The Epistle To The Hebrews
Author	Uncertain. (Suggestions include: Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, Philip, or Silas)
Date Written	Between A.D. 64 and 70
Title	Refers to the addressee of this letter: a congregation of Hebrew believers.
Background	Persecution is a real threat to the church. This persecution causes many Jewish believers, to take some steps backward. The author uses this occasion to express the freedom that Christ has given to all believers, and asserts that with Christ there is no need for any of the rituals offered by Judaism. Appealing to their knowledge of the Old Testament, the author especially comments on parallels from the Pentateuch.
Where Written	Uncertain (possibly Rome)
To Whom	To the Jewish Christians
Content	The writer of Hebrews exhorts the Hebrew Christians to maturity by showing them that present suffering for Christ is followed by eternal glory with Him. The entire Old Testament pointed to the ministry of Christ. The offerings, feasts, tabernacles, and priests were all used to show the better way of Jesus. Chapter 11 of Hebrews defines faith and gives encouragement to all believers by detailing the faith of such men and women as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Joshua. The author of Hebrews reveals that the new, eternal Covenant has replaced a temporal one, and it’s price has been paid-in-full by the blood of Christ.
Themes	Christianity is, at its heart, a relationship with Jesus Christ. To be victorious, we must run the race with our eyes on Jesus. Jesus has already faced all our temptations and won the victory. God desires His children to give strength of testimony to each other. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us of our sins.
Key Words	“Sacrifice”, “Better.” The “sacrifice” of Christ is presented as being superior to anything offered by the Judaic system. Christ is “better” than the angels, since they worship Him. He is “better” than Moses and Joshua, since He created them. He is “better” than Aaron’s priesthood, since His atonement is eternal. And He is “better” than the law, since He mediates a superior Covenant.
Outline	1:1-2:18  Jesus Christ’s superiority over the prophets and angels. 3:1-4:13  Jesus Christ’s superiority over Moses and Joshua. 4:14-7:28  Jesus Christ, the superior priest. 8:1-10:18  Jesus Christ’s superior Covenant and sacrifice. 10:19-12:29  Obedience through faith. 13:1-13:25  Concluding exhortations.
More	A more extensive Outline of Hebrews Audio of the Book of Hebrews

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