Nepali International Theological Seminary

Presentation of The Epistle to The Hebrews

Subject: New Testament Survey

Submitted to:
Dil Kumar Shrestha

Submitted by:
Mohan Yakha Rai and Sagar Thapa Magar

Kathmandu, Nepal
28 October, 2024
 The Epistle to
the Hebrews
Presentation by Mohan Yakha Rai and Sagar
Thapa Magar
Contents
Introduction
1. The Theme of the Hebrews
2. The Author of the Hebrews
3. The Audiences of the Hebrews
4. The Time of the Hebrews
5. The Subject of the Hebrews
6. The Objective of the Hebrews
7. The Interpretive Challenges of the Hebrew
8. The General Surveys of the Hebrews
9. The Outline of the Hebrews
Bibliography
 Introduction
Among 27 NT books, 21 are epistles.

Among 21 epistles, 13 are “Pauline Epistles”. These are from

Romans to the epistle to Philemon which are written by the
Apostle Paul.

Remaining 8 epistles (of whose the Apostle Paul is not the

author) are “General Epistles” or “Universal Epistle.”

Out of these universal epistles, the epistle to the Hebrews is the

first of all.
The book of Hebrews, uplift the Lord Jesus Christ upto the heavenlies.
The theme of Hebrews is “the preeminence of Jesus Christ.”
It is true that studying Hebrews is a thrilling adventure because of the following
reasons:
1. Difficulty in grasping the message which demand the diligent and faithful study.
2. Highly contains the background of Levitical priesthood. One need the good
background knowledge of the Levitical priesthood to understand how it is
compared to the priesthood of Christ.
3. Different types of audiences or receptors. They are Hebrews Christians, Hebrews
non-Christians who were intellectually convinced but spiritually uncomitted, and
Hebrews non-Christians who were not convinced.
4. Mentioning of Melchizedek, who is a mysterious person in himself.
5. The author of the book.
The book of Hebrews is a sermon in a written
form. Hebrews is a written manuscript which
is supposed to be heard like a sermon. In fact
it is a “message of exhortation”-a sermon
(13:22). The sermon of Hebrews keeps
switching it’s subject from teaching to
exhortation and again from exhortation to
teaching.
No other NT books cites the OT as often as Hebrews cited and it cited OT
references in a typologically rich manner.
Although Hebrews is difficult to understand yet it is important to study and
understand by the believers of all generations because all believers need to be
exhorted, admonished, and warned to persevere in the faith.
 Hebrews places it’s main focus on
the doctrines like Christology and
Soteriology.
Christology: Christology is a doctrine mainly based upon the deity of Christ including
His life, ministry, death, resurrection, office, and many others.
Soteriology: Soteriology is a doctrine mainly based upon the Salvation.
 Unique/Unparalleled Qualities of Hebrews
• The letter of Hebrews doesn’t start as like a normal epistle but like a sermon. Yet it
do ends with a proper farewell and benediction as a letter.

• In NT among all books, Hebrews has the highest form of literature. It is poetic in
nature. It has many OT references specially from the Septuagint version.

• Many Bible scholars compared the Hebrews with the Leviticus of OT. It is
because throughout the book of Hebrews there is distant comparison between New
Covenant and Old Covenant. Specially the comparison of Levitical priesthood and
priesthood of Christ.
The Theme of Hebrews

