HEBREWS: Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Before actually delving into this very significant book, we must first ask some very important questions:
· Who was the author of this book?
· To whom was it written?
· When [historically] was it written?
· What was the background and setting for this book?
Though some of these questions cannot be answered definitively, we will make an attempt to consider each one.
DATE
Since Hebrews was quoted by Clement of Rome in about AD 95, we can be sure that it was not written after then. But since there is no mention of the destruction of the temple, it can scarcely be dated after AD 70.[1]
AUTHORSHIP
Many names have been suggested for the authorship of Hebrews, but the question remains unsolved. Though we know that it was written by a man,[2] it has not resolved which man. That the author was the Apostle Paul was held in Alexandria, Egypt in the late 2nd century – and has never been decisively disproved. The other name mentioned with early support is Paul’s former missionary partner, Barnabus.[3] Tertullian [living in the late 2nd century] quoted from Hebrews and stated that it was from an Epistle by Barnabus.[4] Other writers, at a slightly later time, referred to this view.[5] Overall, authorship by Barnabus has more to commend it than any other.[6] If so, it could claim Apostolic origin since Barnabus was called an Apostle.[7]
RECIPIENTS
The identity of the first readers of Hebrews [like the author] is unknown. Nevertheless they were evidently part of a particular community.[8] In all probability, the readers were chiefly of Jewish background.[9] As to the locale of which the readers were a part, nothing can be said definitively. But, all things being considered, the ancient Libyan city of Cyrene in North Africa may be the best conjecture.[10] Barnabus certainly would have been familiar with this city.[11] Cyrene had a sizable and influential Jewish community and the origins of Christianity there seem to have been quite early.[12] On the whole, the most plausible backdrop for this epistle might be a Christian assembly, largely Jewish in membership, which was under repeated pressure from unbelieving fellow Jews to give up their Christian faith.
CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of the exact destination of this epistle or the identification of its author, the Christian church down through the ages has rightly regarded it as a powerful message sent from God who has spoken definitively in His Son.
OUTLINE OF THE BOOK
- Prologue (1:1-4)
- Part 1 – God’s King-Son (1:5-4:16)
- Part 2 – God’s Priest-Son (chaps 5-10)
- The Response of Faith (chaps 11-12)
- Epilogue (chap 13)
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[1] When Jerusalem was sacked by the Roman General Titus. Had this event occurred, it would have given the author of Hebrews a definitive argument for the cessation of the Old Testament sacrificial system. But instead he seems to regard this system as still in operation [Cf. Heb. 8:4, 13; 9:6-9, 10:1-3]. A date around AD 68 or 69 therefore seems likely. In fact, it seems almost certain that ALL of the New Testament was written before AD 70 [since there is no mention of the fall of Jerusalem in any of the books].
[2] The masculine participle in Heb. 11:32 demonstrates that.
[3] See Acts 13:1, 2.
[4] In fact, he did not imply that it was simply an opinion – but a fact which his readers would know.
[5] For example, Jerome, Gregory of Elvira and Filaster – writing in the fourth century.
[6] Partly, also by the Greek style of the Epistle. It seems different from the other writings we have of Paul.
[7] Acts 14:4, 14.
[8] The readers had a definite history [Cf. Heb. 10:32-34], past and present generosity [6:10], and the author was able to be specific about their present spiritual condition [5:11-14]. The author had definite links with them and expressed his intention to visit them [13:19, 23]. He also requested their prayers.
[9] “The author’s heavy stress on Jewish prototypes and his earnest polemic against the permanence of the Levitical system are best explained if the audience was largely Jewish and inclined to be swayed back to their old faith. The heavy and extensive appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures also was most suitable to readers who had been brought up on them.” [The Bible Knowledge Commentary]
[10] See the map on page 1817 in the New King James Study Bible.
[11] Barnabus was from the country of Cyprus (Acts 4:36). Also missionaries from the countries of Cyprus and Cyrene founded the Assembly in Antioch (Acts 11:20). Barnabus, of course, was also active in the Assembly at Antioch (Cf. Acts 11:22ff and 13:1ff. See also page 779 of the Bible Knowledge Commentary for other indications that Cyrene may have been the recipients of this letter.
[12] As mentioned in footnote 11, missionaries from Cyrene had been involved in the founding of the Assembly at Antioch (Acts. 11:20).