2. Hebrews Recipients: Unknown author Probably between 68 – 70 A.D.
No mention of Paul, who died in 64 A.D. Timothy was released after Nero died (68).
Unknown author
Probably between 68 – 70 A.D.
While in Italy (Rome?)
Perhaps: Luke, Silas, Apollos, Barnabas, Priscilla, Philo
(It’s rather Lucian, and is in the best Greek style of writing and rhetoric aside from Luke and Acts)
Recipients:
Jewish Christians, but where?
Not Corinth or Ephesus
Perhaps Thessalonica, Philippi, Asia Minor, or Syria?

3. Purpose of the Book It is a “letter-essay” meant to convince
It probably was quite convincing for the N.T. readers, but the complex arguments are somewhat lost on us today
To exhort the brothers, washed with pure water and partaking of the altar, that Christ is their High Priest and all-sufficient sacrifice for sin
Check out Psalm 110; many O.T. references and close connections to this psalm

4. Structure Therefore… (10:19 – 12:29)
Christ is greater than… (1:4 – 10:18)
Angels, the Law, Moses, the Promised Land, an Old Testament priest of the highest order
Therefore… (10:19 – 12:29)
Persevere in faith
Not “go back” to old days
Don’t forget: Penalty for rejecting new covenant is greater than that for rejecting the old.

5. Themes
Law Themes: Retribution for disobedience; slavery to death and the devil; an unbelieving heart; rebellion; obligation to sacrifice; repentance from dead works; crucifying Jesus again; the living God’s vengeance; struggle against sin; discipline; obedience to leaders
Gospel Themes: God spoke through Jesus; purification for sins; inheriting salvation; our High Priest and Mediator; sanctification; God’s promises; Melchizedek; sprinkled and washed; assurance of faith; the founder and perfecter of our faith; the great Shepherd

6. A Comparison of the Two Sacrifices
The sacrifices under the law were:
The sacrifice of Christ was:
A reminder of sin
Offered continually
The blood of animals
A covering for sin
Involuntary
The removal of sin
Offered once
The blood of Christ
The cleansing of sin
Voluntary