon. The original readers clearly knew the author (13:18–24), who was an associate of Timothy, but there is no consistent tradition as to his identity. Some in the early church attributed it to Paul, others to Barnabas, to Luke, and to Clement. There are indeed some similarities in the style and content of Hebrews and the Pauline epistles, but there are also enough dissimilarities to lead the majority of New Testament scholars to reject the Pauline authorship theory. Suggestions in modern scholarship include Apollos, Silas (Silvanus), Luke, Philip, and Clement of Rome, but no one knows.
From Handbook to Scripture
Chapter 1
Hebrews immediately launches into its theme of the superiority of the person and work of Jesus Christ by showing that He is the supreme revelation of God (1:1–3). Because He is worshiped by the angels, He is superior to them (1:4–14).
From Handbook to Scripture
Chapter 9
As our high priest, Jesus ministers in a better, heavenly, tabernacle and His blood sacrifice is superior to the sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary (9:1–10:18).
Chapter 11
This book adds immeasurably to our understanding of His person and work, and it applies this understanding to the dynamics of spiritual growth in the life of the believer. Hebrews 11 is one of the most extraordinary chapters in Scripture, and it is the clearest exposition of the meaning and rewards of faith in the Bible.
From Handbook to Scripture
Chapter 13
The letter to the Hebrews concludes with a series of exhortations to purity, contentment, Christlike character, service, and submission (13:1–17) as well as personal instructions and a beautiful benediction (13:18–25).