An Overview of the Epistle of Hebrews Key Verses Hebrews 4:14-16; 12:1-2
The author of this grand epistle of Hebrews is questionable; however, despite the uncertainty of its author, the rich and wealth of this book’s message remains unmarred. The author of this marvelous epistle presents a superb presentation of the grandeur of the person of Christ, showing without doubt, that Jesus Christ is superior to anything that Judaism had to offer. The Hebrew Christians in this grand epistle were under severe persecution since embracing Christ; and because of their persecution as a result of their faith in Christ, they felt pressure to revert to their former religion of Judaism and abandon Christianity. But the author of this superb epistle wrote to persuade these believers that to abandon Christianity for Judaism would be like forsaking “substance for shadow” or the “antitype for the “type.” Why would they want to abandon Christianity – for Christ, the Head of the Christian movement, is exceedingly better than Judaism with its rituals and ceremonies! In spite of the Hebrew Christians’ persecution, the writer will exhort them to “press on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1).
The author exhorts his readers to a life of faith by, first of all, presenting a marvelous presentation of the person Christ, showing that the person of Christ is superior to the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3); He is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4 – 2:18); He is superior to Moses (Hebrews 3:1 – 4:13); He is superior to the Aaronic Priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-7:28); Christ’s Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:1-13); and Christ has a superior sanctuary and sacrifice (Hebrews 9:1-10:18).
After presenting such a mighty presentation of the person of Christ, the author will exhort his readers to an exemplary walk of faith by challenging them to look at those who triumph in faith despite the many odds in which they faced (Hebrews 11). Despite the many trials of their faith, these Old Testament worthies placed their faith in God, trusting solely in God’s promises even before the proofs of His promises were realized! That is exceptional faith – indeed! As Christians today, we can triumph in faith as we look “unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ endured hostility, resulting in His death and resurrection for us. And as Jesus endured Divine discipline, we too must endure Divine chastisement, which is a proof that we belong to Him (Hebrews 12:1-19).
Lastly, the author exhorted his readers to a life of loving concern for one another (Chapter 13), concluding with a masterful benediction (v. 20-21), as he gives his closing remarks. There are several warning passages (Hebrews 2:1-4, 3:7-4:13, 5:11-6:20, 10:19-39, 12:25-29) interspersed in the author’s presentation to caution his Jewish audience in recognizing the severity of their pressured position to abandon Christianity for Judaism.
The outline of this superb book could be outlined this way:
- The Supreme Presentation of the Person and Work of Christ (Hebrews 1:1-10:39)
- The Supreme Example of the Life of Faith (Hebrews 11:1-13:25)
May God truly bless!
