1. MIKE MAZZALONGO Introduction to Hebrews 1

2. Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1.Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity –Saul (Acts 9:1-ff)

3. Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1.Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity 2.Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity –Judaizers (Acts 15:1-ff)

4. Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1.Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity 2.Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity 3.Roman persecution Paul’s imprisonment – (II Tim. 4:6)

5. Title “To the Hebrews” (Heb. 13:23)

6. Authorship 1. Unknown writer

7. Authorship 1.Unknown writer 2. Barnabas – Levite (Acts 4:36) – Greek from Cyprus – More “doer” than writer

8. Authorship 1.Unknown writer 2.Barnabas 3. Apollos –Greek scholar –Knew the Old Testament –Knew Paul’s writings –No name/no other writing

9. Authorship 1.Unknown writer 2.Barnabas 3.Apollos 4.Paul  Familiar with Old Testament/Gospel  Possible sermon in original form  Church “Fathers” name Paul *May have been written by Paul as a sermon, translated into Greek by Luke.

10. Date 96 A.D. - Quoted by Clement 70 A.D. - Destruction of Jerusalem 33-60 A.D. - Hebrews mentions mature leaders (63-69 A.D.)

11. Purpose: Encouragement But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. - Hebrews 13:22

12. Approach The writer compares Judaism and Christianity and challenges his readers to choose once and for all which is superior.

13. Outline Part 1 The Glory of Christ (1:1 – 10:18)

14. Outline Part 1 The Glory of Christ (1:1 – 10:18) Part 2 The Glory of the Church (10:19 – 13:25)

15. God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways… - Hebrews 1:1

16. FATHERS Various people to whom God spoke PROPHETS God spoke through them WAYS and PORTIONS How God spoke

17. In these last days… - Hebrews 1:2a

18. Historical Phases 1. Ante-Deluvian Creation – Flood (Gen. 1:1-8:22)

19. Historical Phases 1.Ante-Deluvian 2. Post-Deluvian Rainbow – Ascension (Gen. 9:1; Acts 1:26)

20. Historical Phases 1.Ante-Deluvian 2.Post-Deluvian 3. Last Days Pentecost – Second Coming (Acts 2:1; Rev. 22:21)

21. 3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1. His pre-eminence in history in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. - Hebrews 1:2

22. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power… - Hebrews 1:3a

23. 3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1.His pre-eminence in history 2. His person –Radiance of His glory –Representation of His nature –Word of His power

24. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, - Hebrews 1:3b

25. 3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1.His pre-eminence in history 2.His person 3.His position –Lowest – cross –Highest – Right hand of God

26. Greater than the prophets because: Jesus -First & last in history -Divine nature -Supreme authority Prophets -In between history -Human nature -No authority

27. Listen to Jesus: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him!” - Matthew 17:5b