Hebrews
The Epistle of “Better” Things
Bob Harding
Table of Contents
Chapter LESSON TITLE Page
0Introduction……………………………………………………………...3
1The Superiority Of God’s Final Spokesman……...……………………13
2The Humanity Of Christ………………...……………………………..23
3Christ Is Superior Than Moses…………………………………………36
4Superiority Of The More Perfect Rest Under Christ…………………..46
5Christ Is Fully Qualified To Be Our High Priest………………………56
6Press On To Maturity………….……………………………………....66
7The Superiority Of Christ’s Priesthood………………………………..80
8A Superior Priest With A Superior New Covenant……………………85
9A Better Tabernacle And A Better Sacrifice…………………………..97
10The Better Sacrifice And A Need For Faith………………………….113
11A Faith That Pleases God…………………………………………….133
12Running The Race Of Faith…………………………………………..153
13The Practice And The Fruits Of Faith………………………………..175
THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
INTRODUCTION
A.The book of Hebrews is unique in its form and style.
1.It begins as an "essay" – Heb 1:1-2.
2.It progresses as a "sermon" – Heb 2:1-4.
3.It ends as a "letter" – Heb 13:23-25.
B.Its contents are deep and challenging.
1.It stands as a masterpiece of writing among the other N.T. books.
2.Some equate its difficulty with the book of Romans or Revelation.
C.But for Christians who are willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it…
1.They are REMINDED of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ.
2.They are IMPRESSED with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant.
3.They are WARNED of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith.
D.Just as one should not begin a journey without some idea of where they are going, so it is beneficial to begin with a preview of this epistle, that we might have an idea…
1.Of where we are headed.
2.And what we might expect to find.
1)Such a "preview" would naturally include some information on the background to the epistle.
3.No N.T. book has more unanswered questions than Hebrews.
1)Questions about the author, date, where it was written and to whom it was written.
2)However, the importance of the book is found in the message rather than such background questions.
I.THE AUTHOR
A.The author does not identify himself in the book.
1.It matters little as to the human instrument used by the Holy Spirit to pen these truths found in the book.
1)Much has been written in regard to the possible identity of the writer of the book.
2.For several centuries the majority of Biblical scholars have ascribed its authorship to the apostle Paul.
1)Such a conclusion has been reached by examining both external and internal evidence related to the book.
B.EXTERNAL EVIDENCE
1.Many of the leading men who lived during or within a century or so of the N.T. age, who are known as "church fathers", believe that Paul was its author.
1)150 A.D. – Pantaenus
2)180 A.D. – Clement of Alexandria (pupil of Pantaenus)
3)185 A.D. – Origen
4)264 A.D. – The council of Antioch
5)264 A.D. – Eusebius
6)392 A.D. – Jerome (Roman church until the end of the 4th century)
7)392 A.D. – Augustine
2.Other names have been suggested over the years.
1)190-200 A.D. – Barnabas–Suggested by Tertullian (Montanists view)
2)Apollos – Suggested first by Luther (didn't like theology of Hebrews and the impossibility of apostasy.
3)Therefore, in order to get around what is taught on the subject in Hebrews, it is proclaimed that the book was written by an inferior writer than Paul, who wrote Romans.
C.INTERNAL EVIDENCE
1.The fact that the book is anonymous suggests that Paul might have written it and withheld his name so the letter wouldn't be refused because of their prejudice against him for being "the apostle to the Gentiles."
1)This possible explanation strengthens, not weakens, the idea that Paul wrote the book.
2.The manner of composition in the book indicates Paul's style of writing.
1)For example, Paul's manner of leaving the train of thought to state other matters and then return to the main thought is illustrated in Hebrews.
--2:1-4: Leaves his line of argument and returns to it again in 2:5.
--5:10: Breaks off at the word "Melchizedek" and does not return to his main subject until 7:1.
3.13:23: "Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I shall see you."
