Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 4-6
     New Testament Reading: Hebrews 1

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:1-3).

As one of the most obscure New Testament writings, Hebrews includes few references to help identify the dating, location, author, audience, or general context. Much about the origin of Hebrews is a mystery. Some scholars believe Paul wrote the letter, while others suggest that one of Paul’s associates, such as Barnabas, Luke, or Apollos, may have written the book. Speculation has proved fruitless, and the best conclusion may be that of Origen in the third century, who stated that only God knows for certain who wrote the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Believers who had stood firm in the gospel before but had since suffered persecution and had become discouraged in their faith. They were torn between their new faith and their old ways, and their faith was wavering. Hebrews encourages them to stand fast in their faith with reasons for the eternal hope of all believers.

Hebrews is one of the most powerful presentations of the gospel ever written. It bridges between the Old Testament world of promise with its covenants, priests, and sacrifices, and the New Testament world of fulfillment, where Christ functions as the high priest of a new and greater covenant with God.

The writer points out the overwhelming superiority of Christ over all that they had experienced under the law. The author frequently uses the word better to describe the person and work of Christ. He is better than angels, better than Moses, and better than Joshua. He has brought a better revelation, a better priesthood, a better covenant, a better sanctuary, and a better sacrifice.

There was nothing inferior about the Jewish religion. It was given by God and designed by God. Every principle, rule, and ritual had a wealth of meaning. The Old Testament served as a faithful guide for thousands of people over thousands of years. It was the best offered to man. But when Christ came, the best got better.

Although Hebrews is specifically addressed to Jewish Christians, its teachings and practical admonitions equally apply to Gentile believers. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Col. 3:11). The church today needs the teaching provided in the Old Testament laws of worship, which this book so beautifully relates to Christ and the gospel of eternal salvation. Christianity is not something added on to Judaism. It is something new, but a fuller understanding of the Old Covenant gives a richer and more marvelous appreciation of the New Covenant of God’s grace through our Lord Jesus Christ.