In my previous post, I covered the discussion over the author of Hebrews. Let’s take a look now at the content of the book.

In the late 60’s A.D., persecution of Christians was under way. For Jewish converts the troubles were causing some to wonder if it was all worth it. The author of Hebrews, an unknown person, used this letter to argue for the supremacy of Christianity over the Jewish faith so many had come out of. As part of this argument, he presents Jesus as superior to any Jewish prophet or priest. Some have called Hebrews the fifth gospel; the other four told of the earthly ministry of Jesus while Hebrews explains his heavenly ministry.

Jesus is shown as superior to different things here. See 1:4-2:18, 3:1-4:13, 4:14-10:18. What things is he superior to? What else is Jesus shown to be superior to? See 8:1-9:10. How is Jesus shown to be the best high priest? See 4:14/7:4; 4:15/7:26; 7:27; 10:10-14.

Regarding his organization, the author is careful to use key announcements as he shifts from one point to another. See 1:4, 2:17, 5:9-10, 10:36-39, 12:12-13. See how each is a transition that reflects on the previous passage and introduces a new passage.

Critics note the author linked Jewish and Greek thought. Plato, a Greek, believed there were two parallel worlds—a perfect eternal world of spirit and an inferior changing world of earth. What we do here is but a reflection of the invisible heavenly reality. See where the author uses this concept in Hebrews.

One final point–The book is full of exhortations. Note places you see “let us.”