The book of Hebrews has an unknown author. Many in the past have thought that the Apostle Paul wrote it, or maybe Barnabas or Apollos. In recent centuries, since the Reformation, most have concluded that we just do not know who wrote it. Nevertheless, the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit has accepted the canonicity and inspiration of Hebrews.
It appears to have been written mainly to Hebrew or Jewish Christians, who under persecution were thinking of abandoning their Christian faith and reverting back to Judaism. The writer exhorts them to hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ and not to forsake their faith in him.
Hebrews was written prior to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, since this event is not referenced.
The theme of the book is the superiority of Jesus Christ. He is superior to angels, to Moses, to the Aaronic priesthood, and to the Mosaic sacrifices. Jesus is God's last word to humankind for salvation. Strong warnings against the consequences of apostasy are given in both chapters 6 and 10. Well known is the roll call of the heroes of faith in chapter 11. These Old Testament saints are examples of faith for us to follow.
The book closes with practical exhortations to live out the Christian life in faith and practical service.
Who or what is your authority? Science? Your own thoughts? Some religion? For the Christian, God's last word and final authority is Jesus Christ, the superior Son of God.
Jesus is fully God. He is also fully man. He is the God-Man. Because he is man, he understands our needs completely.
We can count on God. But can he count on us? Furthermore, can our fellow Christians count on us for the love and support they need? We need to be there for each other. Our times of need abound. How fantastic to know that a Christian brother or sister is there for us. See what God says about faithfulness to the community of faith.
The Christian life is a journey from spiritual chaos to spiritual rest. We begin by getting out of the chaos of sin. Then we find ourselves in the very early stages of Christian living with many struggles. It is God's purpose to lead us on into a settled and consistent Christian life-style. Hebrews 11 is all about a committed Christian life.
Jesus is our "pontifex" - our great High Priest. He is the bridge between a holy God and sinful man. Jesus meets and exceeds all requirements for a priest.
Ever feel "slow to learn?" This locks us into spiritual infancy. We need to get moving, beyond the elementary teachings of the Christian faith and get into the deeper things of God. The danger of backsliding and even apostasy is ever present. A warning is issued.
Three times the name of Melchizedek appears in Holy Scripture: In Genesis, Psalms and Hebrews. Who is this strange man without beginning or end? A Christophany?
The "old agreement" (the Law) didn't work. Nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments. But there is something very wrong with man. God made a change - a "new agreement" (the Gospel) that works for us. It is better. Far better. It gets into our hearts.
The forgiveness of sins requires a sacrifice to atone for evil. In the "old agreement", animal blood was used by the priests. But, that was only a symbol and a type. Such sacrifices had to be offered over and over again. The sacrifice of the body of Christ was real and happened once and for all. It saves us for all eternity.
Drawing near to God and to each other is important to keep alive spiritually. As in Chapter 6, a warning against apostasy is given. Perseverance in the Christian faith is strongly urged.
In our struggle against sin we need discipline. Because God love us as his children he gives us the discipline we need to remain faithful in our Christian walk.
This chapter gives us 10 suggestions for practical Christian living: Christian love, hospitality, sympathy, moral purity, contentment, support of Christian leadership, doctrinal stability, the spirit of praise, and spiritual equipping.