Hebrews, Who, What and Why

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We want to grasp the reason and purpose for this book and its relevance to us now

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Who Wrote It To Whom?

We Don’t Know
Only the Authorised Version Says it was Paul.
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

Although the writer of this letter has not recorded his name, he was probably a well known Christian preacher of the time.

Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

Much of the letter is in the form of a sermon (Heb 13:22), and the beliefs that form its basis are the same as those taught by Stephen, Peter, Paul, John and other prominent preachers of the apostolic era.

Hebrews 13:22 NKJV
And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

The writer was a Jew (Heb 1:1), though he wrote polished Greek and took his Old Testament quotations from the Greek version known as the Septuagint.

Hebrews 1:1 NKJV
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

Both he and his readers heard the gospel from those who had personally heard Jesus teach (Heb 2:3).

Hebrews 2:3 NKJV
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
Tradition had Paul in the frame, but the style is wrong and the lack of personal greetings at the beginning is probably conclusive, even though there is an intriguing reference to his friend and colleague Timothy in the closing chapter.
Tradition had Paul in the frame, but the style is wrong and the lack of personal greetings at the beginning is probably conclusive, even though there is an intriguing reference to his friend and colleague Timothy in the closing chapter.
There have been many alternative suggestions, including Barnabas and Apollos. Had Stephen lived longer he would have been an ideal candidate, for the theme of the letter follows beautifully from and the speech which led to martyrdom. From a personal pronoun used in chapter 11 (v. 32), we do know that the writer was male, and the rest must be wise conjecture.
There have been many alternative suggestions, including Barnabas and Apollos. Had Stephen lived longer he would have been an ideal candidate, for the theme of the letter follows beautifully from and the speech which led to martyrdom. From a personal pronoun used in chapter 11 (v. 32), we do know that the writer was male, and the rest must be wise conjecture.
Clearly the author must also have been a Jew, given his knowledge of the temple ritual and his deep concern for the Jewish nation. Hebrews was probably written before AD 70, so the Jerusalem temple would still have been in full use.
Clearly the author must also have been a Jew, given his knowledge of the temple ritual and his deep concern for the Jewish nation. Hebrews was probably written before AD 70, so the Jerusalem temple would still have been in full use.
The crucial issue in dating the book concerns whether the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (A.D. 70) had already occurred.
Hebrews speaks of the Jewish sacrificial system as if it were a still-present reality (; ; , ; ; ), which does not seem likely after the cessation of the Jerusalem temple sacrifices in A.D. 70.
Hebrews speaks of the Jewish sacrificial system as if it were a still-present reality (; ; , ; ; ), which does not seem likely after the cessation of the Jerusalem temple sacrifices in A.D. 70.
Admittedly, Hebrews focuses on the Mosaic tabernacle rather than the Solomonic (or the Herodian) temple. Nonetheless, if the writer was attempting to convince his readers of the inferiority of the Mosaic system (and possibly dissuade church members from returning to Jewish practices), an obvious argument would have been to mention the cessation of the temple sacrifices, if they were in fact no longer taking place.
We’re Not Sure
The author is writing urgently to Hebrew Christians scattered throughout the eastern world and in danger of drifting away from their new-found faith in Jesus (2:1 and 10:39). In the Roman world the Jewish faith was permitted; the Christian faith very often persecuted. It would be only too easy to forsake the latter and go back to the former.
Hebrews 2:1 NKJV
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
Hebrews 10:39 NKJV
But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

The Jewish Christians who received this letter seem to have been a group within a larger church. There is little to indicate where their church was located, and suggestions vary from Jerusalem to Rome.

What Is It About?
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

They apparently knew Timothy, and may also have known the group of Italian Christians who sent them greetings by means of this letter (Heb 13:23–24).

Hebrews 13:23–24 NKJV
Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

The writer hoped that he and Timothy would visit them soon (Heb 13:19, 23).