1)It is well known that Timothy was a constant companion of Paul from the very beginning of Timothy's ministry (Acts 16:3), to the time of Paul's death (2 Tim 4:9-21).
4.13:24: "Those from Italy greet you."
1)This suggests the possibility of Paul's having written the letter shortly after his first Roman imprisonment.
5.It is evident that the writer was formerly a Jew familiar with the Jewish system.
1)This would harmonize with Paul's background. The themes of the superiority of Christianity over Judaism were often subjects in some of Paul's letters.
2)The book is comparable to Romans and Galatians which have similar themes.
6.13:25: "Grace"
1)No other writer uses this ending except in 2 Pet 3:18 where it is used in a different sense.
7.The word "mediator" is used only by Paul.
8.Arguments against Paul being the author.
1)"…was confirmed to us by those who heard him"(2:3).
--Gal 1:11-12: Paul declared that he had not received the gospel from or through men.
2)Style of writing is superior to Paul's style in any of his other letters.
--2 Cor 11:6: Paul's own admission.
--RESPONSE:
*2 Cor 10:10: Refers to manner of speaking not content.
*Every writer or artist is entitled to a masterpiece.
*Different subjects and settings require different styles and flavors.
>Shameful affairs in Corinth.
>Helping Timothy with problems.
>Dealing with a runaway slave (Philemon).
>Prison epistles (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon).
>Hebrews—Christ is greater than Moses and angels.
- In the end, we can only say with Origen, "But who wrote the epistle, to be sure, only God knows."
II.TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN
A.The general consensus is that this letter is written to Jewish Christians living in Palestine at some definite locality, whom the author knew personally.
1.This may be concluded from the references made to…
1)Past experiences (6:10; 10:34)
2)Past leaders (13:7)
3)Intends to visit them(13:19, 23)
B.It is generally agreed that the letter was written to Jewish Christians who were under intense pressure to forsake Christ and return to Judaism. The internal evidence harmonizes with this conclusion.
1.The recipients of the letter were quite familiar with all the ceremonies of the Mosaic Law.
1)In Palestine, the ceremonial requirements of the law and the temple were still being stressed.
2)The writer used terms without any explanation.
"within the veil"(6:18).
"outside the camp"(13:11).
"outside the gate" (13:12).
2.In many of Paul's letters, he mentions the controversies which were prevalent between the Jews and Gentiles outside of Palestine.
1)There is no mention of Jewish-Gentile problems in Hebrews.
2)Hebrews deals with the trials from the opposition of the unconverted Jew. (Their Jewish families and friends pressuring them to return to Judaism).
3)Therefore the people addressed were likely Jewish converts living in the midst of an unbelieving and persecuting Jewish population.
III. THE TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
A.Some statements within Hebrews indicate that it was written some considerable time after the establishment of the church in 33 A.D., but before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
1.5:12: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers…"
1)The writer implies that enough time has passed since their conversion that they should be more mature.
2.There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
1)8:4; 10:11: The author writes as though priests were still offering sacrifices and the temple was still standing.
2)Jewish Christians scattered, temple and sacrifices were destroyed when the destruction of Jerusalem came in 70 A.D.
3)12:4: Reason to conclude that Hebrews was written before the Jewish wars (66-70 A.D.).
4)8:13; 10:25: Not too long before 66 A.D.
5)DATE: 63-65 A.D.: If Paul wrote it—written shortly after beingreleased from his first Roman imprisonment while still in Rome.
IV. THE PURPOSE OF THE LETTER
A.13:22: "But I urge you, brethren, bear (listen to) this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly."
1.The fundamental purpose of the book is to encourage and persuade the Hebrew Christians to continue in the faith and be thankful for what they have in Christ.
1)The strong exhortations scattered throughout the book are a key to the conditions behind Hebrews (2:1-4; 3-4; 5:11-6:20; 10:19-39).
2)It was written to Christians under trial, on the verge of apostasy.
3)The pressures of persecution, the temptations of sin and the perils of religious indifference are minimized as Christ is portrayed as the High Priest of our confession.
