1. The references to the Jewish temple and the still-functioning (but obsolete) priesthood and sacrificial system indicates that the letter was written before 70 A.D.
2. The letter’s main purpose is to show the supremacy of Christ over all the Old Testament figures and religious system.
3. Though written in very complex and sophisticated Greek, the author seems to be Jewish and has a strong grasp of Old Testament theology and typology.
4. The author of Hebrews proclaimed Christ’s divinity by applying the Psalms to Him—“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,” and “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth” (Heb. 1:8–12).
5. Jesus Christ is referred to as our “High Priest” 11 times in the book of Hebrews (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14–15; 5:5, 10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1; 9:11; 10:21).

In Hebrews, God is glorifying Himself through a superior Savior and a better covenant, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

Though often attributed to Paul, the letter is formally anonymous. The authorship has been debated since the early church. The reference to Timothy in Hebrews 13:23 indicates that the author may have been a companion of Paul, if not Paul himself.

As both the title and the author’s use of Old Testament imagery indicate, this letter was most likely sent to a Hebrew audience.

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

Hebrews 1:1–4

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14–16

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:13–16

1. The writer of Hebrews is calling the church to its center—the gospel of Christ.
2. The author is concerned with teaching the proper doctrine of Christ.
3. Hebrews challenges us to know what it means to be saved.
4. Hebrews presents commands to a people who were experiencing many difficulties.
5. Hebrews was written to a people who were tempted to give up.
6. Hebrews teaches us much about angels (Heb. 1:15).
7. Hebrews declares Christ’s objective for His children: “Bringing many sons to glory” (Heb. 2:10).
8. Hebrews instructs us on how to approach God: “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16).

1. Christ is Superior (Heb. 1–6)
2. The Old Covenant is Fulfilled in Christ (Heb. 7–8)
3. The New Covenant is Complete (Heb. 9–10)
4. The Life of Faith is Sweet (Heb. 11–13)