Opening Notes

Hebrews Opening Notes

Who wrote it?
The writer does not identify himself.
Scholars Suggest: Paul, Luke, Priscilla,
                           Barnabas, Apollos (Among Others)

I want it to be Paul: Based on his passion for his people.
Rom 9:2  That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 

Rom 9:3  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 

Rom 9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 

But:
Literally: All of Paul’s letters start with “Paul” –Servant-Apostle-To The Church (Brother)-Prisoner (Of Christ)- Hebrews does not.

e.g.: Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 

And: The writer suggests he was taught by one of the apostles who was with Jesus in His ministry.

Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 

Paul states: He was NOT taught by any man.
Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Also: The writer refers to Timothy as “brother”.
Heb 13:23  Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. 
1Ti 1:2  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith:
1Co 4:17  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son

The reference “son” and “brother” are notable differences.

There are some similarities in the letter that appear Pauline. Ultimately, we cannot know for sure.

When Was This Letter Written?
Likely before the destruction of Jerusalem. The letter argues against the lack of transformative power by temple sacrifices. It also argues the temporal nature of the OT covenant.  The writer excludes any mention of the temple destruction (70 AD). The writer’s arguments would have been strengthened by this fact.

(Opinion) It may have been written after Paul’s death (62-67 AD).

1.   There is mention of Timothy being released from prison! Paul never mentions Timothy’s imprisonment.

Of course, ultimately we do not know the exact time the letter was written.

About The Writer:

1.   The "Timothy" reference places the writer within the sphere of Paul’s teaching, preaching and acquaintances.

2.   The writer exhibits eloquent oration skills.

3.   From original manuscripts, the writer is knowledgeable in Greek, and writes in this language. He also exhibits strong knowledge in the Hebrew old testament. This places the writer as not only Jewish, but a contemporary “Hellenistic” Jew.

Who Was This Written To? (Some Opinion)

1.   The Timothy reference infers the likely audience in an area from to Corinth to Ephesus and beyond. The writer sends greetings FROM Italy. So it was not likely written to them. Heb 13:24  Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. 

2.   Like the author, the final physical destination of the letter is unknown. Perhaps the intent is to pass the letter on to whom it applies to universally. The letter does not state who the letter is written to. It is left up to the reader to discern based on statements such as: Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

Why Was This Letter Written?

In order to understand the why, let’s consider the culture of the church.

1.   Thousands were converted to Christianity in the beginning (Acts 2 and following. Even priests were converted (Acts 6)! The question becomes: Did the Jews wholly embrace the Christian conversion? It seems early on to be a powerful force: Act_2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

2.   We read about the gathering of saints in the temple. The breaking of bread may be a simple meal, not necessarily the Lord’s supper. By Acts chapter five, the apostles have been imprisoned twice and threatened. Even with that, they continue to teach: Act_5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

3.   The teaching of Jesus as the Christ is tolerated in the temple to some degree. We do not however have any evidence of worship to Jesus as equal to God within the temple. Perhaps this is why we see the “house to house” and “in every house” references. Most likely, “real” churches of Christ were being established in houses. The temple was only the starting point.

4.   The importance of what was happening within the temple is to illustrate the overall attitude toward Jesus the messiah (christ). Whatever was happening within the temple would be expected for all the Jewish nation. What is never evidenced is a declaration by the head priests to now accept Jesus as the son of God.

5.   By Acts 15 we see the church assembling to argue whether or not gentiles need to observe the old law. There was a gathering of the church, however its location is not discernible. Within this meeting there are Pharisees that argue for compliance to old law.

a.   This meeting implies a heavy influence of old covenant compliance by “strong” members.

b.   The meeting concludes that gentiles are not bound by the old law.

c.   When Paul returns to Jerusalem he is met with much resistance and violence! (Acts 21) Act 21:27  And when the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him, Act 21:28  crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover he brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place. Act 21:29  For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple. Act 21:30  And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. Act 21:31  And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion. Act 21:32  And forthwith he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down upon them: and they, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul.  

6.   We see in this brief summary that even though the church had its origins and beginnings in the Jewish temple, it did not win over the nation as a new order. Leaders of the Judaeo teachings of Mosaic Law held fast to their traditions/old covenant and at best only tolerated the teachings that Jesus was the messiah and fulfillment of prophesy.

Imagine yourself to be the writer of this letter. You are convinced that Jesus is indeed the Christ, promised from the ancient writings. Jesus is the Son of God! This is no small statement. It is something that should be shouted from the rooftops!

Yet, you see the gospel is having little effect on your countrymen. Some are walking away from the faith for various reasons. It is your task to implore and reason with them as to why Jesus is the culmination of the scriptures and why leaving the faith means disaster. What would you do?