4)The enthusiasm of Christianity ("new movement") began to wear off. The Messiah hasn't come back yet (2 Pet 3:3-4). Some were lax and lazy and were in danger of drifting back into Judaism.
2.The writer urges his Jewish brethren to "not throw away your confidence (boldness)", they had manifested in the past (Heb 10:35).
1)They are encouraged to not go back to the Old Law.
2)In order to make clearer the work of Christ, the writer compares Christianity with Judaism.
3)The Mosaic system is treated as types which find their fulfillment in Christ and as shadows and copies which find their substance in Him.
4)The dignity and glory of Christ is shown—also His humanity and humility.
3.The perpetual superiority of Christianity over Judaism (inferior religion).
The comparative term "better" is used several times showing this superiority of Christ and the New Covenant.
1)Messenger (than angels) – 1:4
2)Hope – 7:19
3)Covenant – 7:22
4)Promises –8:6
5)Sacrifices – 9:23
6)Possession – 10:34
7)Country – 11:16
8)Resurrection – 11:34
9)Things – 11:40
4.To further emphasize the extremely great value of the religion of Christ, seven "great" things are mentioned.
1)Salvation – 2:3
2)High Priest – 4:14
3)Tabernacle – 9:11
4)Conflict – 10:32
5)Recompense – 10:35
6)Cloud of witnesses – 12:1
7)Shepherd – 13:20
- Lesson to us: Remain faithful and loyal to Christ regardless of the pressures to be unfaithful.
HEBREWS: THE EPISTLE OF "BETTER" THINGS
(Key word of the book)
I.BETTER MESSENGER: THE SON1:1-2:18
Qualifications1:1-3
Superiority to angels1:4-14
1stWARNING: Danger of neglect--drifting2:1-4
The Incarnation (Christ becoming man; humanity of Christ)2:5-18
II.BETTER APOSTLE3:1-4, 13
Superiority to Moses3:1-6
2ndWARNING: Danger of unbelief—falling away3:7-19
Superiority of His rest4:1-10
3rdWARNING: Danger of disobedience4:11-13
III. BETTER PRIEST4:14-7:28
Comparison with Aaron4:14-5:4
Order of Melchizedek5:5-7:25
Appointed5:5-6
Author of salvation5:7-10
4thWARNING: Danger of immaturity—dullness5:11-6:12
Forerunner6:13-20
Living priest7:1-17
Confirmed by an oath7:18-25
Relation to sacrifices7:26-28
IV. BETTER COVENANT8:1-9:28
Establishment of New Covenant8:1-13
Content of Old Covenant9:1-10
Christ and the New Covenant9:11-28
V.BETTER SACRIFICE10:1-31
Weakness of the Old Law10:1-4
Offering of Christ10:5-18
5thWARNING: Danger of rejection--despising10:19-31
VI. BETTER WAY: FAITH10:32-12:29
Need of faith10:32-39
Examples of faith11:1-40
Exercise of faith12:1-17
Objective (goal) of faith12:18-24
6thWARNING: Danger of refusal--defying12:25-29
VII. CONCLUSION: PRACTICE OF FAITH13:1-25
Social relations13:1-6
Spiritual relations13:7-17
Personal salutations13:18-25
V.THERE ARE THREE MAIN DIVISIONS OF THE EPISTLE
A.THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST1:1-8:6
1.Better than the prophets—as a much better spokesman1:1-3
2.Better than the angels—by virtue of His Deity & humanity1:4-2:18
3.Better than Moses—provides a heavenly rest3:1-4:13
4.Better than Aaron—His priesthood is superior4:16-8:6
B.THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT8:7-10:18
1.For it is based upon better promises8:7-13
2.For it is based upon a better sanctuary9:1-28
3.For it is based upon a better sacrifice10:1-18
C.EXHORTATIONS DRAWN FROM THIS SUPERIORITY: 10:19-13:25
1.Draw near to God and hold fast10:19-39
2.Run the race of faith with endurance11:1-12:29
