He is greater than angels, the torah, moses, the promised land, priests, melchizedek, sacrifices, and the covenant. The book of hebrews is a fascinating document of eternal truth and an invaluable aid to understanding the old testament. It is deep and full of sometimes difficult to understand terms and theology. In addition, the suggestion that the writer of this epistle relied upon knowledge and information provided by others who were actual eyewitnesses of. This summary of the book of hebrews provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of hebrews. Introduces perspectives on the author, audience, date and purpose of the book of hebrews that can help us interpret the original meaning and apply this book to. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole. Donald guthries commentary the letter to the hebrews 1983 mentions priscilla by name as a suggested author. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. However, both the authorship and audience are in question. From what is in the book we could argue that the jews were still carrying on the temple. A bible study in easyenglish 2800 word vocabulary on the book of hebrews. And you probably know the famous verse from hebrews 12.
The temple in jerusalem is not mentioned whereas the tabernacle is well mentioned. He clement of alexandria says that the epistle to the hebrews is the work of paul, and that it was written to the hebrews in the hebrew language. The superior worth and dignity of christ above moses is shown. The book of hebrews contains many exhortations, such as let us hold firmly to the faith we profess and let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence hebrews 4. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. The book of hebrews is a general epistle apostolic letter. Missing is pauls customary salutation common to his other works. No other book so eloquently defines christ as high priest of christianity, superior to the aaronic priesthood, and the. Hebrews interpretation of melchizedek in genesis, the book of genealogies, there is no genealogy of melchizedek. Jesus christ, the incarnate son of god, the king of the universe, reflects the glory of god and bears the very stamp of his nature 1. The early church father clement quoted from the book of hebrews in a. Humble, cautious fear is urged, lest any should come short of the promised rest, through unbelief. Introduces perspectives on the author, audience, date and purpose of the book of hebrews that can help us interpret the original meaning and apply this book to our modern world. This epistles title bears the traditional greek title, to the hebrews, which was attested by at least in the second century a.
He is gods word, the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and. The author of the letter to the hebrews wrote his letter before then. Even early in the churchs history, a christian as learned as origen. Campbell morgan and lewis sperry chafer said that he was the preincarnate christ. Basically, god created the world and then made an agreement with the people living in it. Hebrews with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Aug 11, 2015 lesson 1 introduces perspectives on the author, audience, date and purpose of the book of hebrews that can help us interpret the original meaning and apply this book to our modern world. I believe that a study of the book of hebrews may be the next step for us. Aug 17, 2019 if you are unable to fellowship with us in person, you can still be part of our online community each week as we study the scriptures together. It may be regarded as a treatise supplementary to the epistles to the romans and galatians, and as an inspired commentary on the book of leviticus. Hebrews 10 as fulfilled by the work of christ on calvary. There are a couple reasons why this might be the case. Throughout the epistle, the author stresses the continuity and flow between the old testament revelation and the new faith in christ, while emphasizing the superiority of both christ and his new covenant, using such words as better, perfect and heavenly. When the various new testament books were formally brought together into one collection shortly after.
The makers of this product emphasize all the favorite features. The book of hebrews elevates jesus above historical people. Exhortations like these dont simply explain christian doctrines, but they are meant to transform our attitudes and actions. New testament and second temple judaism scholar eric mason argues that the conceptual background of the priestly christology of the epistle to the hebrews closely parallels presentations of the messianic priest and melchizedek in the qumran scrolls. The book of hebrews is an important book that teaches many lessons about the bible.
Hebrews 1 full chapter the supremacy of gods son long ago, at many times and in many ways, god spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Yet we should not give up just because it is difficult. Bible study series on the book of hebrews chapter by chapter. Easyenglish is a system of simple english designed by wycliffe associates uk. Hebrews makes important theological contributions to the biblical canon, it has been drawn upon as sacred scripture since the late first century. Hebrews uses old testament quotations interpreted in light of first century rabbinical judaism. Its important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. David guzik commentary on hebrews 1, in which the author declares that jesus. Book of hebrews overview insight for living ministries. The book of hebrews begins with no mention of the author, only of god.
