Hebrews

Hebrews is an anonymous New Testament letter, or more precisely a written sermon, addressed to Jewish Christians who were tempted under pressure to drift back toward the old covenant system. Its author is unnamed; tradition has long associated it with Paul, while others have suggested Barnabas, Apollos, or Luke, and the early church admitted the question was known only to God. Whoever wrote it produced some of the most polished Greek and richest Old Testament exposition in the New Testament, arguing from the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets that everything old was a shadow pointing to Christ.

The argument builds relentlessly: the Son is better than angels, greater than Moses, and a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec, offering a better covenant, a better sanctuary, and a better sacrifice, once for all. Its famous passages include the living and powerful word sharper than any twoedged sword, the warning not to harden your hearts, the roll call of faith in chapter 11 from Abel to Rahab, and the call to run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus. Five solemn warnings against drifting, unbelief, and willful sin punctuate the letter.

Hebrews matters because it explains how the Old and New Testaments fit together: sacrifice, priesthood, and tabernacle all find their substance in Jesus. Its pastoral aim is endurance, holding fast the profession of faith because he who promised is faithful, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.