3.Love and faithfulness (various duties)13:1-17
4.Concluding remarks (request for prayer, personal messages)13:18-25
OUTLINE OF HEBREWS
I.THE SUPERIORITY OF THE SON1:1-8:5
A.To the Prophets of the Old Covenant1:1-3
1.Former revelations through prophets; but the
revelation of the new order is through the Son1:1
2.The Divine glory, honor and dignity of the Son1:2-3
B.To Angels1:4-2:18
1.In name, exaltation and power1:4-14
1)Conclusion from these promises submitted: "How shall
we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"2:1-4
2.But He became lower than the angels, and identical with
man. Why?2:5-18
1)Man was created with dignity and royalty to rule, but fell2:5-9
2)Christ became man, suffered and died, that He might:
--Restore man to his former glory, reconciling him to
God through suffering2:9-13
--Destroy the power of Satan, redeeming man from the
bondage of death2:14-16
--Qualify Himself as man's high priest before God,
able to help man in his manifold needs2:17-18
C.To Moses, as Apostle, Author, and Administrator of the
New Institution3:1-4:13
1.Comparison of Moses and Christ: one a servant in the
house, the other a Son3:1-6
2.Warning against unbelief and falling away: Examples
of disobedience of Israelites under Moses3:7-19
3.The more perfect rest under Christ4:1-10
4.The Word by which all shall be judged4:11-13
D.To Aaron and His Priesthood4:14-8:5
1.The nature and character of his priesthood4:14-5:10
1)The exalted character and intercession of Christ's
priesthood4:14-16
2)His priesthood compared to that of Aaron and
Melchizedek5:1-10
2.A digression from the main theme5:11-6:20
1)The inexcusable ignorance of the Hebrews5:11-14
2)An exhortation to progress6:1-3
3)A warning of the danger of apostasy6:4-8
4)Encouragement on the ground of God's fidelity6:9-20
3.Superiority of Christ's priesthood compared to Aaron's7:1-8:5
1)Superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood7:1-10
2)Changes made in Aaron's priesthood7:11-25
3)Superior dignity and moral excellence of Christ7:26-28
4)Christ is high priest of the true tabernacle8:1-5
II.THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW ORDER8:6-10:18
A.The New Covenant—It's Superior Nature8:6-13
1.The new covenant is faultless, the old is faulty8:7-8
2.Comparison of the two covenants8:9-13
1)The old on tables of stone—new on the heart
2)The old individuals enter the covenant, or are under it,
then learn its principles later—new, must learn its
principles before becoming a part of it
3)The old could not take away sin—under the new, sins are
remembered no more.
4)The old was abolished on the cross—new to continue
B.A Better Sanctuary9:1-10
1.The tabernacle and its furniture
1)Arrangement9:1-5
2)Its services9:6-7
3)Its inefficiency9:8-10
C.A Better and Superior Sacrifice9:11-10:18
1.Superiority of Christ's offering9:11-15
2.Necessity of Christ's death9:16-24
3.Contrast of the "one" offering of Christ—and the
"many" of the old order9:25-26
4.The return of the high priest—not like that of the old9:27-28
5.The inefficiency of the legal sacrifices—they never took
away the guilt of sin—were "shadows"10:1-4
6.Efficiency of Christ's sacrifice—procures final salvation10:5-18
III.ENCOURAGEMENTS AND EXHORTATIONS DRAWN
FROM THESE PREMISES10:19-12:29
A.Encouragements from the superior benefits, rights,
honors, privileges and relations of the subjects of the
new covenant.
