1. NT Survey I Epistle to the Hebrews

2. Introductory Matters for Hebrews Author: Unknown, even in the early church. Style of letter and 2:3-4 argue strongly against the Apostle Paul. Others have been put forth as candidates, but without conclusive proof. Characteristics of the author include: Author: Unknown, even in the early church. Style of letter and 2:3-4 argue strongly against the Apostle Paul. Others have been put forth as candidates, but without conclusive proof. Characteristics of the author include: Good rapport with Jewish Christians; well-known and trusted by original recipients. Good rapport with Jewish Christians; well-known and trusted by original recipients. Very familiar with the OT; even bases some of his arguments on the silence of the OT. Very familiar with the OT; even bases some of his arguments on the silence of the OT. A member of Pauline team, which included Timothy, who is mentioned in 13:23. A member of Pauline team, which included Timothy, who is mentioned in 13:23. A second generation Christian, not an apostle. A second generation Christian, not an apostle. Date: Written in the late 60s AD, before the destruction of the temple. Sacrifices were still being offered. Date: Written in the late 60s AD, before the destruction of the temple. Sacrifices were still being offered. Audience and Occasion: A mixed multitude of Jewish believers and professors, some of whom were considering a return to the Judaism that rejected Jesus as Messiah. Audience and Occasion: A mixed multitude of Jewish believers and professors, some of whom were considering a return to the Judaism that rejected Jesus as Messiah. Character of the book: More like a sermon than a letter; full of exhortation to press on and warnings of the consequences of turning back. Character of the book: More like a sermon than a letter; full of exhortation to press on and warnings of the consequences of turning back.

3. Major Themes in Hebrews The Old Testament, including quotations from Psalms, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Proverbs. The Old Testament, including quotations from Psalms, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Proverbs. The Great God (68x) The Great God (68x) The Living God The Living God The Creator The Creator The Consuming Fire The Consuming Fire The Incomparable Son, Jesus Christ (Son, 12x; Christ, 12x; Jesus, 13x) The Incomparable Son, Jesus Christ (Son, 12x; Christ, 12x; Jesus, 13x) “Better” “Better” Faith Faith Encouragement and Warning Encouragement and Warning

4. Purpose Statement for Hebrews Jewish Christians, some of whom were considering a return to Judaism, are instructed and exhorted to progression, steadfastness, endurance, and maturity by looking to Jesus, the Son of God and great High Priest. Jewish Christians, some of whom were considering a return to Judaism, are instructed and exhorted to progression, steadfastness, endurance, and maturity by looking to Jesus, the Son of God and great High Priest.

5. The Tabernacle – Hebrews 9

6. Survey of Hebrews The Preeminence of the Son in His Person and Work (1:1 – 10:18) The Theme (1:1-3) The Theme (1:1-3) The Superiority of the Son to Angels (1:4 – 2:18) The Superiority of the Son to Angels (1:4 – 2:18) (1) The danger of drifting (2:1-4) (1) The danger of drifting (2:1-4) The Superiority of the Son to Moses (3:1-6) The Superiority of the Son to Moses (3:1-6) (2) The danger of disobedience (3:7 – 4:13) (2) The danger of disobedience (3:7 – 4:13) The Superiority of the Son to Aaron (4:14 – 10:18) The Superiority of the Son to Aaron (4:14 – 10:18) A better position A better position A better priest A better priest (3) The danger of degeneration (5:11 – 6:20) (3) The danger of degeneration (5:11 – 6:20) A better covenant A better covenant A better sanctuary A better sanctuary A better sacrifice A better sacrifice

7. Survey of Hebrews The Practical Consequences (10:19 – 13:25) Exhortations and Encouragements (10:19-39) Exhortations and Encouragements (10:19-39) (4) The danger of despising (10:26-31) (4) The danger of despising (10:26-31) Evaluation of Faith (11:1 – 12:17) Evaluation of Faith (11:1 – 12:17) Definition of faith (11:1-3) Definition of faith (11:1-3) Examples of faith (11:4-40) Examples of faith (11:4-40) Appeal for endurance of faith (12:1-11) Appeal for endurance of faith (12:1-11) Advice regarding endurance of faith (12:12-17) Advice regarding endurance of faith (12:12-17) (5) The danger of departing (12:18-29) (5) The danger of departing (12:18-29) Concluding Counsel (13:1-25) Concluding Counsel (13:1-25) Moral counsel to body members (13:1-7) Moral counsel to body members (13:1-7) Spiritual counsel regarding the Leader and His truth (13:8-16) Spiritual counsel regarding the Leader and His truth (13:8-16) Practical counsel regarding leaders of the body (13:17) Practical counsel regarding leaders of the body (13:17) Personal closing words to the body (13:18-25) Personal closing words to the body (13:18-25)

8. Next Week: 1 Peter