A Brief Introduction to The Letter to the Hebrews

The Letter to the Hebrews is one of the New Testament’s most mysterious and theologically rich writings. While we do not know who wrote it, suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and Priscilla. However, the author’s identity matters less than the letter’s powerful message. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians, likely living near Judea, who were under intense pressure. They were persecuted not just for their ethnicity but for their faith in Jesus. Judaism offered safety and familiarity, while Christianity was dangerous and uncertain. This letter confronts that tension head-on, reminding its readers that what they have gained in Christ is far greater than what they risk losing. It is not just a theological essay but a heartfelt plea for endurance. As Harris Dark emphasized in his sermon “God Hath Spoken,” God’s final word in Christ changes everything.

The letter begins with a bold proclamation: God, who spoke through the prophets in the past, has now spoken to us through His Son, Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). Right away, the author sets the tone: Jesus is better. He is not just better than the prophets but also better than angels, the patriarchs, and even Moses. This theme runs throughout the letter—Jesus is superior to every aspect of the old covenant. The new covenant in Christ fulfills the promises made under the old system. The writer urges these Jewish Christians to see that their story is not ending; it is reaching its ultimate conclusion in Christ.

The writer does not shy away from the reality of their situation. The community had suffered for their faith, and some had witnessed the deaths of friends and leaders. Hebrews even hints at the martyrdom of key figures, possibly including James (Hebrews 13:7). Given the pressure, the temptation to return to Judaism was real. It seemed safer. However, the writer warns that to go back is to abandon the complete revelation of God in Jesus. Hebrews 2:1-3 cautions them not to drift away, reminding them of the severe consequences.

Nevertheless, warnings are only part of the letter’s message. The heart of Hebrews is encouragement. It calls its readers to see Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hopes and as something far better. The word “better” appears again and again—better promises (Hebrews 8:6), a better hope (Hebrews 7:19), a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22). These are not just theological ideas for debate; they are lifelines for a community struggling to hold on. The writer says, “Don’t settle for shadows when the real thing has come.” The old system—priests, sacrifices, the temple—were signs pointing to Jesus, the faithful high priest who has entered heaven once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-12).

The letter’s discussion of Jesus’ priesthood is where theology meets practical encouragement. Under the old system, the high priest had to offer sacrifices repeatedly. However, Jesus’ sacrifice, made once and for all, opens a way to God that was never available before (Hebrews 10:11-12). The old rituals had limitations, but Jesus, through His death, made a direct relationship with God possible. This is not just a new version of the old covenant but something far better (Hebrews 8:6).

This profound theology leads to practical instruction. If Jesus is better, and His sacrifice is final, these Jewish Christians must hold fast to their confession. Hebrews 10:23 encourages them to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” There is a sense of urgency here, but it is not just about individual endurance. The writer calls for a communal response. They must “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Faith is not just a private affair—it must be shared and strengthened together.

Hebrews is both a theological masterpiece and a pastoral letter. It invites its readers to live in the reality of Jesus’ finished work, seeing His covenant not as a replacement for the old but as its fulfillment. The letter acknowledges their suffering but points them toward the ultimate victory that awaits those who endure. In this way, Hebrews serve as a bridge between the faith of the past and the hope of the future, centered on Jesus, the “author and perfecter of our faith”(Hebrews 12:2).

~PW 🌮🛶

Suggested Reading:

• Aland, K., & Aland, B. (1995). The text of the New Testament: An introduction to the critical editions and to the theory and practice of modern textual criticism (Rev. ed.). Eerdmans.
• Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. B & H Publishing Group.
• Bruce, F. F. (1990). The Epistle to the Hebrews: The English text with introduction, exposition, and notes (Revised ed.). Eerdmans Publishing.
• Dark, H. (n.d.). God hath spoken. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65258
• Ellingworth, P. (1993). The Epistle to the Hebrews: A commentary on the Greek text. W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.
• Grindheim, S. (2023). The letter to the Hebrews (D. A. Carson, Ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
• Guthrie, D. (1983). Hebrews: An introduction and commentary (Vol. 15). InterVarsity Press.
• McClister, D. (2010). A commentary on Hebrews. Florida College Press.
• Metzger, B. M. (2005). The canon of the New Testament: Its origin, development, and significance. Clarendon Press.