Hebrews: The Clues
DATE / RECIPIENTS / PURPOSE of Letter~ AD 64 Paul Martyred
AD 68 Nero Died
Hebrews 13:23— Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you
AD 70
Hebrews 8:13—When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. / Neither witnesses, Nor author were eye-witnesses of Jesus
Hebrews 2:3— how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,
Had been meeting together as believers
Hebrews 10:24–25— and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Longtime believers, but still Immature
Hebrews 5:11–14— Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Considering adapting new or returning to older practices
Hebrews 13:9–10— Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.
Had Suffered, but NOT yet experienced persecution thru martyrdom
Hebrews 10:32–34— But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33 partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
Hebrews 12:4— You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; / Hebrews 13:21— [Now the God of peace…] equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:22— But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
Hebrews 2:1— For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.