The ultimate theme of Hebrews is the superiority (preeminences) of

Christ. He is indeed better than anything or anyone either before or after
Him.
Key Word: The superiority of Christ- The basic theme of Hebrews is
found in the word “better”, describing the superiority of Christ in His
Person and Work (1:4; 6:9; 7:7,19,22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16,35,40;
12:24).
“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by
inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews
1:4)
The writer develops this theme to prevent the readers from giving up the
substance for the shadow by abandoning the Christianity and returning
into the old Jewish system.
Key Verses:
Hebrews 4:14-16
¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession.
¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin.
¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 12:1-2
¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
 The Author of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews is mysterious till now.
Origen, who died in A. D. 254, was one of the first to investigate the
matter.
He famously concluded, “As to who wrote the epistle, only God knows
for sure.”
But we can still know many things about the author by our careful and deep
study. Following are some details about the author of the Hebrews:-
• Firstly, the author is a man. The participle in 11:32 nd
is masculine.
• Secondly, 2:3-4 makes it clear that the author is a 2 generation Christian.
• Thirdly, He knew Timothy as he mentioned him in 13:23.
• Fourthly, he lived with the people “from Italy.” (13:24)
• Fifthly, he was very well educated. As this epistle contains the finest Greek in the NT, surpassing Paul and even
Luke the physician in grammar, vocabulary, style, and knowledge of the conventions of rhetorical argumentation.
• Sixthly, he shows an intense interest in the religious symbols and the sacrificial system of Judaism.
He centers his discussion on the priesthood, the sacrificies, the covenant, the tabernacle, and how all these
point to Christ.
• Seventhly, he has a heart of a faithful pastor.
• He is deeply concerned with the spiritual lives of believers.
• From his writings we can conclude that he is both tender and tough.
• He warns strongly and he also encourages to persevere compassionately.
• He has a authority within his community and expects his words to be heeded.
The authorship of Hebrews is truly mysterious.

No one knows who exactly who wrote the book of Hebrews.

But we can say that the ultimate author of the book of Hebrews is God
Himself. As He is the author of the complete Holy Bible (2 Timothy
3:16).
But concerning the human author, when we read this book
we can find out that the human author had both Greek
knowledge and Jews knowledge in a profound way.
Many names come out as the possible human author of
the Hebrews.
They are

Paul: Many scholars claim Paul to be the human author

though the writing style of Hebrews isn’t as same as
Paul’s other letters. Yet, in second century Clement of
Alexandria and Bishop Aregon claimed Paul to be the
human author.
Barnabas: The Church father Tertulian of third century claimed
Barnabas as the human author.

Apollos: Martin Luther of 16th century made a proposal that Apollos

might be the human author.

Priscilla: In the same way, Harnak, German Scholar, said the author could
be a female and he pointed to Priscilla, who was also a teacher (Acts
18:26).
The Audiences of Hebrews
As there is no direct mentioning of the author, so there is no
any kind of mentioning of the audiences of this letter/book.
Adding to that, there is no references to Gentiles in this
book.
Neither did we are said about the exact location of the
receptors. Some made a speculations of places like near
Greece
Although there is no direct mentioning of the original audiences in the book yet all scholars agree in this thing that the
book of Hebrews was written to Jews Christians based upon following clues:-
● The expressions “the fathers” (1:1) and “the descendent of Abraham” (2:16)
● The letter’s argument rests upon the OT as the incontestable authority, viewed as the Word of the Holy Spirit (3:7)
● The minutest knowledge of Jewish Scripture on the part of recipients is presuppose.

Similarly, they were second generation Christians, as clearly pointed in chapter 2 verse 3. They heard gospel from
others (might be from apostles and prophets). Earlier their leaders had to face persecutions (10:32-34) for which they
need to give a high reverence and godly respect to them with a good remembrance (13:7,17).

