By Christopher Reese
The book of Hebrews is one of the more difficult books of the New Testament to understand. This is mainly because it contains numerous quotations of and allusions to the Old Testament, which many Christians do not have a strong background in.
At the same time, Hebrews contains some of the richest theology in the New Testament and sheds important light on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. It’s also an encouraging book for believers encountering persecution and those who feel like giving up in the face of difficulties.
To help you gain a better understanding of this important epistle (letter), we’ll answer several frequently asked questions about it.
What Is the Book of Hebrews?
The book of Hebrews Hebrews is a New Testament epistle written to Jewish Christians who were enduring persecution and were tempted to revert back to their former Jewish faith.
When Was Hebrews Written?
Hebrews was almost certainly written before AD 70 when the Romans sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. The author of Hebrews describes activities at the temple as taking place as usual (e.g., Hebrews 10:11), which indicates a date before AD 70. In addition, because the author suggests that none of the recipients of the letter had been martyred (Hebrews 12:4), it was probably written before AD 64 when the Emperor Nero began putting Christians to death (we’ll say more about the original recipients below).
In What Style Was Hebrews Written?
Hebrews is an unusual letter in that it doesn’t reflect the customary format of the time of identifying the author and recipients, and doesn’t begin with a greeting (the elements we see in Paul’s letters, for example). Instead, it reads like an extended sermon—the author both teaches doctrine and challenges his listeners to take action. Although he doesn’t specify who they are, the author knows the people he is addressing and hopes that he will be in their presence again soon (Hebrews 13:19).
Why Is It Called Hebrews?
The earliest Greek manuscripts of Hebrews begin with the title “To the Hebrews.” The title was added by the early church, most likely for ease of reference, and seems to reflect their belief that it was addressed to Jewish Christians.
Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?
The book of Hebrews doesn’t specify its author, but whoever penned it had a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament and was eloquent in his use of Greek. Some in the early church ascribed the book to Paul, but most scholars today believe the writing style of Hebrews is so different from Paul’s other letters that this is unlikely. The early church father Tertullian attributed the book to Barnabas, Paul’s companion in missionary work, but further historical evidence is lacking. Martin Luther suggested that Apollos may have been the author, probably because in the book of Acts he is described as “a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures” who was eloquent in public debate (Acts 18:24, 28). Other proposed candidates have included Luke, Silas, and Priscilla. Given the lack of compelling historical evidence for any of these individuals, we can agree with the church father Origen who wrote, “Who it was that really wrote the Epistle, God only knows.” 1
What Is the Main Message of the Book of Hebrews?
As noted above, the original recipients of Hebrews were Jewish Christians. The author writes that in the past God had spoken to “our ancestors” through the prophets (Hebrews 1:1). They likely resided in Rome because the author mentions that other Italians who were with him sent their greetings (Hebrews 13:24)—that is, to paraphrase, “The other Italians who are with me say hello to you.”
The author assumes his readers are intimately familiar with the Old Testament and Jewish religious practices and argues that Jesus Christ is superior to all the individuals and institutions of the Old Testament. For example, Jesus is superior to:
- The Old Testament Prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3)
- The angels (Hebrews 1:4-2:18)
- Moses, Joshua, and Aaron (Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-13; 4:14-10:18)
- Old Testament sacrifices (Hebrews 10:11-14).
These Jewish believers were encountering persecution for their Christian faith and were tempted to abandon it and return to Judaism (Hebrews 12:1-13; 10:26-31). The writer urgently warns them not to turn away from Christ but instead to look to him as the ultimate example of one who persevered in the face of trials and eventually emerged victorious. As we face trials today, we can also find encouragement and comfort in the writer’s exhortation:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Notes
1. The church historian Eusebius quotes this from Origen in his Ecclesiastical History, Books 6–10, trans. Roy J. Deferrari, vol. 29, The Fathers of the Church (Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1955), 50.
BIO: Christopher Reese (MDiv, ThM) (@clreese) is a freelance writer and editor-in-chief of The Worldview Bulletin. He is a general editor of the Dictionary of Christianity and Science (Zondervan, 2017) and Three Views on Christianity and Science (Zondervan, 2021). His articles have appeared in Christianity Today and he writes and edits for Christian ministries and publishers.
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