Introduction
Note: The following is Pastor Doug’s preaching notes from the book of Hebrews.
The content of the audio lessons will not necessarily follow these notes exactly
but these notes will be a good overview of the study.
Our approach to Hebrews
1. Dispensational = Where it fits into Gods purpose
2. Historical
a. Past
b. Present
c. Future
3. Spiritual or Practical nature of the book
4. Chapter eight is the key chapter to the book
5. The key word seems to be “better” 13 of them!
Heb 1:4 better than the angels…
Heb 6:9 better things X 4
Heb 7:19 better hope
Heb 7:22 better testament.
Heb 8:6 better covenant – established upon better promises.
Heb 9:23 better sacrifices
Heb 10:34 better and an enduring substance.
Heb 11:16 better country
Heb 11:35 better resurrection:
Authorship
Who wrote the book of Hebrews? Hebrews is an unsigned book. There are many theories
Apollos – Some people feel that Apollos may have written the book of Hebrews. The problem is that there is not much evidence to support the theory. More on this later.
Barnabas – Others ascribe the book to Barnabas, but here again there is no evidence to support this theory. There are some spurious writings that were attributed to Barnabas that are not regarded as authentic; but their style is so different than the epistle to the Hebrews that if one can conclude that the writings that were attributed to Barnabas were at all indicative of Barnabas’ style, he clearly didn’t write the epistle to the Hebrews.
Priscilla – Others have suggested that it was written by Priscilla, the wife of Aquila, but here again there is no evidence.
Paul – There are many style reasons that make the epistle “Pauline” in its style. Peter, some insist, almost states it as a fact in 2 Peter 3:15-16.
2 Peter 3:15-16
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; Peter here ascribes a letter written by Paul to the Jews or Hebrews. But the other 13 Pauline epistles all went to Gentile churches.
So if Hebrews was not written by Paul then there is a missing letter written by Paul to the Hebrews. 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Here Peter is commenting on Paul’s letter, saying that Paul had some written some things that were hard to understand (Hebrews 6 and 10).
Paul’s Secret Mark
If one understands that there were apparently forgeries of Thessalonian letters being circulated, then several passages start to make more sense (Thess 2:2). Thus at the end of that letter, Paul says he includes a sort of secret mark, a token.
2 Thessalonians 3:17-18
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
Note how Paul is emphasizing that he has signed the letter with his own hand (most were probably drafted by an amanuensis or secretary). He would sign the end so that they would know that the letter was really from him.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
So what is this signature or style item that is included in every letter?
Those who think Paul wrote Hebrews choose these endings:
Rom 16:24
1 Cor 16:23-24
2 Cor 13:14
Gal 6:18
Eph 6:24
Phil 4:23
Col 4:18
1 Thess 5:28
2 Thess 3:18
1 Tim 6:21
2 Tim 4:22
Titus 3:15
Philemon 25….
So how does Hebrews end? Hebrews 13:25 says: “Grace be with you all. Amen.”
Why is this so impressive of Paul’s style? Because the word “Grace” does NOT even appear in the other epistles! (Except in 2 Peter 3:18, where it is used as an instruction or exhortation and not as a salutation or blessing as here.)
However a close look at what we know will help us decide, I think, that Paul did not write the book of Hebrews
1. What Is Known: Several things are known about the author of Hebrews, but these are not enough to identify this person:
a. The book makes no direct reference to the author
b. The author was probably a Jew:
1) The author was very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures
2) The author was familiar with the practices of First Century Jews
2. Various Suggestions: Many have been suggested as possible authors of the book of Hebrews, but it is not possible to be definitive in one’s conclusion: We will look at just the two major considerations: Paul & Apollos.
a. Paul: While many of the arguments could be weighed either way, it seems unlikely that Paul was the writer of Hebrews in view of Hebrews 2:3-4:8
1) Anonymity: Nowhere in the letter does the writer identify himself as Paul; this is very unlikely in view of Paul’s other letters. Apostolic authority is not mentioned either
2) Difference in Style: The Greek style is not typical of Pauline abruptness and digressions; it is more classical
3) Absence of Pauline Spiritual Experience: The author does not place his experience into the letter as Paul is noted for doing in his writings
4) Theological Differences:
There are theological differences in this letter with Paul’s other writings:
(1) The exaltation of Christ rather than resurrection is emphasized
(2) The redemptive aspects of Christ’s work rather than the sanctifying aspects of Christ’s work are emphasized
(3) The high priesthood of Christ is nowhere else emphasized by Paul
(5) Historical Difference: Unlike Paul who emphasizes that he did not receive the gospel from men
(Gal. 1–2), this writer seems to have received the gospel from others
(6) Outside of Apostolic Circle: The writer of Hebrews seems to place himself outside of the Apostolic circle
Heb 2:3
b. Apollos: The positive evidence can not be argued against, but it is not determinative, and the negative evidence consists of mostly arguments from silence, but they bare consideration; this not an impossible hypothesis:
1) Luther believed Apollos to be the author. And as a historical note; because Martin Luther believed Apollos to be the author he for a while excluded it from his translation into German.
