Introduction to the letter to the Hebrews

The Book of Hebrews is the most challenging book of the New Testament. Although it is considered a letter, it looks more like a sermon and a series of exhortations. In most of the New Testament letters, the authors would identify themselves at the onset of the letters, but this feature is not seen in this book. The only semblance to a New Testament letter is in the conclusion where the author sent his personal greetings and his invocation of grace. Hebrews is one of the most important books in the Bible because it seeks to unify the Old and New Testaments. Through the Book of Hebrews we see how the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant finds its fruition in the life and death of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The main theme of Hebrews is about the supremacy of Christ.

Down through history, different people had been proposed as the possible author of this letter. However, no one could pinpoint quite conclusively to one particular author. The wide selections of possible author of Hebrews include Peter, Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, Timothy, Philip and even Silvanus. Some theologians attribute this book to Paul, but in reality no one knows exactly who wrote it. Origen, one of the early church fathers wisely said that God alone knows who wrote this epistle. Not knowing exactly who the author was should not be the reason to deny its canonicity. For the authors of some of the Old Testament books such as, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles were also unknown. Just as those books were accepted as canonical, so also should the canonicity of the Epistle to the Hebrews be without doubt. However, from Hebrews 6:9-10, we can tell that the author was known to the recipients.

When exactly was this letter written? Many believed that this letter was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Why? It is inconceivable for the author not to mention the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple to substantiate his argument if indeed they were destroyed. Furthermore, in Hebrews 9:6-13 and 13:10, the temple rituals were referred to in the present tense implying that the rituals were still being practiced during his time.

As the title of the letter suggests, it was written to a group of Jewish Christians. These Jews were converted during the time when their community was hostile towards Christianity. Despite the tremendous opposition to their new found faith they stood firm and suffered the persecution. But with the passing of time they became weary and found it hard to cope with the demand of the faith. And the constant antagonism to their new faith soon wore them down and many returned to their old practices of Judaism. But there were yet others who were tottering and contemplating whether to emulate those who had deflected. Hence, this letter was sent to them to address the crisis that they were facing. The author was essentially making an appeal to them to stay true to their new found belief.

We can learn from the experience of the Hebrew believers and avoid the pitfalls that also confront us today. This book will help us see the superiority of Christ and stay confident in our walk with Him.