Pauline Epistles · New Testament

The Book of Hebrews

Hebrews demonstrates the supremacy of Christ over the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the old covenant, urging Jewish believers not to return to Judaism but to persevere in faith.

Chapters
13
Testament
New
Category
Pauline Epistles
Traditional Author
Author debated; traditionally attributed to Paul, though the letter itself does not name its author

Overview

Hebrews presents a sustained argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established. Christ is shown to be superior to the angels, to Moses, and to Aaron. He is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, offering a better sacrifice — His own blood — in a better sanctuary — heaven itself. The book contains stern warnings against falling away and a great chapter on faith — Hebrews 11 — which recounts the examples of men and women who lived by faith throughout the Old Testament. The book closes with a call to endure and to fix one's eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.

Key Themes

  • The supremacy of Christ over all things
  • The new covenant is better than the old covenant
  • Jesus as the great High Priest
  • The necessity of persevering faith
  • The hall of faith — examples of those who lived by faith

Key Verses

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

How It Applies Today

Hebrews teaches that Jesus is the final and complete revelation of God and that no other mediator, sacrifice, or system is needed. The hall of faith in chapter 11 encourages believers to trust God even when the fulfillment of His promises is not yet visible. The call to run with endurance, looking unto Jesus, provides direction and motivation for the Christian life in every season.