John Calvin Since the Epistle addressed to the Hebrews contains a full discussion of the eternal divinity of Christ, His supreme government, and only priesthood, and as these things are so explained in it, that the whole power and work of Christ are set forth in the most graphic way, it rightly deserves to have the place and honor of an invaluable treasure in the Church

RC Sproul If I were cast into prison and allowed but one book, it would be the Bible. If I were allowed only one book of the Bible, it would be the Epistle to the Hebrews… because it contains our most comprehensive discussion of the redemption wrought for us in the sacrifice of Jesus."

RC Sproul If I were cast into prison and allowed but one book, it would be the Bible. If I were allowed only one book of the Bible, it would be the Epistle to the Hebrews… because it contains our most comprehensive discussion of the redemption wrought for us in the sacrifice of Jesus."

AUTHOR Unknown

Hebrews 13:19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Origen If I were to venture my own opinion, I would say that the thoughts are the apostle’s (Paul’s) but the style and construction reflect someone who recalled the apostle’s teachings and interpreted them

AUTHOR Unknown What We Know Male Gifted & Eloquent Writer Well Educated Likely Jewish Second Generation Believer

RECIPIENTS Unknown Primarily HEBREW CHRISTIANS Hebrew Christians Hebrew Non-Christians Intellectually Convinced Hebrew Non-Christians Not Convinced

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt

Hebrews 10:26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins

Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment

RECIPIENTS Unknown Primarily HEBREW CHRISTIANS Hebrew Non-Christians Intellectually Convinced Hebrew Non-Christians Not Convinced Suffering Persecution for their Faith

Hebrews 12:3-4 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood

DATE Unknown Likely the Mid 60’s

Key Themes Absolute Superiority of Jesus God is a God Who Speaks The High Priesthood of Jesus The Danger of Apostasy The Necessity of Perseverance The Nature of Faith The Wrath of God

Outline The Superiority of the Christian Faith (1:1-10:18) Jesus Christ – Superior to the Prophets (1:1-4) Jesus Christ – Superior to the Angels (1:5-2:18) Jesus Christ – Superior to Moses (3:1-4:13) Jesus Christ – Superior to Aaron (4:14-10:18)

Outline b. Exhortations to Persevere in the Christian Faith (10:19-12:29) The Danger of Apostasy (10:19-31) Encouragements to Press On (10:32-39) Faith Defined and Exemplified (11:1-40) Jesus, Superior Example of Faith (12:1-4) The Meaning and Merit of Discipleship (12:5-13) Warning Not to Turn Away (12:14-29) c. Concluding Exhortations (13:1-19) d. Benediction & Greeting (13:20-25)

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.