Hebrews 13:19 NKJV
But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Hebrews 13:23 NKJV
Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
During the reign of Nero (AD 54–68), persecution of Christians increased considerably. This caused some Jewish Christians to wonder if they had done right in giving up their Jewish religion and becoming Christians. They had believed, as Jesus and his followers taught, that the Jewish religion no longer served God’s purposes, that the priesthood and the sacrifices would come to an end, and that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. Yet, thirty years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the temple was still standing and the Jewish religion was still functioning.
With the increasing persecution, some of the Jewish Christians became discouraged. They began to doubt whether Christianity really was God’s new and victorious way to the eternal kingdom. In their view, Judaism appeared to be as firm as ever, whereas Christianity appeared to be heading for disaster. Some had stopped attending Christian meetings and even given up their Christian faith and gone back to Judaism (). The letter to the Hebrews was written to reassure the Jewish believers and prevent them from slipping back to their former religious practices ().
Fleming, D. C. (1994). Concise Bible commentary (p. 559). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
Fleming, D. C. (1994). Concise Bible commentary (p. 559). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
The use of the present tense in 5:1–4; 7:21, 23, 27, 28; 8:3–5, 13; 9:6–9, 13, 25; 10:1, 3, 4, 8, 11; and 13:10, 11 would suggest that the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system were still in operation when the epistle was composed. Since the temple was destroyed by General (later Emperor) Titus Vespasian in A.D. 70, the epistle must have been written prior to that date.
Hebrews 8:13 NKJV
In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Although the title “To the Hebrews” was used in the second century AD and reflects the book’s recipients, it was not part of the original work and likely arose from a genuine insight into the major content of the book (extensive treatment of OT priestly themes to show the superiority of Christ) and its central exhortation based on that content (the readers must not turn away from Christ—presumably back to Judaism).

What’s It About

Concise Bible Commentary The writer and his readers

the writer wanted to reassure these discouraged Jewish believers that Jesus Christ was the true fulfilment of the Jewish religion. The Old Testament finds its completion in him. He is far above all prophets, angels, leaders and priests, and his sacrifice has done what all the Israelite sacrifices could never do. Nothing of human initiative or effort can add to God’s way of salvation, for what Christ has done is final (Heb 10:12–13).

The Superiority of Jesus Christ 1:1-4:13.
I.The Superiority of Christ (1:1–5:11)
Jesus, Son of God (1:1–2:4)
Jesus, Son of God (1:1–2:4)
A. In God’s revelation (1:1–4)
A.In God’s revelation (1:1–4)

Jesus Christ as God was equal with the Father, but as God-man revealed the Father to men and became the Mediator between God and men. He is appointed heir of all things, sovereign Lord, absolute disposer and director both of all persons and all things. He is above every other messenger ever sent into the world and has a name preeminent above all heavenly beings.

Hebrews 1:3 NKJV
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

The person of the Son was the true image and character of the Person of the Father. He is not said to be the “likeness” of God (implying resemblance) but “image,” which means that He reveals God. In beholding His power, wisdom and goodness, men were beholding the Father, for He was God manifest in the flesh, having all the perfections of God in Him.

Hebrews 1:8 NKJV
But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
B. To the angels (1:5–2:18)
Jesus, only Saviour (2:5–18)
C. To Moses (3:1–19)

The salvation provided by Jesus Christ is so great a salvation that none can express nor conceive how great it is.

Hebrews 2:3 NKJV
how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

Christ became man that He might die, for as God He could not die, therefore He assumed another nature and state.

Hebrews 2:16–17 NKJV
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

It was necessary to remind the Jews who held Moses in such esteem and were bent on mixing law with grace, that Christ as Son of God was above Moses, therefore His Word was final and His sacrifice sufficient.

Hebrews 3:1 NKJV
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
D. In the promise of rest (4:1–13)
The true promise (3:1–4:13)
The true promise (3:1–4:13)

The privileges by Christ under the Gospel are far greater than those enjoyed under the Mosaic law. The seventh day rest commemorating a finished creation, was but a type of heart-rest which is to be had by covenant relation with Jesus Christ, and which is offered to those who will renounce their own works as a means of salvation and put their entire trust in the finished work of the Great High Priest who has passed into the heavens.