Regarding their past spiritual conditions. They kept their faith regardless the persecution (10:32-34). They showed
loving service to fellow believers (6:10). But now they were discouraged (12:12-13) and became dull of hearing (5:11)
and were about to replace their faith in Christ by their old religion Judaism.
While studying the book of Hebrews, we must understand the three basic
groups of audiences, so that we may be able to grasp the truest message of the
author without diverting it’s contextual meaning.
1. Group 1: Hebrew Christians
• They were born again Jewish Christians. They had faced persecutions by
both fellow Jews and Gentiles for their faith.
• They were in danger of going back to Judaism.
• They were not able to make a clear differences between salvation by faith
through grace and their old Jewish ceremonies and legalism.
• They were in danger of mixing the new covenant realities with old.
Thus, Hebrews was written to them to give them full confidence to these
confused believers. The Lord through His hidden servant wanted to exhort
them to hold on to their faith in Christ which/who is far better than all
prophets of old, angels, priests, Moses, and Joshua.
2. Group 2: Hebrew Christians Who Were Intellectually Convinced.
Though they were intellectually convinced but they were spiritually uncommitted. They
believed that Jesus is the same Messiah prophisied in OT. But they don’t want to receive Him
as personal Savior and Lord. It may be because they don’t want to make a sacrifice on their
part after openly accepting Christ as Lord.
In 2:1-3a one of the special exhortation is given to such people.
Again in 6:4-6, they are addressed again by the author.
Some of the warnings in Hebrews for such a group of people are mentioned below:-
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth
no more sacrifice for sins.(10:26)
“Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden
under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” (10:29).

This is the tragedy of being too late. Where you will be blamed for.
3. Group 3: Hebrew Non-Christians Who Were Not Convinced.
The book of Hebrews was also written to non believing Jews along with believing Jews, which made this book
more unique.

The author tries to show them that Jesus is indeed the waited Messiah by Jews, prophisied many times in OT.

In chapter 9, the author deals with more dedication to clearly explain the New Priesthood of Christ.
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made
with hands, that is to say, not of this building;” (9:11).
He goes on to explain this truth further in verses 14-15, 27-28.

These messages directly speak to unbelievers.

Since, there are many audiences in mind of the author while penning the message,
we as a faithful and diligent Bible students should be wise enough to carefully
interpret the message keeping the particular targeted audiences in our mind else
we confuse our self and others too.

For that we definitely need the sovereign guidance of the Holy Spirit in our study
of Word of God, adding the faithful study of the Scripture in a proper and
systematical way of hermeneutics (the science of Bible interpretation).
Before taking up the study of this important Epistle let writer and reader
humbly bow before its Divine Inspirer, and earnestly seek from Him that
preparation of heart which is needed to bring us into fellowship with that
One whose person, offices, and glories are here so sublimely displayed. –
Arthur Pink (An Exposition of Hebrews)
The Time of
Hebrews Among many other, the approximate date of the Hebrews seems to be
clearer unlike its author.

The use of present tense in 5:1-4 and other several passages like
7:21,23,27-28, and many more suggest that the Levitical priesthood
and temple sacrificial system was still in operation.

From the epistle we could know the fact that Timothy was recently
freed (13:23) who was arrested in Rome during the Neronian
persecution, and later freed when Nero (and his policy) died in AD 60.

The mentioning of Timothy but not of Paul also further suggest that
Timothy was persevering for His faith in Christ, while Paul was
martyred for his faith in AD 64.

All above informations suggest a date before the destruction of the

temple (which was in AD 70). With all these in mind the approximate
date is penned to be AD 68.
The Subject of Hebrews

Throughout the book of the Hebrews, the author keeps focusing

on only one thing. That is to uplift the highness of Christ in
every possible way.

Firstly, the author uplift Christ in His Person (1:1 – 4:13). In this
section he compared Christ with angels, prophets, and
Moses. And showed Christ to be the better Person than all of
them together.

Then, he uplift the Work of Christ with a beautiful comparison

with OT Levitical priesthood (4:14 – 10:18).

Finally, he professionally encourages his Church to live a best

examplery Christian life (with the best selection of heroes of
faith), which is no doubt worth living than any of secular
living (10:19 – 13:25).
The Objectives of Hebrews
Intellectually
Convinced but Non Believing
Targeted audiences Hebrews Christians
Spiritually Hebrews
Uncommitted

They were suffering

rejection and persecution Written to them to show
Written to them to show
by fellow Jews. Written them the urgency and
Reasons that Christ is indeed the
to them to encourage importance of accepting
long awaited Messiah
them to persevere their Christ
faith.

