The Supremacy of Christ

Studies in the book of Hebrews

by Rev. Dr. Dana Goodnough

"Introduction"

1. About the Author
1. The book of Hebrews does not state the name of the author and its authorship, therefore is uncertain.
2. The author of Hebrews must have been well acquainted with Jewish and Old Testament teachings, with the literary use of Greek, with the audience originally addressed (Heb 13:18-19), and with Timothy (Heb Heb 13:23). The author was also a second generation Christian, one who did not hear Jesus personally (Heb 2:3).
3. Among the suggested names for the authorship of Hebrews are Paul, Silas, Barnabas, Apollos, Luke, Priscilla, and Philip. Eusebius (c. A.D. 263-339), in his Ecclesiastical History (6.14.2) , cites an early opinion that Paul originally wrote Hebrews in the Hebrew language, and that Luke translated it into Greek. However, there is no clear consensus on the authorship of Hebrews, even among early church writers. Origen's (c. A.D. 185-254) conclusion still prevails: "But who it was that really wrote the epistle, God only knows" (Eusebius, 6.25.14).
2. About the Audience
1. The original audience of Hebrews is also uncertain.
2. Based on the frequent references to the Old Testament and its rituals, the book was intended for a Jewish-Christian congregation, a group of believers that was faltering in its faith due to persecution.
3. The Date and Place of Writing
1. As with the authorship, the place and date of the writing of Hebrews is uncertain.
2. Since the book shows evidence of growing persecution (Heb 12:4), but does not mention the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in A.D. 70, a date around A.D. 60-70 seems probable.
3. Hebrews 13:24 mentions greetings from the people of Italy, but this could mean that the writer was in Italy (Rome) or that a group of Italians in another region was sending its greetings to Rome. Therefore, the place of writing is also indefinite.
4. The Theme of the Book
The theme of Hebrews revolves around the issue of the departure of some believers from the faith. These people had started out in the Christian faith, but later found it easier and safer to return to Judaism probably due to persecution.
1. The term "better" is used 13 times in the book, usually to demonstrate the superiority of the Christian faith over the old patterns of Judaism.
2. The theme of Hebrews, therefore, is the superiority of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith, or "the supremacy of Christ".
5. The Structure of the Book
Hebrews follows a topical approach, systematically showing Christ as superior to Judaism and its rituals. The following outline provides a thematic overview of the book.
1. Jesus Christ is a better prophet (Heb 1:1 - Heb 4:16).
2. Jesus Christ is a better priest (Heb 5:1 - Heb 8:13).
3. Jesus Christ offers a better sacrifice (Heb 9:1 - Heb 10:39).
4. Jesus Christ demands a better lifestyle (Heb 11:1 - Heb 13:25).
6. The "Better" Things in Hebrews
1. Christ is better than angels (Heb 1:4).
2. Believers should exhibit better works (Heb 6:9).
3. Melchizedek is better than Abraham (Heb 7:7).
4. Believers possess a better hope through Christ (Heb 7:19).
5. Christ guarantees a better covenant (Heb 7:22).
6. Christ mediated a better covenant (Heb 8:6).
7. The New Covenant is based on better promises (Heb 8:6).
8. Christ provided a better sacrifice (Heb 9:23).
9. Believers have better treasures in heaven (Heb 10:34).
10. Believers desire a better homeland (Heb 11:16).
11. Martyrs will receive a better resurrection (Heb 11:35).
12. God provides believers with a better life (Heb 11:40).
13. Christ's blood is better than Abel's sacrifice (Heb 12:24).
7. The Warning Sections in Hebrews
1. A warning against ignoring salvation (Heb 2:1-4)
2. A warning against harness of heart (Heb 3:7-19)
3. A warning against disobedience to God's Word (Heb 4:11-13)
4. A warning against immaturity (Heb 5:11-14)
5. A warning against idleness in service (Heb 6:9-12)
6. A warning against losing confidence in Christ (Heb 10:19-39)
7. A warning against sinning in life's race (Heb 12:1-6)
8. A warning against unholiness in the church (Heb 12:12-17)