The Letter to the Hebrews is the traditional title of this New Testament book, a designation added later to the earliest manuscripts.
In my introduction, I mentioned that the author of Hebrews has a high view of the Hebrew scriptures. He cites more texts from the Old Testament (Tanakh) than any other epistle in the New Testament. Paradoxically, he also incorporates more Hellenistic categories of philosophy than any other.
Another critical yet problematic paradox regarding Hebrews comes from outside rather than within the book. From at least the fourth century, this letter has been a favorite of supersessionist theologians, those who believe that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s economy.
Why? It seems to view the Mosaic Covenant and the Torah negatively. They say, in effect, that—as some translators would have it—the Old Testament is obsolete or has vanished by God’s design.
That kind of thinking should strike us as problematic.
Jesus taught, For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Torah until all is accomplished (Matt 5:18).
The author of Hebrews himself echoes that view: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).
In our study, we will not impose preconceived notions on the text. Instead, we will let the author show us his intent, inspired by the Spirit of the Living God.
As a teacher, I desire to feast upon God’s Word with you rather than rush through and consume it quickly. It is a sumptuous meal prepared by an exceptionally skilled chef. We will go slow, pay close attention, and taste and see for ourselves (which is a Hebraic idiom for ‘to experience’) that it is a very good word indeed.
Let’s read from chapter one:
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Verses 1-4 serve as a prologue, an introduction. Notice that this is not the opening of a typical N.T. letter with greetings and identification of the author, as Paul always does. It is an opening statement meant to grab the audience’s attention.
Along with a growing consensus of scholars, I believe it is likely that Hebrews was initially delivered as a sermon and later edited by the author or an associate. The final chapter was then added as a closing and sent out as a composed letter to the church at large. Whether you agree or not, keeping the possibility in mind during our study adds a refreshing dimension to the letter’s impact (Read the previous article, Seeing the Big Picture).
The author’s introduction powerfully presents one of the most beautiful biblical paradoxes: God becomes a man. This is exalted Christological language, indeed, some of the most profound in the New Testament. Yet, in Hebrews, we get detailed views of Yeshua’s divinity contrasted with intimate glimpses of his humanity, such as this: Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered (5:8).
This unique book focuses on Messiah Jesus as God’s divine Son, chosen to be our High Priest and our sacrifice.
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery (2:14-15).
Hebrews exalts Jesus while challenging and inspiring the hearers at the same time.
He was fully a man, tempted in all ways—even as you and I. He learned obedience through the things that he suffered, the very thing the author is encouraging his persecuted audience to do.
He challenges them to imitate Jesus in his faithful endurance. He cautions and admonishes those drifting from their faith and falling back (backsliding, as we would say). He warns them of the consequences of neglecting this great salvation that King Jesus has secured for us.
Who and where was the original audience? We do not know. Some scholars say Rome, others Corinth. Some say it was spoken to Jewish believers in Jerusalem to inspire them after witnessing the destruction of the Temple.
This brings us to the question of when it was written. Again, drawing on the consensus of scholars, it was most likely somewhere between 45 and 70 of the first century. In other words, most, as do I, believe that it was committed to writing before rather than after the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.
Here is a compelling reason to support early dating. The author discusses the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system in contrast to Jesus as God’s anointed High Priest who offers a better sacrifice. If the Temple had already been destroyed at the time of writing, the author would surely have noted that because it would have confirmed his argument.
What we do know is crucial to grasping Hebrews. We see the state and condition of those who first heard the message.
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (Heb 10:32-36).
They were enlightened and were partakers of the Holy Spirit (6:4). To use contemporary language, they were born-again and spirit-filled believers. Listen to the power of the full description: Who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come (6:4-5).
These words stir my heart.
The whole context of this letter is very much akin to Jewish apocalyptic literature with its imminent expectation of the consummation of all things. Like us, they were united with Messiah Jesus and experienced his powerful eschatological kingdom breaking into their present lives!
In light of these profound truths, earnest exhortations come to attend to these things and not neglect such a great salvation. Pay attention. Don’t drift. Endure to the end, like your King, in the strength of his Spirit.
