Hebrews

Possible Authors - Paul Paul usually identifies himself as an author AD, book was commonly called “The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews” The writing style is different than Paul Hebrews 2:3 – “First the Lord spoke of it, and then those who heard him guaranteed its truth to us,” NET 1 Corinthians 15:8 – “…and last of all he appeared to me also as to one abnormally born.”

Barnabas? Acts 4:36 – “Joseph, a Levite, from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas ( which means Son of Encouragement)…” Tertullian 200 AD) suggested Barnabas as the author Hebrews 13:22 – “…my word of exhortation..”

Apollos? Let’s read: Acts 18:24 Martin Luther’s pick for the author Take your pick

Authorship -- Conclusion Origen of Alexandria, c. AD 225 – “Its thoughts are the thoughts of the apostle, but the language and composition that of one who recalled from memory and, as it were, made notes of what was said by the master.” – “Who wrote the Epistle, God only knows.”

Theme of Book Christ Is Superior – To prophets – To angels – To Moses – To High Priests – In covenant – In sanctuary – In sacrifice This Applies to a Christian’s Life – Draw near to God and each other – Remember the Heroes of Faith – Enduring chastening as God’s children

Hebrews 1:1-4 1.God spoke through the prophets at many times and in various ways. What was the time spread during which the prophets spoke? What were the various ways through which God revealed his Word to them? About 1500BC to 400BC Direct revelation, visions, dreams 2 Peter 1:21 2.God has spoken to us through his Son. What does John 1:17,18 tell us about the unique revelation God has given us through Jesus? Jesus was superior to the angels because he came from the Father’s side full of grace and truth, and is still with Him.

Verse 2b Jesus is the heir – owner and ruler of all things Verse 2c the universe was made through him Verse 3a He is the radiance of God’s glory = all of the qualities of God are seen in Jesus Verse 3b The exact representation of God’s being – like a stamp which is used to mint a coin

Verse 3c Jesus sustains all things by his word – Colossians 1:17 Verse 3d He purified us from our sins Verse 4 He is superior to the angels

Our Lutheran liturgy leads us to worship and exalt Christ. Think of different parts of our worship service that reflect some of the words written in this introduction. Use last weeks bulletin to find all the words that point out the honor and glory of Jesus.

Hebrews 1: What point does the writer make in the first two Old Testament passages he quotes? (verse 5) How does this show Jesus’ superiority over the angels? He calls Jesus God’s Son The angels are never called God’s Son He says in verse 6, “Let all His angels worship him.” 2.Verses 7 and 14 tell us about the angels’ role in God’s work. What is that role? How does this show Jesus’ superiority over the angels? They are “winds” and “flames of fire” = They are fast and carry out God’s judgments – but they are only servants used to carry out God’s tasks They are servants used to serve God’s people; Jesus is called God’s servant

3.What does the writer call Jesus in verses 8 and 9? He calls Jesus God – his throne would last forever John 5:23 and Revelation 5: The quotation beginning in verse 10 is very important. Go back to the source and read Psalm 102: Three times in verses 19 to 24 the psalm writer uses the name Jehovah to refer to the one he is praying to. Although the word Jehovah is not used in the section quoted by the writer to the Hebrews (Psalm 102:25-27), there is no change in subject. What great fact about Jesus does this convey? Note how the word LORD is spelled in Psalm 102. This tells us Jesus is the same as Jehovah

5. What point does the writer make in verse 13? Angels were never given the honor of sitting at God’s right hand – it is Jesus’ position of power 6.Angels are “ministering spirits” who serve those who will inherit eternal life. Why is this verse much more valuable than a dozen angel stories? We hear from God himself what angels do, we don’t need proof from sketchy stories.