Hebrews 4:3 NKJV
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
The Superiority of Jesus Christ's Priesthood 4:14-7:28,
E. As High Priest (4:14–5:11)
The true priest (4:14–5:14)

God was pleased to take One from among men, His only begotten Son, who above all others, was qualified to be a High Priest dealing between God and sinful men. By Him, we have approach to God in hope and God may receive us with honor. Let us therefore not attempt to go to God but through Christ, nor expect any favor from God except upon His merits.

God was pleased to take One from among men, His only begotten Son, who above all others, was qualified to be a High Priest dealing between God and sinful men. By Him, we have approach to God in hope and God may receive us with honor. Let us therefore not attempt to go to God but through Christ, nor expect any favor from God except upon His merits.

The true priest (4:14–5:14)
Hebrews 5:5 NKJV
So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”
Hebrews 5:9–10 NKJV
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
II. An Exhortation to Maturity (5:12–6:20)
No turning back (6:1–20)
No turning back (6:1–20)
A. Spiritual immaturity and perseverance (5:12–6:12)
B. God’s unchangeable purpose (6:13–20)

Those who have advanced to the very threshold of Christ’s salvation, even being clearly convicted by the Holy Spirit and fully enlightened in the Word of God as to the way of life, again turning to trust in dead works and ceremonies, put Christ to an open shame and will not be renewed again to repentance by the Holy Spirit. The true believer takes refuge wholly in Christ’s finished work, in which he finds a hope sure and steadfast leading him heavenward.

Hebrews 6:4–6 NKJV
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
III. The High Priesthood of Melchizedek (7:1–28)
A voice from the past (7:1–28)
A voice from the past (7:1–28)

Jesus Christ, the true King-Priest, the anti-type of Melchisedec is greater than all the priests of the order of Aaron, and is the mediator of all blessings to the children of men. Whereas the Levitical priesthood could bring nothing to perfection, nor justify men from guilt, Christ’s priesthood brings with it a better hope—a foundation of salvation and perfect security in Him as Intercessor in heaven.

Hebrews 7:22 NKJV
by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
Hebrews 7:26 NKJV
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
The Superiority of Jesus Christ's Priestly Ministry 8:1-10:18,
Ancient and modern (8:1–9:28)
Ancient and modern (8:1–9:28)
IV.The Superiority of Christ’s New Covenant (8:1–10:18)
A.Christ’s ministry and the New Covenant (8:1–13)

He is the author of a new covenant, better than the old, which was not efficacious; established on better promises; obedience to it springing from a willing heart and mind rather than from fear; securing the personal revelation of the Lord to every believer and guaranteeing the complete oblivion of sins through His finished work.

Hebrews 8:6 NKJV
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:13 NKJV
In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
B.The sanctuary and its ordinances (9:1–10)
C.The Mediator of the New Covenant (9:11–28)
D.Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness (10:1–18)
Revolution in worship (10:1–18)
Revolution in worship (10:1–18)

Christ is a more excellent High Priest than any under the law, who but prefigured the work He came to do. He has entered once for all within the Holiest place. Having undertaken to be our High Priest He could not have been admitted into heaven without shedding His blood for us, having no errors of His own to offer for, and neither can any of us enter God’s glorious presence except by a saving trust in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, without which remission for sins is impossible.

Hebrews 9:22 NKJV
And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
Hebrews 9:26 NKJV
He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Hebrews 10:12 NKJV
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
The Superiority of the Believer's Privileges 10:19-12:29,
V.The Believer’s Present Position (10:19–39)
Resolution in witness (10:19–39)
Resolution in witness (10:19–39)
a.The Danger of Apostasy (10:19–31)
b.Encouragements to Press On (10:32–39)

Now, under the Gospel, Christ’s atonement is perfect and not to be repeated, and the sinner once pardoned, is ever pardoned as to his standing, and only needs to walk in communion with God, on the basis of Christ’s blood, to have a continuous sense of God’s pardon and favor.

