Introduction to Hebrews

Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Hamilton, Ohio

  1. Author.   Although the author is unnamed, Paul is most likely the author as shown by:   the author had been in bonds as was Paul (10:34), mentions Timothy (13:23), wrote from Italy (13:24), used grace in his ending as was typical of Pauline epistles (13:25).   Paul probably wrote Hebrews in about 63 A.D. near the end of his first Roman imprisonment.
  2. Recipients.   Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians known to the author (6:9-10; 10:32-34; 12:4), and to all who love and cherish the Old Testament.   All Christians should receive the wonderful teachings of Hebrews which gives marvelous insights into the Old Testament.   The mention of Temple worship (8:4; 9:6; 13:10) and priests (10:11) indicates that the epistle was written before the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
  3. Theme.   The fulfillment of all types in Jesus Christ, and the absolute pre-eminence of Jesus Christ over all things.
  4. Key verses.   1:2-4 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 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 himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high: 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.   4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
  5. Key words used in Hebrews: faith – 32 times (24 times in chapter 11); heaven, heavens, heavenly – 16 times; better – 13 times; partakers – 6 times.
  6. References to the Lord’s church in Hebrews.   The word church appears twice in Hebrews.
    1. 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.   This verse is a quotation of Psalm 22:22 where the Hebrew word qahal is translated “congregation” instead of church.   This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus sang with His disciples when their small church assembled for the first Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26).
    2. 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.   This prophecy refers to the future event when the Lord’s church is assembled together in heaven.
  7. Hebrews has 13 chapters, 303 verses, and about 6,913 words.

Notes