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New Testament · Epistle · Book 58 of 66

Book of Hebrews

A sermon on the supremacy of Christ: the better priest, covenant and sacrifice, and a call to hold fast in faith and endurance.

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13 Chapters

Hebrews 1–13

Author

Anonymous (unknown)

Written

c. A.D. 60 – 69 (debated)

Written To

Likely Jewish believers

Summary
Title
Author
Date
Outline
Son
Rest
Priest
Covenant
Faith
Closing
Overview

Book of Hebrews Summary

Hebrews is written like a sermon, and the author calls it a “word of exhortation” (13:22). It was addressed to believers who were under pressure and tempted to drift away or return to old ways. The author’s answer is that Jesus is better, and that nothing is worth trading for Him.

The first half shows that the Son is greater than the prophets, the angels, Moses and Joshua, and that He is a great high priest, in the order of Melchizedek, who understands human weakness and is able to save completely (1:1–7:28). The second half explains that the new covenant He brings has a better sanctuary and a better sacrifice, offered once for all, so that people can come into God’s presence with confidence (8:1–10:18).

Throughout the letter the author inserts warnings against neglecting so great a salvation. The final chapters call readers to hold on in faith, using the long list of examples in chapter 11, to run the race with endurance with their eyes on Jesus (12:1–2), and to live out their faith in love, worship and obedience (chapter 13).

About the Name

Title

The traditional Greek title is Pros Hebraious, “To the Hebrews.” The title appears in the earliest manuscripts, but it is not part of the text itself, because the book has no opening greeting that names its author or readers.

Because the letter draws so heavily on the Old Testament, its first readers were most likely Jewish Christians, although some scholars think they could have been Gentiles as well.

Who Wrote It

Author Details

Hebrews does not name its author. In the early church, the Eastern churches linked it to Paul, while many in the West doubted this. Its Greek style and way of arguing differ from Paul’s letters, and the author speaks of the gospel as handed down from those who heard Jesus (2:3).

Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, Luke and Clement of Rome have all been suggested, but no one can be sure. The author knew Timothy (13:23) and sends greetings from “those from Italy” (13:24). The church has accepted the book as Scripture whoever wrote it.

When It Was Written

Date of Writing

Most scholars date Hebrews to about A.D. 60–69, before the Jerusalem temple was destroyed in A.D. 70. The author describes the temple sacrifices as still being offered and never mentions the temple’s fall (for example, 8:4; 10:1–3).

Some scholars place it later, in the A.D. 80s or 90s. The letter was known to Clement of Rome by about A.D. 95. The place of writing is not stated.

Study Guide

Hebrews Outline

13 chapters in six parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.

Read Hebrews at BibleGateway
Part I

Christ Is Superior to the Prophets and Angels

1:1–2:18 · God has spoken by His Son

  1. God spoke through the prophets, and in these last days through His Son · 1:1–2
  2. The Son’s glory, His sustaining of all things, and His seat at the right hand · 1:3–4
  1. God’s Son, worshiped by the angels · 1:5–6
  2. Angels are servants; the Son’s throne lasts forever · 1:7–12
  3. Seated at the right hand of God · 1:13–14

Read this passage · 2:1–4

  1. Made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor · 2:5–9
  2. The one who makes people holy calls them brothers and sisters · 2:10–13
  3. He destroys the devil’s power and becomes a merciful high priest · 2:14–18
Part II

Christ Is Superior to Moses and Joshua

3:1–4:13 · Entering God’s rest

Read this passage · 3:1–6

  1. Do not harden your hearts · 3:7–11
  2. Encourage one another so that none has an unbelieving heart · 3:12–19
  1. The promise of rest still stands · 4:1–10
  2. Make every effort to enter that rest; the word of God is living and active · 4:11–13
Part III

Christ Our Great High Priest

4:14–7:28 · A priest in the order of Melchizedek

  1. Approach the throne of grace with confidence · 4:14–16
  2. Appointed by God, a priest in the order of Melchizedek · 5:1–10
  1. Dull of hearing; in need of milk instead of solid food · 5:11–14
  2. Go on to maturity; the danger of falling away · 6:1–8
  3. Better things expected; imitate those who inherit the promises · 6:9–12

Read this passage · 6:13–20

  1. Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High · 7:1–10
  2. Another priest, in the order of Melchizedek · 7:11–19
  3. A priest forever, guaranteed by an oath · 7:20–28
Part IV

The Better Covenant, Sanctuary and Sacrifice

8:1–10:18 · Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice

  1. A minister in the true tent in heaven · 8:1–6
  2. The new covenant promised through Jeremiah · 8:7–13
  1. The regulations and tabernacle of the first covenant · 9:1–10
  2. Christ’s blood and eternal redemption · 9:11–14
  3. The mediator of a new covenant · 9:15–22
  4. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice · 9:23–28
  1. The law is only a shadow; animal sacrifices cannot take away sins · 10:1–4
  2. Christ comes to do God’s will; we are made holy once for all · 10:5–10
  3. One sacrifice for sins forever · 10:11–18
Part V

Living by Faith and Endurance

10:19–12:29 · Draw near, believe and run the race

  1. Draw near, hold unswervingly to hope, and encourage one another · 10:19–25
  2. A warning against deliberate sin · 10:26–31
  3. Do not throw away your confidence; persevere · 10:32–39
  1. What faith is; Abel, Enoch and Noah · 11:1–7
  2. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph · 11:8–22
  3. Moses and the exodus · 11:23–29
  4. Rahab, the judges and prophets, and those who suffered · 11:30–38
  5. Not yet made perfect without us · 11:39–40
  1. Throw off everything that hinders; fix your eyes on Jesus · 12:1–3
  2. God disciplines those He loves · 12:4–13
  1. Pursue peace and holiness; the example of Esau · 12:14–17
  2. Mount Sinai and Mount Zion · 12:18–24
  3. A kingdom that cannot be shaken · 12:25–29
Part VI

Closing Exhortations

Chapter 13 · Living out the faith

  1. Brotherly love, marriage, and contentment · 13:1–6
  2. Remember your leaders; Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever · 13:7–9
  3. Outside the camp; sacrifices of praise and doing good · 13:10–16
  4. Obey your leaders · 13:17
  1. Prayer request and benediction · 13:18–21
  2. Final word, Timothy’s release, greetings and grace · 13:22–25

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