Returning back to old Being too late and being

Being too much hopeful
Danger of Jewish rituals and condemned at the
in law
traditions. judgment of God.

2:1-3a; 6:4-6; All Chapter 9. Specially

Scripture References 10:32-34; 12:4
10:26,27,29; 12:15-17 verses 11,14-15,27-28
 The Interpretive
Challenges of
Hebrews
As the book of Hebrews is written with skilled literature and high
knowledge of Jewish religious system, it is no easy task to easily
interpret the message of Hebrews by a layman. Even for a skilled and
diligent Bible students many problems may seem to be inevitable
obstacles to read, understand, and interpret it. Those challenges are:-
1. Confusing task to differentiate the target audience.
2. Hebrews 6:4-6. The phrase “once enlightened” is often taken to refer
to believing Christians, and using it to warn as a danger of losing
salvation.
3. It is often debated in Christianity about who is Melchizedek. Whether
he is a real historical person or a incarnation of God in human form.
The General Survey of Hebrews
In chapter 1 , the author gives a twofold comparison. First is between the excellency of
the gospel above that of the law (1:1-3). While second is between the glory of
Christ and that of highest creatures and angels in vs. 4-14.

In chapter 2, the author, firstly makes some application of the doctrine laid down in
coming chapter, both by exhortation & arguments in vs. 1-4. He further enlarges the
pre-eminence of Christ (vs. 5-9). Proceeds to remove the scandal of the cross (vs.
10-15). Finally asserts the incarnation of Christ (vs. 16-18).

In chapter 3, the apostle applies what he had said in the chapter foregoing concerning
the priesthood of Christ, I. In a serious pathetic exhortation that this great high
priest, who was discovered to them, might be seriously considered by them,
Hebrews 3:1-6. II. He then adds many weighty counsels and cautions, Hebrews 3:7-
19.
In this 4th chapter, he declare that our privileges by Christ under the gospel exceed the
privileges of the Jewish church under Moses, as a reason why we should make a right
improvement of them, Hebrews 4:1-4. II. He assigns the cause why the ancient Hebrews did
not profit by their religious privileges, Hebrews 4:2. Then, III. Confirms the privileges of
those who believe, and the misery of those who continue in unbelief, Hebrews 4:3-10. IV.
Concludes with proper and powerful arguments and motives to faith and obedience.

In 5th chapter, the apostle continues his discourse upon the priesthood of Christ, a sweet
subject, which he would not too soon dismiss. And here, I. He explains the nature of the
priestly office in general, Hebrews 5:1-3. II. The proper and regular call there must be to
this office, Hebrews 5:4-6. III. The requisite qualifications for the work, Hebrews 5:7-9. IV.
The peculiar order of the priesthood of Christ it was not after the order of Aaron, but of
Melchisedec, Hebrews 5:6,7,10. V. He reproves the Hebrews, that they had not made those
improvements in knowledge which might have made them capable of looking into the more
abstruse and mysterious parts of scripture, Hebrews 5:11-14.

In 6th chapter, the apostle proceeds to persuade the Hebrews to make a better proficiency in
religion than they had done, as the best way to prevent apostasy, the dreadful nature and
consequences of which sin he sets forth in a serious manner (Hebrews 6:1-8), and then
expresses his good hopes concerning them, that they would persevere in faith and holiness,
to which he exhorts them, and sets before them the great encouragement they had from God,
both with respect to their duty and happiness, Hebrews 6:9-20.
In chapter 7, We have a more particular account of Melchisedec, Hebrews 7:1-3. II. The superiority
of his priesthood to that of Aaron, Hebrews 7:4-10. III. An accommodation of all to Christ, to show
the superior excellency of his person, office, and covenant, Hebrews 7:11-28.

