2. Author: Unknown
Recipients: Jewish Christians, likely in Rome
Date: A.D.
Theme: An exhortation to faithfulness and a warning against the danger of apostasy by appealing to the superiority of Christ and His new covenant over the old covenant
Key Words: “better,” “Christ,” “let us,” “priest,” “faith”
Key Verses: 1:1-3; 2:3-4; 4:12-16; 8:6-13; 9:15-17; 10:4; 12:2

3. Characteristics & Features of the Book:
Anonymous
Word of exhortation
Old Testament
The priesthood of Christ
Hall of Faith

4. Main Emphasis of the Book:
The primary theme of the book of Hebrews is an exhortation to continued faithfulness and a warning against the danger of apostasy by appealing to the superiority of Christ and His new covenant over the old covenant.

5. Christ Is Better Than (Superior to) the Prophets (1:1-3).
Christ Is Better Than (Superior to) the Angels (1:4-2:18).
Christ Is Better Than (Superior to) Moses (3:1-19).
Christ (and His Rest) Is Better Than (Superior to) Joshua (and His Rest) (4:1-13).
Christ (and His Priesthood) Is Better Than (Superior to) Aaron (and His Priesthood) (4:14-7:28).
Christ’s Covenant Is Better Than (Superior to) the Mosaic Covenant (8:1-13).
Christ’s Sacrifice Is Better Than (Superior to) the Old Testament Sacrifices (9:1-10:18).
Christ’s Way of Life (Living By Faith) Is Better Than Any Other Life (10:19-13:25).

7. Author: James
Recipients: Jewish Christians, scattered from persecution
Date: A.D.
Theme: Practicing pure and undefiled religion in everyday life
Key Words: “faith,” “work(s)”
Key Verses: 1:21-25; 2:14-26; 4:14-17

8. Characteristics & Features of the Book:
One of the “General Epistles”
Earliest
Practical book of imperatives
Various names attributed to the book
Martin Luther called it “a right strawy epistle.”
Very similar to the Sermon on the Mount

9. Main Emphasis of the Book:
The primary theme of the book of James is a very practical approach to practicing pure and undefiled religion in everyday life. The faith of a Christian will be tested, therefore the faith of a Christian must be developed and demonstrated to be acceptable to God.

10. Pure and Undefiled Religion Will Face Trials and Temptations (1:2-18).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Hear & Do the Word of God (1:19-27).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Not Show Partiality (2:1-13).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Have Faith and Works Working Together (2:14-26).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Control the Tongue (3:1-12).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Possess and Exercise Heavenly Wisdom (3:13-18).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Avoid Worldliness (4:1-6).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Submit to God and His Will (4:7-17).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Patiently Endure Hardships (5:1-12).
Pure and Undefiled Religion Must Rely Upon God and Turn Men Back to God (5:13-20).