Hebrews 10:19–22 NKJV
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
VI.The Encouragement of Faith (11:1–40)
VI.The Encouragement of Faith (11:1–40)
A.The meaning of faith (11:1–3)
Faith Defined

Faith is the firm persuasion that God will perform all that He has promised to us in Christ, and brings the soul a present fruition and foretaste of eternal things, which sets a seal that God is true. The way of faith is the way of victory, peace, assurance, and endurance.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
B.The past examples of faith (11:4–40)
Faith in action—Part 1 (11:1–22)
Faith in action—Part 1 (11:1–22)
Faith in action—Part 2 (11:23–40)
Faith in action—Part 1 (11:1–22)
Faith in action—Part 2 (11:23–40)

Superiority of the way of faith. Instances of faith.

Characters: God, Christ, Abel, Cain, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sara, Joseph, Moses, Pharaoh’s daughter, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel.

Hebrews 11:39–40 NKJV
And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
VII.The Christian Life (12:1–13:25)
The discipline of love (12:1–29)
A.Christ’s example (12:1–3)
A.Christ’s example (12:1–3)
Jesus the Superior Example of Faith 12:1-4

Christ is not only the object, but the Author of our faith. He is the purchaser of the Spirit of faith and the publisher of the rule of faith and the cause of the grace of faith. He is also the finisher of our faith—the fulfilling of all Scripture promises and prophecies, the finisher of grace, the rewarder of faith and will eventually bring faith to an end by bringing us to Himself.

B.Discipline and God’s grace (12:4–29)
The discipline of love (12:1–29)
B.Discipline and God’s grace (12:4–29)
a.The Meaning and Merit of Discipline (12:5–13)
b.Warning Not to Turn Away from God (12:14–29)

Christians have a race to run, of service and sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience, in all of which they need to keep their eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus. The best of God’s children may need chastisement, but afflictions rightly endured, though they be the fruits of God’s displeasure are yet proofs of His paternal love and designed to fit us better for His service and to bring us closer into His fellowship.

Hebrews 12:4–6 NKJV
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Hebrews 12:25 NKJV
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
The Superiority of Christian Behaviour 13:1-21,
The demands of faith (13:1–25)
The demands of faith (13:1–25)
C. Exhortation to various duties (13:1–19)
Hebrews 12:25 NKJV
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
Our Lord Jesus purchased us with His blood that He might set us apart a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let us therefore seek to excel in those duties becoming to Christians, such as brotherly love, generosity, contentment, obedience to those over us, fixedness in the faith, patient suffering with Him and continual praise.
Hebrews 13:1 NKJV
Let brotherly love continue.
Brooks, K. (2009). Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament (pp. 77–78). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Brooks, K. (2009). Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the New Testament (pp. 77–78). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Postscript 13:22-25
D. Final Exhortation (13:20–25)

This sermon, in the form of a letter, takes an hour or so to read aloud. The writer could have expanded certain sections if he had wished

The author offers a closing prayer on the theme of God raising Jesus from the dead (v. 20) and equipping believers to accomplish His will (v. 21).

Hebrews concludes with typical elements of an NT letter: greetings (Heb 13:22–24) and a benediction (v. 25;

Hebrews 13:22–23 NKJV
And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.

Hebrews is profound, distinctive, rewarding, and puzzling. Its impassioned and polished argument for the superiority of Christ captures the imagination even in a quick reading, and its theological depths continue to reward faithful reflection over a lifetime of study.

Hebrews argues for the superiority of Christ and his saving work and supports its argument from OT Scripture, viewed as God’s revelation by the Spirit (3:7; 9:8; 10:15).

The central theme of Hebrews is that Jesus Christ as exalted Son and high priest is God’s final revelation and provides full cleansing from sin and open access to God—the reality that the OT anticipated but was never meant to accomplish.

Why Is It Written, and What’s In it for Me?

A Warning Against Capitulation
Concise Bible Commentary Effects of persecution

During the reign of Nero (AD 54–68), persecution of Christians increased considerably. This caused some Jewish Christians to wonder if they had done right in giving up their Jewish religion and becoming Christians. They had believed, as Jesus and his followers taught, that the Jewish religion no longer served God’s purposes, that the priesthood and the sacrifices would come to an end, and that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. Yet, thirty years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the temple was still standing and the Jewish religion was still functioning.

