HHEBREWSEBREWS

A A LIBELLUMLIBELLUM

1. The world-system can oppress us.

Hebrews and 1 Peter were

written to believers

facing

cultural oppression.

2. The world-system can distort the Gospel.

1 John and Revelation were

written to believers

in danger

of accomodation.

HEBREWS

INTRODUCTION

THE AUTHOR – A MYSTERY

Paul? - NO

Priscilla? - NO

Paul’s Circle - YES

Who knows?

THE SETTING – A MYSTERY

But, some evidence

suggests Rome

as the destination

THE ARGUMENTS – A MYSTERY

THE PURPOSE

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Hebrews is an exhortation to persevere in

Christian commitment.

THE PURPOSE

All the mysterious arguments exist for this one purpose.

This is the key to teaching the book.

THE PURPOSE

THE GENRE

REFLECTS THE LETTER’S PURPOSE

ITS RELEVANCE TODAY

It is relevant for any people

on the verge of giving up their faith,

or cooling off

or not growing toward spiritual maturity.

HEBREWS

BIBLE STUDY

HEBREWS EXHORTS ITS READERS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL BECAUSE OF:

• WHO JESUS IS (1:1-2:4)

(focusing on his divinity)

• WHAT JESUS HAS DONE (2:5-18)

(focusing on his humanity)

A THEOLOGY A THEOLOGY OF THE INCARNATIONOF THE INCARNATION

The Introduction: Hebrews 1:1-4

The meta-narrative

“The Incarnation of the Eye” Ken Bailey

“The Son is everything the Father is,

except that he is not the Father.” Early Church Saying

WHAT’S THE DEAL

WITH THE ANGELS?

Hebrews 1:5-14 (The Angel Argument)

Hebrews 1:5-14 (The Angel Argument)

THEOPHANYGreek: THEOPHANIA

A ‘GOD APPEARANCE’

A TEMPORARY MANIFESTATION OF GOD

OT TODAY

TTHEHE

IINCARNATIONNCARNATION

Is a Theophany Possible Today?

1:5-14 ANGEL ARGUMENT

2:1-4 EXHORTATION (THE REAL POINT)

NOTICE:

TEACHING MINGLED WITH EXHORTATION

Hebrews 2:5-18WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR US

(His Humanity is Emphasized.)

OUR CHAMPION2:10 ‘ARCHEGOS’

CHRISTUS VICTOR

Jesus is our Priest-Savior and our Champion.

Therefore, hold firm to the faith.

Hebrews 3-13THE LOGIC

Hebrews 3:1 – 4:13

Jesus is better than Moses.

Therefore, be better pilgrims.

Hebrews 4:14-10:31

Jesus is greaterthan any high priest.

He has entered the heavenly temple with his own blood.

Therefore, do not fall away.

Hebrews 4:14-10:31

Two things help us understand these chapters better:

1. He follows a Platonic argument.

2. His argument about Melchizedek has become clearer.

(11 Q Melchizedek)

Hebrews 10:32 – 12:4“Be God’s Champions”

God’s champions

live by faith,

even in the face of death (chapt 11).

The champion theme

resumes again (10:32-39).

12:1-13

Christ is our champion (12:2)

Imitate him and endure hardship

(12:1-13)

Hebrews 12:14- 13:25Final Exhortations

BE HOLY12:14-17

DO NOT REFUSE GOD12:14-29

FURTHER EXHORTATIONS13:1-25