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?
