Some Background on Hebrews

Context is the key to proper biblical interpretation. We must interpret each passage in a book in light of the rest of that book. Knowing the situation out of which a book arose helps us to understand it better. We must also remember that no book is an island. While looking at the part, whether a passage or a book, we must keep the whole of Scripture in mind.

Hebrews offers a greater challenge than most of the New Testament letters when it comes to determining its context. No author is named and no specific audience is addressed. In fact, most scholars don't think Hebrews is a letter at all; they think it is a sermon. Let us look at some important facts.

Who wrote Hebrews? The King James Version (KJV) states it is Paul's epistle to the Hebrews. However, none of the earliest Greek manuscripts possess that title or Paul's name. The book was written anonymously. The church has been divided on its authorship. Clement of Rome attributed it to Paul. Tertullian thought it was Barnabas. Martin Luther thought it was Apollos. Others have suggested Priscilla or Aquilla or Matthais. It is probably wisest to conclude with Origen: "God alone knows" who is the author of Hebrews. The anonymity of the letter fits with the authors own emphasis of God speaking to his people.

Who was it written to? We may reason that since it is called "Hebrews" the author was addressing Hebrew Christians. It was probably written to maturing Christians of Jewish decent, but the book does not say for certain. What is clear is that these people were very familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrifical system.

When was it written? Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Considering the repeated mentioning of the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant it is hard to believe that the author would neglect to mention the destruction of the temple. Most date Hebrews between 65 and 70 AD.

Why was it written? It was written to encourage fidelity to Jesus. The author demonstrates Jesus' superiority to all things and warns his readers (repeatedly) not to allow unbelief to rule in their hearts. It calls us to cling to Jesus no matter what the cost, because falling away would cost more.

Tips:
Read through Hebrews daily while we are going through it on Sundays. It will take the average reader 40 minutes and slower readers about an hour. If you don't like to read you can listen to an audio version.

Read through Genesis (esp. chs 12-25); Exodus (esp. chs 19-40); Leviticus (esp. chs 1-10, 21-27); and Numbers (esp. chs 6:22-25:17)

If your Bible has footnotes, look up any Scripture references and study them. If your Bible has references look up one or two per chapter every day or look up the references for verses that puzzle or interest you.

Pray that God would help you to "see" Jesus more clearly through this study. Pray that he would help you understand this powerful book. Pray for me that God would enable me to accuately open and explain each passage in such a way that we might apply these truths to our lives.