The title, the book of Hebrews clearly defines who the book is written for, the Hebrew Jewish people. There is no clear indication as to who wrote the book of Hebrews.
In each chapter the writer seeks to compare different aspects of the Old Covenant as recorded in the Old Testament, listing the Jewish Levitical laws and contrasting them to the GREATER, SUPERIOR more eternal New Covenant as found in the New Testament, which commenced when Jesus achieved His victorious work of Salvation on the Cross, as the writer explains in the second verse in Hebrews 1 - 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
In chapter one the writer opens by reminding its readers that in the time of the Old Testament, God revealed Himself through the prophets Hebrews 1 : 1 - In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, and then for the rest of the chapter and into the beginning of the second chapter we read that Jesus is superior to the angels. Hebrews 2 : 9 - 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2 : 14 to 18 – Concludes by highlighting that Jesus became human to experience our sufferings as a man in order He could carry out the role for the church as the TRUE High Priest as he says in Hebrews 3:1 which reads – Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest, and is further explained in Hebrews 3:14 - 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. He elaborates in more detail in Hebrews 8.
Hebrews 3 the writer highlights the supremacy of Jesus over Moses as a leader and in their relationship to God. Hebrews 3:5 & 6 says - 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
In Hebrews 4 the writer tells us that some laws never change, he talks about a day of rest. God rested after He created the Heavens and the earth Hebrews 4:4 - 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works. But in Hebrews 4:9 we are told the church will enter a rest Hebrews 4:9 & 10 - 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
In Hebrews 5 the writer continues to explain the superiority of Jesus as our High Priest. Hebrews 5: 7 to 10 reads- 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
In Hebrews 6 the writer says we need to be continually growing in our faith. To stay shallow just wanting the simple truth and not wanting to seek the deeper truths of the scriptures we are in danger of being led astray thus falling away from our faith.
In the first part of Hebrews 7:1 to 10 we read how important it is to Tithe. The second part of the chapter Hebrews 7:11 to 28 and all of Hebrews 8 the writer highlight how Jesus is our perfect High Priest, not needing to offer daily sacrifices for the people his church because he became the ultimate, one off sacrifice at Calvary. Because he has lived and experienced what sinful man has to suffer on earth He is able to empathise with our daily needs so is able to intercede for us with His Heavenly Father.
The writer in Hebrews 9 compares the place of meeting in the Tabernacle where the High Priest participated in the daily rituals as laid out in the Old Testament, showing it was just a blue print for the better High priestly function Jesus doing away with the old rituals of sacrifice, the Old Covenant. Jesus as our High Priest is in the heavenly Holy of Holies interceding for us His people, who are His church which is the New Covenant. No longer is there an earthly tabernacle or sanctuary. We are His dwelling place; He dwells in the hearts of His people the church by the Holy Spirit who is dwelling in us. Hebrews 9:11 to 15 - 11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
In the first part of Hebrews 10:1to 19 the writer reiterates the completeness of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Gone is the constant ritual of daily sacrifice as recorded in Hebrews 10:14 - 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
In the second part of Hebrews 10:19 to 23 the writer emphasises the privilege we have, we can confidently as Gods people purified by Jesus shedding His blood on the cross, to be able to have free access to enter right into Gods Holy presence. Hebrews 10:19 to 22 reads – 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
In Hebrews 11 the writer testifies to the many patriarchs of the Old Testament who put their faith into action, and as a result they are blessed by God because of their actions. Likewise we should be encouraged to act out our faith as the writer says in the last verses Hebrews 11:39 and 40 – 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
The writer continues to encourage the church to walk in faith and freedom in Hebrews 12:1 to 3 – 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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In the second part of Hebrews 12:4 to 29 we are reminded that as Gods children we are still vulnerable to falling into sin, therefore we need to be on our guard, building up a strong faith, mindful that if we fall, God will discipline us as we would do with our earthly children, - Hebrews 12:7 to 9 - 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
In Hebrews 12:14 – We are encouraged how to live a good testimony – He writes - 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
In Hebrews 13 the writer concludes his book first by reminding us to live out Gods love in our lives the love which caused God to send Jesus into our world, His love which is living in the hearts of every believer. Hebrews 13:1 says Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Then in Hebrews 13:4 to 7 He gives practical advice as to our lifestyle towards our fellow man, our family, strangers and our fellow Christians, and in Hebrews 13:15 and 16 - 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