2) Support for Apollos as author of Hebrews:
a) His close fellowship with Paul, thus accounting for the Pauline influences
b) His connection with Alexandria, therefore the Alexandrian style
c) His knowledge of the Scriptures, which would explain the OT content
d) His eloquence, which well suits the oratorical form of the Epistle
e) His contacts with Timothy
f) His considerable influence in various churches
3) Weakness for Apollos as author of Hebrews:
a) There is no early tradition to support the theory
b) There is no evidence of literary activity on his part
Hebrews Is A New Testament Leviticus
Chuck Missler has said…
Hebrews is a sort of New Testament book of Leviticus. What Leviticus concealed in the Old Testament, the book of Hebrews reveals. As we study Hebrews, we are going to discover the real significance of the events in Leviticus.
As you read through Leviticus, it can be tedious getting bogged down in all of the details and ceremonial issues. However, the study of Hebrews will allow us to look at those ceremonies and memorials in a new perspective showing us the significance of them all!
The Book of Hebrews is a call to maturity. It is not an evangelical book.
It is a call to be separate and suggests that Israel not be satisfied with salvation alone, but that they should maximize the fruits and service that can be counted to them.
Seven Major Ideas of the Book
1) It advocates that the Jewish reader leave the shadows behind and exchange them for the substance.
2) The writer argues that the things which make up Judaism were instituted as a foreshadowing of things to come. They were just shadows of things to come, and that which they were foreshadowing has now come. So exchange the shadows for the substance.
3) It suggests exchanging the types, or models, that were prefigured, for the reality, now that the reality is here.
4) It suggests an exchange of the good things of Judaism for the better things of Christ. It constantly makes that kind of idea, and the word “better” is one of the key words throughout the book. It is not disparaging degrade the past; it is building upon it, or superseding it in a sense.
5) It suggests the incompleteness of the Law versus the perfection of the New Covenant.
6) It exchanges the cardinal ordinances that had a temporary purpose with eternal, spiritual truths that had a complete revelation. It contrasts the earthly sanctuary and temporary passing ceremonies with abiding realities that are eternal.
7) It contrasts the conditional promises of the past with the unconditional promises of the New Covenant.
About the Book
It is addressed to the saints, who are not young in Christ (5:12).
It is addressed to a people who have suffered persecutions (10:32).
It is addressed to a Christian community of considerable size as implied by 13:34.
Therefore, we assume it was first delivered to Jerusalem (Acts 11:23), or maybe the churches of Judea (Acts 9:31).
It was written by someone who had been in bonds (10:34),
It was by someone who had been separated from the Jewish believers 13:19.
It is the only book in the New Testament where the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is elaborated on. It is a unique window into that, with heavy emphasis on Old Testament types such as Melchisedec and Isaac (8:5; 9:9; 10:1; 7:15; 11:9).
It is going to emphasize the Heavenlies seven times:
1) Christ in the Heavenlies (1:3)
2) The Heavenly Calling (3:1)
3) The Heavenly Gift (6:4)
4) Heavenly Things (8:5)
5) Heavenly Country (11:16)
6) Heavenly Jerusalem (12:22)
7) Names are written in Heaven (12:23)
Evidence of Verbal Inspiration
Where there are quotes from the Psalms, Second Samuel, and Deuteronomy; in every case it ascribes them to God—not to the Psalmist —but to God Himself. So clearly the Scripture here is authenticated itself as the Word of God.
Hebrews 1:5-9: “He saith” meaning the quotes from these Old Testament passages are written or attributed to God Himself. (Quoting from Psalms 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 97:7; Psalm 104:4; Psalm 45:6-7.)
Hebrews 2:8 and 4:2-11: Psalm 95 is quoted and the word “today” and “I have sworn in my wrath” are used to build a whole position hanging on those particular words occurring in Psalm 95.
Hebrews 3:2-6 is quoted from Numbers 11:7. The words “servant” and “My House” are the key words that an issue is built on.
Hebrews 8: is built on one word from Jeremiah 3:31 – the word “new” and the relevance of that word.
Hebrews 12:5-9: is quoted from Proverbs 3:11 which speaks of “My Son.”
Hebrews 12:26-27: connects with Haggai 2:11 building an argument on the phrase “once more.”
This whole interconnectedness of these words, phrases and arguments clearly shows that these 66 books are inspired by the Holy Spirit to create the Word of God (not a paraphrase or summary, but the actual WORD).