Hebrews Recipients: Unknown author Probably between 68 – 70 A.D. No mention of Paul, who died in 64 A.D. Timothy was released after Nero died (68). Unknown author Probably between 68 – 70 A.D. While in Italy (Rome?) Perhaps: Luke, Silas, Apollos, Barnabas, Priscilla, Philo (It’s rather Lucian, and is in the best Greek style of writing and rhetoric aside from Luke and Acts) Recipients: Jewish Christians, but where? Not Corinth or Ephesus Perhaps Thessalonica, Philippi, Asia Minor, or Syria?

Purpose of the Book It is a “letter-essay” meant to convince It probably was quite convincing for the N.T. readers, but the complex arguments are somewhat lost on us today To exhort the brothers, washed with pure water and partaking of the altar, that Christ is their High Priest and all-sufficient sacrifice for sin Check out Psalm 110; many O.T. references and close connections to this psalm

Structure Therefore… (10:19 – 12:29) Christ is greater than… (1:4 – 10:18) Angels, the Law, Moses, the Promised Land, an Old Testament priest of the highest order Therefore… (10:19 – 12:29) Persevere in faith Not “go back” to old days Don’t forget: Penalty for rejecting new covenant is greater than that for rejecting the old.

Themes Law Themes: Retribution for disobedience; slavery to death and the devil; an unbelieving heart; rebellion; obligation to sacrifice; repentance from dead works; crucifying Jesus again; the living God’s vengeance; struggle against sin; discipline; obedience to leaders Gospel Themes: God spoke through Jesus; purification for sins; inheriting salvation; our High Priest and Mediator; sanctification; God’s promises; Melchizedek; sprinkled and washed; assurance of faith; the founder and perfecter of our faith; the great Shepherd

A Comparison of the Two Sacrifices The sacrifices under the law were: The sacrifice of Christ was: A reminder of sin Offered continually The blood of animals A covering for sin Involuntary The removal of sin Offered once The blood of Christ The cleansing of sin Voluntary