Clement of alexandria suggests that paul wrote the book originally in hebrew and that luke translated it into greek, though the greek of hebrews bears no resemblance to translation greek e. May 02, 2020 regardless of the human hand that held the pen, the holy spirit of god is the divine author of all scripture 2 timothy 3. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the. Contrary to pauls usual practice, the author of hebrews nowhere identifies himself in the letter except to indicate that he was a man see note on 11. And of necessity of faith in christ, and of stedfastly following him. Lesson 1 introduces perspectives on the author, audience, date and purpose of the book of hebrews that can help us interpret the original meaning and. The old testament foreshadowed the new, and hebrews is the place to go if we wish to understand this as we should.
The unknown authorship of this book should not shake our confidence in its authority. Last week, we were challenged to think of our lord in much greater terms greater in power, in majesty, in love and mercy and grace. It is thought by some that the sermon or letter actually ended with the benediction but these last few verses are sort of an addendum attached when the. The hebrews are warned of the sin and danger of unbelief. It was a pretty sweet deal, but things werent working out so well. In a logical argument, the author demonstrates christs superiority, then adds practical instructions for following jesus. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the. The author is anonymous, although either paul or barnabas was traditionally accepted as the author. The book of hebrews boldly proclaims the superiority of jesus christ and christianity over other religions, including judaism. However, doubt on pauline authorship in the roman church is reported by eusebius. Although some include the book of hebrews among the apostle pauls writings, the certain identity of the author remains an enigma.
The book of hebrews addresses three separate groups. Jan 02, 2020 this book presents christ as the author and perfecter of our faith hebrews 12. Some think that paul wrote it but the style and vocabulary are very different from pauls other letters. First, in the earliest manuscript editions of the new testament books, hebrews is included. Significantly, the book makes no reference to the destruction of the temple at jerusalem in ad 70, and the author wrote as if the sacrificial system were still in existence hebrews 10. Book of hebrews explained go to hebrews index title. The writer of this letter does not identify himself, but he was obviously well known to the original recipients. Authors such as luke, barnabas, apollos, and even clement have been considered as possibilities. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Theologically speaking, scholars generally regard the book of hebrews to be second in importance only to pauls letter to the romans in the new testament. The central chapter of leviticus 16 day of atonement is explained in hebrews 9. There is no disharmony between the teaching of hebrews and that of pauls letters, but the specific emphases and writing styles are markedly different.
You probably know the passages that describe the heroes of faith. Hebrews summary we hope that you find the hebrews summary from the kjv bible chapters and verses helpful to your bible studies and for references as a guide to further reference to the book of hebrews. Biblical studies from the book of hebrews lesson 1 general introduction overview oftentimes, while watching t. The author of the letter to the hebrews remains shrouded in mystery. Although some include the book of hebrews among the apostle pauls. Hebrews free bible commentary in easy english easyenglish bible.
Selections from this epistle are sure to be found in any good dissertation on the christian faith. The book of hebrews teaches that jesus was not an angel a servant of god from heaven hebrews 1. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry new. The basic teaching of hebrews centers on showing the superiority of the christian religion over judaism. If you are unable to fellowship with us in person, you can still be part of our online community each week as we study the scriptures together. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison to anything.
I believe that a study of the book of hebrews may be the next step for us as a church as we seek to grow in our desire for greater intimacy with christ, greater faith, and bolder acts of service. With its myriad references to hebrew customs and the old testament, the book was likely sent to a jewish christian community, possibly in rome. When the various new testament books were formally brought together into one collection shortly after a. The title, to the hebrews, which appears in the earliest known copy of the epistle is not a part of the original manuscript. The supremacy of gods son long ago, at many times and in many ways, god spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. While the surface reading seems to suggest this, the truth is that it does not. Commentary on the book of hebrews by matthew henry. It is the book of hebrews that takes up this theme and explains it in greater detail see hebrews 8. Its purpose was to present the lord jesus christ as perfect and superior in comparison. The epistle to the hebrews, or letter to the hebrews, or in the greek manuscripts, simply to the hebrews. Watch our overview video on the book of hebrews, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Hebrews 1 commentary new testament matthew henry st. The book of hebrews is an exhortation to jewish christians to hold fast to their faith in christ. There is nothing in the letter to tell us who wrote it nor is there a strong tradition to associate an author with the book.
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