With the increasing persecution, some of the Jewish Christians became discouraged. They began to doubt whether Christianity really was God’s new and victorious way to the eternal kingdom. In their view, Judaism appeared to be as firm as ever, whereas Christianity appeared to be heading for disaster. Some had stopped attending Christian meetings and even given up their Christian faith and gone back to Judaism (Heb 10:25–31). The letter to the Hebrews was written to reassure the Jewish believers and prevent them from slipping back to their former religious practices (Heb 2:1–3).

Hebrews 10:25–31 NKJV
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
With the increasing persecution, some of the Jewish Christians became discouraged. They began to doubt whether Christianity really was God’s new and victorious way to the eternal kingdom. In their view, Judaism appeared to be as firm as ever, whereas Christianity appeared to be heading for disaster. Some had stopped attending Christian meetings and even given up their Christian faith and gone back to Judaism (Heb 10:25–31). The letter to the Hebrews was written to reassure the Jewish believers and prevent them from slipping back to their former religious practices (Heb 2:1–3).
Hebrews 2:1–3 NKJV
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
Hebrews 13:3 NKJV
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
A Call to Live by Faith
Theme: Christ is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant institution; thus each reader, rather than leaving such a great salvation, is summoned to hold on by faith to the true rest found in Christ and to encourage others in the church to persevere.
At every point he identifies the situation of his readers with that of the ancient people of God: the gospel preached to them was preached to Israel in the wilderness (4:2); the promise, rest, and inheritance that pious Israelites grasped from afar is nothing other than that which is set before the believers to whom he writes and which they, likewise, will obtain only in the world to come and only if they endure in faith to the end (3:4, 19; 4:1; 6:11–12; 10:35–39; 11:10, 16, 35, 39–40; 12:1; 13:14); and the danger of apostasy and the enormity of its consequences are no less now that Christ has appeared (3:12; 4:11; 6:4–6; 10:26–31, 38–39; 12:25).

Faith is the firm persuasion that God will perform all that He has promised to us in Christ, and brings the soul a present fruition and foretaste of eternal things, which sets a seal that God is true. The way of faith is the way of victory, peace, assurance, and endurance.

vv. 2, 39. The effect of faith with God is “good reputation.” Is it any wonder that God cannot be pleased when men are devoid of that trust in His Word and in Jesus Christ whom He has sent, which receives Him as Savior and Lord and impels to obedience and good works?

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Christ is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant institution; thus each reader, rather than leaving such a great salvation, is summoned to hold on by faith to the true rest found in Christ and to encourage others in the church to persevere.
The great contrast drawn by this author is not between the old and new administrations or between believers before and after the incarnation, but rather between two ways of salvation, one false and one true, and between two destinies, the one obtained by those who deny the faith and the other by those who patiently endure in faith and hope. In each case the former is illustrated in the letter chiefly by unbelieving Israel.
A Call To Persevere
They were second-generation Christians. Never having seen or heard Jesus themselves, they had been evangelized by eyewitnesses (2:3). They were presumably Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews as the author cites the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament. They had suffered persecution but not yet martyrdom (10:32–34; 12:4).
Hebrews 12:4 NKJV
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
The audience’s social situation can be inferred from commands to “remember those who are in prison” and who are “mistreated” (13:3). Timothy himself had just been set free (13:23). Indeed, the author of Hebrews commended his audience for their former endurance of persecution, for their compassion on those in prison, and for having “joyfully accepted the plundering of your property” (10:32–34).
Hebrews 13:3 NKJV
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.
Hebrews 13:23 NKJV
Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
Hebrews 10:32–34 NKJV
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

The reluctance of the Christian group to ‘press on unto perfection’ (6:1) was motivated by two phenomena: high regard for the traditions of Judaism and unwillingness to pay the price of full identification with Christianity, which was becoming more and more a Gentile movement” (p. 23).

A. The Jewish Christians are encouraged to leave the synagogue and identify publicly (fully) with the church (cf. 13:13).

B. The Jewish Christians are encouraged to take up the missionary mandate of the gospel (cf. Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 1:8).

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