NT 260: Part OneSample

We don’t know who wrote Hebrews and can only guess at the recipients. That makes it difficult to figure out why it was written. Based on comparisons to other literature, Bible scholars believe Hebrews was actually a sermon that was written down and turned into a letter format. It is thought that it was written to Christians who were being persecuted and moving away from their faith to avoid that persecution. Many of those turning away must have been Jewish Christians who are now returning to Judaism. One would guess it was written to Jews based on the name of the book, the heavy reliance on quotations from the Old Testament, and because much of the material in the book argues for how Jesus is superior to the Old Testament methods of dealing with sin.

By way of introduction, chapter 1 declares that Jesus is superior to any created being. He is God’s Son, participated in creation, and is the glory of God. Unlike any other, after dying for our sin, He sat at the right hand of God. This general statement of Jesus’ superiority to everything is followed by showing that Jesus is superior to angels, as demonstrated by quoting Old Testament passages about angels and the Messiah, who is Jesus. People would hold messages received from angels in very high regard, how much more so a message received from Jesus, who is greater?

We have the honor of being in relationship with the Creator of the universe because that Creator chose to die for us. Do you take the relationship for granted? Do you consider the overwhelming sacrifice He made for you?