1.Exhortation to greater diligence in worship and service10:19-25
2.Warnings drawn from the awful consequences of apostasy
(principle: much given, much required)10:26-31
3.Encouragement drawn from previous patient endurance10:32-34
4.Encouragement drawn from the near approach of their
deliverance from existing evils10:35-37
5.Encouragement drawn from the nature and sustaining
influence of faith (ch 11)10:38-39
1)Faith is the foundation of all our hopes11:1
2)Some general illustrations of this important truth11:2-3
3)Various personal illustrations of this principle11:4-38
4)The superior privileges and advantages of the Christian
with regard to the object of his faith11:39-40
6.Encouragement drawn from the presence of victorious
spectators12:1
7.Exhortation drawn from the example of Christ12:2-4
8.Exhortation from the design of all divine chastisements12:5-13
9.Exhortation from the dangers and consequences of apostasy12:14-17
10.Encouragement from the greater privileges of the Christian
dispensation12:18-24
11.Exhortation to give heed to the things which were heard12:25-27
1)Because spoken from heaven through God's Son12:25
2)Because they were not living inpreparatory Jewish age,
but under last age in which God shakes all heaven and
earth to make the kingdom of Christ universal and
eternal12:26-27
12.Exhortation because they received an unshakable kingdom12:28-29
IV.EXHORTATION TO LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS13:1-25
A.Exhortation to Various Duties13:1-17
1.Brotherly love13:1
2.Hospitality13:2
3.Sympathy with those in bonds13:3
4.Fidelity in marriage 13:4
5.Contentment13:5-6
6.Imitate faith of leaders13:7
7.Stability in doctrine13:8-15
8.Benevolence13:16
9.Obedience to those who rule13:17
B.Concluding Remarks13:18-25
1.Request for prayer13:18-19
2.The Benediction13:20-21
3.Personal messages13:22-25
HEBREWS ONE
THE SUPERIORITY OF GOD’S FINAL SPOKESMAN
1:1-8:5:SUPERIORITY OF THE SON
1:1-2:4: God's final revelation
1:1-3: God's superior and final spokesman
- Indicating that a change has taken place.
1:"God, after He spoke long ago (in time past)"
1.Refers to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus.
1)That period of time described in the Old Testament (Genesis-Malachi).
2.God has clearly revealed Himself as One who "speaks", that is, He communicates His will to mankind!
1)There never has been an age when man did not need God's instruction
(Jer 10:23).
2)It is God's prerogative to speak and it is man's duty to listen.
3)God is the fountain of all primary authority.
4)Man is the creature of God's hand and the product of His intelligence.
"to the fathers in (by) the prophets"
1.The "fathers" would be the ancestors of the Israelites.
2.The "prophets" would include great men like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah,Ezekiel, Daniel, etc.
1)The Hebrew word for "prophet" means "one who boils over".
2)Ex 4:16; 7:1: A prophet is a "mouth"—spokesman for God.
3)It refers to one who is "inspired" by God to speak for Him (2 Pet 1:21).
4)At times, the prophets themselves were unsure of the meaning of what they spoke (1 Pet 1:10-12).
"in many portions and in many ways,"
1.Revelation didn't come all at once, but progressively at different times.
1)Each spoke a part of God.
2)The methods varied—visions, dreams, symbols, voice on Sinai.
3)However, the prophets were temporary spokesmen.
2:"in these last days" (Lit.—"at the end of these days)"
1.Refers to:
1)The closing period of the Jewish age.
2)The period of the Messiah—Isa 2:2; Mic 4:1
3)Acts 2:17—last days began on Pentecost and will end at the 2nd coming.
2.Therefore, it denotes the final phase of history, brought on by the first coming of Christ, continuing until His second coming and the consummation of all things (Heb 9:26; 1 Pet 1:20; 1 Cor 10:11).
"has spoken to us in His Son,": Note the contrast.
1.God has sent His own Son to speak for Him!
1)As wonderful as the prophets were, how can they compare to God's own Son?
2.One can never settle a question for himself or for anyone else unless one accepts a standard of authority.
1)That standard must be God's message to the world because man still lives in God's world.
- Verses 1 and 2 should be studied with these 4 points noted.
POINTOLD COVENANTNEW COVENANT
1)Timeancient timeslast days
2)MessengerprophetsSon
3)Messagemany times & many waysall at once