Hebrews Epistle: A Study

By Jinu Ninan

Introduction

The Epistle to the Hebrews is one of the most profound letters in the New Testament. Like any book of the Bible, unless we understand the background, content, purpose, and writing style of Hebrews, we cannot fully grasp the subject the author intended to convey.

Authorship of the Epistle

The author of Hebrews is not clearly known. From the time of the early church, there have been differing opinions regarding its authorship.

Because of the depth of thought in the letter and the reference to Timothy, many have believed that Paul himself wrote it. In fact, in the King James Bible and some other versions, Paul is mentioned as the author in the introduction.

However, Hebrews is written in classical Greek with a literary elegance different from Paul’s usual Greek style, and since Paul always included his name in his letters, many scholars conclude that Paul was not the writer.

The author clearly had a deep knowledge of Jewish rituals and practices. For this reason, some suggested that Priscilla might have written it, while others argued it could have been Apollos.

Tertullian, an early church father, believed that Barnabas was the author. Origen, another early church father from Alexandria, thought there were hints that it might have been Luke.

Yet, no unified opinion has ever existed regarding its authorship. Even Origen admitted, “Who actually wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews, only God truly knows.” (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 6.25.14)

Date of the Epistle

The time when Hebrews was written can only be estimated from the subjects it addresses.

From the reference in chapter 8, it appears that it was written before the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70.

Also, from chapter 5, where the writer says that it was time for believers to reach spiritual maturity, we understand that the letter was addressed to people who had been Christians for many years.

In chapter 13, where readers are exhorted to obey their leaders and imitate their faith, it becomes clear that the letter was written to the second generation of Christians.

Moreover, from chapter 9, we see that it was written after the beginning of Christian persecution. History tells us that persecution began during Nero’s reign in Rome (AD 54–68).

From these indications, it is generally believed that Hebrews was written between AD 60 and 70. Since the writer mentions, “those from Italy greet you,” it is also thought that the letter was written to believers in Rome.

Recipients of the Epistle

Hebrews is the only New Testament letter written specifically for Jewish Christians.

This is clear because it emphasizes the Levitical priesthood, sacrifices, and Jewish forms of worship, and makes no reference to idol worship or pagan practices. Therefore, it is understood that the readers were Jews who had come to faith in Christ.

Background of the Epistle

The letter was written to Jews who had turned from Judaism to Christianity. Because of persecution, these Jewish Christians were being pressured to abandon Christ and return to their former religion.

Against this background, the writer encourages them to hold firmly to their first faith in Christ until the end. He shows that the way of Christ is far greater than the religion they had left behind. Christ is greater than the Old Testament prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and the priests of the Old Covenant. All of this is demonstrated from the Old Testament Scriptures.

The writer highlights the weakness of the Old Testament sacrifices, which could never fully remove sin, and contrasts them with the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God, which takes away sin once and for all.

He explains that the New Covenant, established through the blood of Jesus, is far more glorious than the Old Covenant, which had been established through the blood of bulls and goats.

Contents of the Epistle

More than any other book of the Bible, Hebrews emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ.

It explains the superiority of Christ’s high priesthood, the uniqueness of His perfect sacrifice, how a believer can enter the Most Holy Place, how one can continually dwell in God’s presence, and how the believer can experience the excellent promises of the New Covenant.

The book also clarifies the fundamental differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, showing how Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant, which is founded on better promises.

Hebrews presents two central ministries of Christ:

1. As the Lamb of God who offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin.
2. As the great High Priest who represents us before God.

It is also the only book in the Bible that presents Jesus as the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Although it deals with deep theological truths, the letter ultimately serves to encourage believers to persevere in following Christ by faith until the end, while warning of the consequences of unbelief and apostasy.

Through many examples, the author reminds readers both of the rich blessings of the New Covenant and the eternal consequences of abandoning Christ.

Style of Writing

Unlike other New Testament letters, Hebrews is written in elegant classical Greek, not ordinary Greek.

A unique feature of the style is the continuity of thought. The author unfolds his ideas step by step, building on what was said earlier. At the beginning of most chapters, the phrase “therefore” often appears, linking ideas to the previous discussion. Studying chapters in isolation can lead to misunderstanding the author’s intention.

Another feature is that the author often introduces a subject or person briefly at first and then provides a fuller explanation later.

For example, in chapter 1 he hints at Christ’s priestly ministry, in chapter 2 declares Him as High Priest, in chapter 5 shows He is High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, and in chapter 7 gives a detailed explanation of the superiority of that priesthood.

Hebrews also extensively quotes the Old Testament, particularly Psalm 110. The author repeatedly cites and explains verses 1 and 4, making Hebrews the only New Testament book that interprets the fourth verse of Psalm 110 in depth. Chapter 7 is entirely a commentary on that verse.

Ultimately, the letter’s purpose was to warn those tempted to leave Christ and return to Judaism. Its style combines warnings for those falling away with encouragement and instruction for those pressing forward in faith, urging them to remain steadfast with courage and perseverance.