In chapter 8, the apostle pursues his former subject, the priesthood of Christ. And, I. He sums up
what he had already said, Hebrews 8:1,2. II. He sets before them the necessary parts of the priestly
office, Hebrews 8:3-5. And, III. Largely illustrates the excellency of the priesthood of Christ, by
considering the excellency of that new dispensation or covenant for which Christ is the Mediator,
Hebrews 8:6-13.

In chapter 9, here he treats, I. Of the tabernacle, the place of worship, Hebrews 9:1-5. II. Of the
worship and services performed in the tabernacle, Hebrews 9:6,7. III. He delivers the spiritual sense
and the main design of all, Hebrews 9:8-28.
In chapter 10, the author’s target was to lay low the whole of that priesthood and sacrifice, Hebrews 10:1-
6. II. He raises and exalts the priesthood of Christ very high, that he might effectually recommend him
and his gospel to them, Hebrews 10:7-18. III. He shows to believers the honours and dignities of their
state, and calls them to suitable duties, Hebrews 10:19-39

In chapter 11, his subjects are . I. The nature of faith, and the honour it reflects upon all who live in the
exercise of it, Hebrews 11:1-3. II. The great examples we have in the Old Testament of those who lived
by faith, and died and suffered extraordinary things by the strength of his grace, Hebrews 11:4-38. And,
III. The advantages that we have in the gospel for the exercise of this grace above what those had who
lived in the times of the Old Testament, Hebrews 11:39,40.

Finally in chapter 12, The apostle, in this chapter, applies what he has collected in the chapter foregoing,
and makes use of it as a great motive to patience and perseverance in the Christian faith and state,
pressing home the argument, I. From a greater example than he had yet mentioned, and that is Christ
himself, Hebrews 12:1-3. II. From the gentle and gracious nature of the afflictions they endured in their
Christian course, Hebrews 12:4-17. III. From the communion and conformity between the state of the
gospel-church on earth and the triumphant church in heaven, Hebrews 12:18-29.
 Some Notable Quotes/Statements on Hebrews
Charles Spurgeon – “We have now reached that wonderful part of Holy Scripture which is found in the
epistle to the Hebrews.”

Martin Luther – “Hebrews teaches us that the old covenant was temporary, and it points us to the
enduring grace found in Christ alone.”

A.W. Tozer – “The Book of Hebrews reveals the majesty of Christ and calls us to a deeper relationship
with Him, beyond mere religion.”

N.T. Wright – “Hebrews invites us to see Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the living Lord who
shapes our identity and mission.”

John Piper – “The Book of Hebrews calls us to hold fast to our faith, reminding us that Jesus is not
only our Savior but also our constant intercessor.”
The Outline of
Hebrews
PART 1: The Superiority of Christ’s Person (1:1 – 4:13)
i) Over the Prophets: 1:1 - 3
ii) Over the Angels: 1:4 – 2:18
iii) Over Moses: 3:1 – 4:13

PART 2: The Superiority of Christ’s Work (4:14 – 10:18)

i) Of His Priesthood: 4:14 – 7:28
ii) Of His Covenant: 8:1 – 13
iii) Of His Sanctuary and Sacrifice: 9:1 – 10:18

PART 3: The Superiority of Christian’s Walk of Faith (10:19 – 13:25)

i) Exhortation to Full Assurance of Faith: 10:19 – 11:40
ii) Endurance of Faith: 12:1 – 29
iii) Exhortation to Love: 13:1 – 17
iv) Conclusion: 13:18 – 25
Bibliography
1. MacArthur, John. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Hebrews. Pune:
Grace to India, 2015.
2. Macarthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, n. d.
3. Sauer, Ronald. “Hebrews.” In The Moody Bible Commentary, edited by Michael
Rydelnik and Michael Vanlaningham, 1921-1946. Chicago: Moody Publishers,
2014.
4. Tamang, Dil Bahadur. New Testament Survey. Kathmandu: NITS, 2076.
5. Walton, John H. and Craigs S. Keener. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible.
Grands Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.
Thank
You.