The Book of Hebrews—Understanding the Time

Before Jesus was incarnate, the Jewish people anticipated a leader like King David who would defeat foreign oppressors. Their primary desire was for the liberation of Israel and the restoration of the nation's independence. The Jewish categories for Messiah was, in a Jewish mind, akin to what we would think of someone who claimed to be the President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Speaker of the House, all in one—it just isn't done! They expected a Messiah who would establish peace forever in glory and judgment. There were some spiritually aware individuals among the Jews who considered Jesus as the Messiah, but they were in the minority. While separation of powers is necessary with sinful people, God is righteous. Jesus is King of Righteousness, and so he exercises all power with perfect justice.

Christianity began as a Jewish movement and developed into the worship of Jesus as the result of his earthly ministry in Galilee and Jerusalem. While early followers, including the apostles, were Jews, most continued practicing Jewish customs. Jewish leaders and community members who rejected Jesus as the Messiah, persecuted and imprisoned his followers, often viewing their claims as blasphemy or a threat to tradition. Because of this, many early Christians were tempted to return to tradition beliefs. As a result, the author of Hebrews wrote this letter to encourage Jewish Christians to hold fast to their confession of hope and not return to the Old Testament system. It serves as an appeal to persevere in their faith, warning against drifting away from the gospel and affirming Jesus' superiority over the old covenant.

The Book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish-Christian audience who were of Jewish or Israelite descent, well-versed in the Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures. Without studying Leviticus, the significance of the arguments in Hebrews may not be fully grasped. The author uses the Torah, Prophets, and Writings to establish Jesus as the ultimate high priest and divine Son, proving that Jesus was the Messiah by demonstrating how his life, death, and resurrection fulfilled specific prophecies regarding his lineage, birthplace, and role.

The Old Testament is relevant for those who live in the time of the New Testament, including us, because the historical things that occurred in the Old Testament were for our spiritual benefit. It is written for our instruction, we are to learn from those things. The Old Testament has many principles which are important for our spiritual lives today.

Hebrews 1—The Supremacy of Jesus

Hebrews 1:1-2

God spoke to patriarchs and chosen individuals who formed the spiritual heritage of the faith community. This covenant is detailed in Genesis 12, 15, and 17, and interpreted through the New Testament in Galatians 3. Moses' life, law-giving, and prophetic writings (the Pentateuch), all point to the eventual coming of Jesus. David was given the messianic promise (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Hebrews tie believers to this lineage, stressing continuity between Old and New Testament saints. Between the expulsion from Eden and the time of Moses, God primarily spoke to a few key patriarchs and figures through dreams, visions, angels, or direct, audible voice. They predicted the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, hundreds of years in advance. Jesus himself indicated that all the scriptures spoke of Him, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant.

While the prophets conveyed messages from God, Jesus IS the word of God and speaks in a way that is more profound than the prophets. In short, prophets pointed to God, but Jesus is God Himself.

The "last days" refers to the time that began when Jesus' came the first time, died on the cross and resurrected from the dead. This marks the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. His second coming will be the end of that era.

(John 1:1-3)

God appointed Jesus as the ultimate heir of all things and used Him to create the universe, establishing Jesus as both the rightful owner of creation and the one by whom and for whom all things were made. This highlights His preexistence, divinity, and pivotal role in history and redemption.

Hebrews 1:3-5 (Psalm 2:7) (2Samuel 7:14)

Jesus is not just the creator but the purpose behind all existence, holding all things together and ruling over everything as the supreme Son. His creation of the universe included His creation of the angels (Col. 1:16). Thus, as the eternal Creator who brought the angels into existence, Jesus Christ is superior to them. This superiority is validated after His purification of sins and resurrection, leading to His seat at the right hand of God.

The early Christians, especially Jewish believers, were trying to understand how Jesus fit into their long history of faith. They had known about prophets and priests, but Jesus was something more. Although 2 Samuel 7:14 initially refers to Solomon, it is considered a Messianic prophecy that ultimately points to Jesus.

(John 14:9-11)

The author of Hebrews quoted from the Old Testament to prove how Jesus fulfilled and surpassed the Mosaic law, priesthood and sacrifices. Jesus is the central figure in creation and God's ultimate plan.

Hebrews 1:6 (Deuteronomy 32:43)

Angels were regarded very highly by the Jewish believers. The author of Hebrews quotes the Septuagint (Greek) version of Psalm 97:7 to demonstrate that Jesus is not just a high angel, but He is to be worshiped by angels.

Hebrews 1:7 (Psalm 104:4)

God uses the elements of nature (wind, fire) to fulfill His will, just as He uses angels or spiritual beings to do His work.

Hebrews 1:8 (Psalm 45:6)

The "scepter," a symbol of authority, is described as one of righteousness, justice, or equity. Jesus is referred to as God's Son, the rightful King whose rule is characterized by perfect equity and mercy forever.

Hebrews 1:9 (Psalm 45:7)

Jesus is the Anointed One, highlighted as the supreme example of loving what is just and hating what is evil. He was set apart for God's holy and divine purpose. The "oil of joy" represents Jesus' righteousness and divine favor.

Hebrews 1:10 (Psalm 102:25)

Jesus is recognized not just as present at the beginning, but as the active agent who formed the earth and skies.

Hebrews 1:11-12 (Psalm 102:26)

This refers to the heavens and earth, not necessarily total annihilation, but a transformation or passing away of their current form. Even as the world falls apart, God's enduring presence remains, providing a source of strength for believers.

Hebrews 1:13 (Psalm 110:1)

Jesus is exalted, following His ascension. He holds a unique position of authority never given to angels.

Hebrews 1:14 (Psalm 91:11)

Angels are not to be worshiped, but were created by God to serve, protect, and assist believers—those inheriting salvation—under God's direction. They are dispatched by God for specific, often unseen tasks, such as protection, guidance and encouragement.

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