MIKE MAZZALONGO

Introduction to Hebrews1

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity:

1.Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity –Saul (Acts 9:1-ff)

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity:

1. Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity

2.Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity–Judaizers (Acts 15:1-ff)

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity:

1. Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity

2. Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity

3.Roman persecution Paul’s imprisonment – (II Tim. 4:6)

Title

“To the Hebrews” (Heb. 13:23)

Authorship

1. Unknown writer

Authorship

1. Unknown writer

2. Barnabas– Levite (Acts 4:36)– Greek from Cyprus– More “doer” than writer

Authorship

1. Unknown writer2. Barnabas

3. Apollos– Greek scholar– Knew the Old Testament– Knew Paul’s writings– No name/no other writing

Authorship

1. Unknown writer2. Barnabas3. Apollos

4.Paul Familiar with Old Testament/Gospel Possible sermon in original form Church “Fathers” name Paul*May have been written by Paul as a sermon,

translated into Greek by Luke.

Date

• 96 A.D. - Quoted by Clement• 70 A.D. - Destruction of

Jerusalem• 33-60 A.D. - Hebrews

mentions mature leaders (63-69 A.D.)

Purpose: Encouragement

But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.- Hebrews 13:22

Approach

The writer compares Judaism and Christianity and challenges his readers to choose once and for all which is superior.

Outline

Part 1The Glory of Christ (1:1 – 10:18)

Outline

Part 1The Glory of Christ (1:1 – 10:18)

Part 2The Glory of the Church (10:19 – 13:25)

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways…

- Hebrews 1:1

FATHERSVarious people to whom God spoke

PROPHETSGod spoke through them

WAYS and PORTIONSHow God spoke

In these last days…

- Hebrews 1:2a

Historical Phases

1. Ante-DeluvianCreation – Flood (Gen. 1:1-

8:22)

Historical Phases

1.Ante-Deluvian

2. Post-DeluvianRainbow – Ascension

(Gen. 9:1; Acts 1:26)

Historical Phases

1.Ante-Deluvian2.Post-Deluvian

3. Last DaysPentecost – Second Coming

(Acts 2:1; Rev. 22:21)

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority

1. His pre-eminence in history

in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.- Hebrews 1:2

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power…

- Hebrews 1:3a

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority

1. His pre-eminence in history

2. His person– Radiance of His glory– Representation of His nature– Word of His power

When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

- Hebrews 1:3b

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority

1. His pre-eminence in history2. His person

3.His position– Lowest – cross– Highest – Right hand of God

Greater than the prophets because:

Jesus- First & last in history- Divine nature- Supreme authority

Prophets- In between history- Human nature- No authority

Listen to Jesus:

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him!”- Matthew 17:5b