And you probably know the famous verse from hebrews 12. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. Hawthorne professor emerita of new testament greek and exegesis at wheaton college and graduate school. In light of the fact this book was first written to jewish christians what was the writers. But it helps when we recognize that the original audience was facing persecution and. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry. The epistle to the hebrews, or letter to the hebrews, or in the greek manuscripts, simply to the. However, in some instances it may also be used in a wider sense, referring to the phoenicians, or to other ancient. What is unique about the books of james and hebrews. Theology of the letter to hebrews new testament theology. The book of hebrews solves this problem by arguing that the hebrew scriptures. The purity of its greek was noted by clement of alexandria, according to eusebius historia eccl. The author is anonymous, although either paul or barnabas was traditionally accepted as the author.
Jesus christs names, titles and characters study resources. Hebrews is one of the most challenging books in the new testament. Waldron copy right 1999 171 walden lane harriman, tn 37748. You probably know the passages that describe the heroes of faith. The gospel coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. Christ is superior to angels, moses, aaron and the old testament priestly ministry. Hebrews is commonly referred to as a letter, though it does not have the typical form of a letter. Hebrews summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of hebrews for bible study or sunday school lessons. Its an accessible, yet thorough, overview of the entire book. Moses was the great lawgiver, but christ was the perfect fulfillment of the law. Pdf the book of hebrews study guide free download pdf. This explanation of the circumstances under which hebrews was written reveals its role in the context of the development of early christianity.
Hebrews makes important theological contributions to the biblical canon, it has been drawn upon as sacred scripture since the late first century. Watch our overview video on the book of hebrews, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. On november 30, 1954, anne hodges was taking a nap on her couch in the little town of oak grove alab. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison to anything. The book of hebrews also warns believers about falling away from the faith, and challenges them to persevere in difficult circumstances, remaining faithful to the new covenant. Should christians ever turn away from the faith, or should they hold fast to.
A majority view seems to be that the recipients of hebrews probably lived in rome. In this insightful commentary, readers will find a gold mine of helpful. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison. As weve just suggested, the author of hebrews wrote to exhort his audience. The book of hebrews boldly proclaims the superiority of jesus christ and christianity over other religions, including judaism. Although some include the book of hebrews among the apostle pauls writings, the certain identity of the author remains an enigma. The unknown authorship of this book should not shake our confidence in its authority. Hebrews 11 is a stunning description of how faith and hope across the ages have been the distinguishing characteristics of gods people, beginning with abraham. One such example is its use of the word fire which apocalyptically refers to gods judgment see hebrews 10. Missing is pauls customary salutation common to his other works. However, doubt on pauline authorship in the roman church is reported by eusebius.
The book of hebrews is a general epistle apostolic letter. In this journey, we are supplied, emboldened, and encouraged by gods son, the true priest whose selfsacrifice opens a way for. The book of hebrews, teaching by pastor melissa scott, ph. The book of hebrews unveils christ as the one who is greater than each of the types and shadows that were pointing to him in the old covenant. Authors such as luke, barnabas, apollos, and even clement have been considered as possibilities. This is why verse one tells us, now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. But for this study, well describe the original purpose of. Hebrews 11 common english bible ceb description of faith. It is to our benefit to be familiar with hebrews chapter 1. Although hebrews is not written in apocalyptic language, it does employ it. In this respect, the chapter is a very useful chapter for both our devotional lives and for our articulation and defense of the christian faith. Stop scrounging all over the internet for bits and pieces of information which can help you lead a bible study on hebrews. Contrast the scriptures description of mans origin with that of the darwinists evolutionists. Based on this chapter and book, approval from god is gained by.
The first quote talks about jesus proclaiming his fathers name and singing his praise while hes in the midst of the congregation. Nearclassical style of the prologues of luke, acts, and hebrews. The importance and content of hebrews the author of hebrews chapter 1 of the book of hebrews the deity of christ christ appointed heir angels chapter 2 of the book of hebrews the humanity of jesus suffering and death of christ the bible doctrine of the trinity mrs. When you sign up, youll get a comprehensive introduction to hebrews. In addition, the suggestion that the writer of this epistle relied upon knowledge and information provided by others who were actual eyewitnesses of christ jesus 2. The epistle to the hebrews, or letter to the hebrews, or in the greek manuscripts, simply to the hebrews. The book of hebrews conveys a double dose of spiritual power. Knowing jesus the portrait of jesus in hebrews place for. Summary of hebrews, the general epistles and revelation.
No one can study hebrews and not grow spiritually as he or she comes face to face with gods one and only son. The main theme of the book of hebrews can be found in the opening verses. The book of hebrews addresses three separate groups. Jesus christ is clearly greater than anything that the old covenant. David desilva expounds on this ritual imagery, unfolding all god has accomplished for us, while urging the grateful believer on to deeds of faithfulness and truth. Book of hebrews overview insight for living ministries.
The context for faith is a life in which things are hoped for but not yet seen or possessed. Jesus is superior to the law and the old covenant hebrews 3. The author of the letter to the hebrews remains shrouded in mystery. Book description the letter to the hebrews is of particular significance because of its explanation of the sacrificial death of christ. The book of hebrews study guide chapter eleven the faith chapter 1. No one can live a single day without exercising faith faith. With over fifteen years of leading small group bible studies through over thirty books of the. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. As a unit, the text lays out a complete picture of the person of jesus christ. A call to be faithful and endure through trials hebrews 10.
More than most new testament books, hebrews requires detailed explanations of the background allusions within it, which reference the priesthood of christ being directly linked. The high priest in the old testament offered sacrifices each year. We are to gladly suffer the loss of honor and possessions for the joy that lies ahead of us. The association of barnabas with the book of hebrews may be because he was described as a son of encouragement, and hebrews. These will be highlighted in red in the following commentary.
Names, titles and characters of jesus christ includes the son, the father, god, jehovah, the almighty, the word, the man, the babe, jesus, the lamb of god. Many of its topics and themes are difficult to understand, and it tends to approach them differently than other new testament books do. The book of hebrews exhorts us to be content with what god provides and to work for peace shalom and holiness for all. The book of hebrews magnificently reworks the meaning of the old testament sacrificial system in light of christs death and resurrection. Interpreters have summarized the overarching purpose of the book of hebrews in a variety of ways. Its important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. People always assumed that the original readers were jewish hebrews was another way of saying jews back in the 1st century, but scholars today arent sure exactly who this book was meant for. Jesus is greater, so hold fast to him overviewbible. The use of the phrase en gar to is found only in hebrews 2.
The author does not identify himself or those addressed, which letter writers normally did. A book fitting the reliant description claiming canonical status, that does not agree with primary revelation must be rejected. And he offers no manner of greeting, such as is usually found at. The conjunction te is used most frequently in lukes writings and hebrews. Every one alive daily expresses faith in something. Listen to the way the author himself characterized his book in. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry new. This course is an indepth study of the letter to the hebrews, and is designed to provide a working knowledge of the book, including an understanding of the proper relationship between the old and new testaments and confirm the superiority of jesus and his gospel. The book of hebrews shows the superiority of christianity over the judaic system under the law of moses. The book of hebrews is about jesus and how he guarantees a new and better covenant of grace.
Bible study lesson sheets these are lessons designed for either a class or personal study. The book of hebrews is quite challenging, claims commentary author donald guthrie, since there are many open questions about authorship, historical setting and audience. This description of the authors purpose helps orient us to the main ideas found in the book of hebrews. In a logical argument, the author demonstrates christs superiority, then adds practical instructions for following jesus. Introduction to hebrews 10 isaiah gives some remarkable insights into the apocalyptic language used in the bible.
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