Aspect Details
Authorship The author of Hebrews is not definitively known, although it has been traditionally attributed to Paul. Modern scholarship, however, often suggests other possible authors such as Apollos, Barnabas, or even Priscilla. The anonymity of the author remains one of the unique aspects of this New Testament book.
Audience The book of Hebrews was primarily addressed to a Jewish-Christian audience. They were likely Hellenistic Jews who had converted to Christianity and were facing persecution and pressure to revert to Judaism or compromise their faith.
Date of Writing Hebrews is generally believed to have been written between AD 60 and AD 70. This dating is based on its references to the Jewish sacrificial system, which strongly suggests it was written before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70.
Historical Setting The book was written during a time of significant hardship for early Christians, who faced persecution from both Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. There was an impending threat of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, and Christian communities were struggling with their identity and perseverance amidst trials.
Purpose The primary purpose of Hebrews was to encourage steadfastness in the faith among Jewish Christians. The author emphasizes the superiority of Christ over the old covenant, aiming to prevent them from reverting to Judaism and to strengthen their confidence in the new covenant established by Jesus.
Key Themes
  • The Supremacy of Christ: Jesus Christ is portrayed as superior to angels, Moses, and the high priests of the Old Testament.
  • New Covenant: The book emphasizes that the new covenant mediated by Christ is superior to the old covenant.
  • Faith and Perseverance: Encouragement to maintain faith and endure in the face of challenges and persecution.
  • Warnings Against Apostasy: Several passages warn against falling away from the faith.


Chapter Content Summary
Hebrews 1 Jesus Christ is Superior to Angels Jesus is presented as the Son of God who is superior to the angels. He is the heir of all things and the one through whom God made the universe.
Hebrews 2 Warning Against Neglect Readers are warned not to overlook the salvation offered by Jesus. Jesus's humanity and suffering are highlighted to show his role as a perfect leader and salvation source.
Hebrews 3 Jesus Greater than Moses Compares Jesus to Moses, emphasizing Jesus's superior faithfulness and exhorting believers to hold firmly to their faith.
Hebrews 4 The Promise of Rest Discusses the promise of rest that remains for the people of God and emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience.
Hebrews 5 Jesus the High Priest Jesus is depicted as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, who offers perfect salvation through his suffering and obedience.
Hebrews 6 Warning Against Falling Away Encourages spiritual maturity and warns against falling away, while also reminding of God's faithfulness and promises.
Hebrews 7 The Priesthood of Melchizedek Further explores the significance and superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Hebrews 8 The New Covenant Describes Jesus as the mediator of a better covenant and introduces the concept of the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah.
Hebrews 9 The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries Contrasts the old covenant practices with the sacrifice of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all.
Hebrews 10 Christ's Sacrifice Once for All Highlights the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the ultimate efficacy of Christ’s single, perfect sacrifice.
Hebrews 11 Faith in Action Celebrates the faith of key figures from the Old Testament and encourages believers to live by faith.
Hebrews 12 God Disciplines His Children Urges believers to endure hardship as discipline from God and to live lives of holiness and peace.
Hebrews 13 Concluding Exhortations Includes various practical instructions, encouragements, and a benediction.