Background

  • This is the only New Testament book where we are uncertain of the author.
  • This is the only New Testament book that is primarily written to Jewish Christians.
  • These Jewish Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Christ. Many were even considering abandoning the faith and returning to Judaism.
  • It can be a difficult book to understand (especially without a lot of background in the Old Testament). Some equate its difficulty with Revelation.
  • The theme of this book is “The superiority of Jesus.” This book has the purpose of trying to convince Christians to never leave Jesus. He is the only source of salvation!
  • This book clearly shows that Christians can fall away (Hebrews 3:12). This teaching poses a huge problem for the doctrine of Calvinism.

Chapter 1

  • Jesus is a more superior spokesman for God than the Old Testament prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3).
  • Jesus is more superior than angels. He is superior in name, power, and exaltation (Hebrews 1:4-14).
  • Unlike the angels, Jesus is the “Son of God” (Hebrews 1:5-6).
  • Unlike the angels, Jesus is to be worshipped (Hebrews 1:7-9).
  • Unlike the angels, Jesus is the Creator (Hebrews 1:10-12).
  • This doesn’t mean that angels have no importance. They are powerful beings used by God to minister to His people (Hebrews 1:13-14).