The book of Hebrews is thought to be written by Priscilla, who was a prominent leader and teacher in the church alongside her husband Aquila. The book itself does not name its author. Hebrews focuses on the uniqueness of Jesus and the faithfulness Jesus modeled and the church is to replicate. It speaks to early believers facing hardship, urging them to remain steadfast in their trust and commitment to Jesus as the ultimate mediator of a new, more liberating covenant. His example calls the community to endurance in living out love for one another, particularly in facing struggles and oppression.
Main Themes:
Jesus as the High Priest: Hebrews makes clear that Jesus, in the order of Melchizedek, is the eternal High Priest who mediates God’s generosity and justice (Hebrews 7). His sacrifice, unlike the repetitive animal offerings, is final and complete, bringing restoration.
Endurance in Trust and Commitment: Followers are encouraged to “run the race laid out for us with endurance,” focusing on Jesus as the one who begins and completes faithfulness (Hebrews 12:1-2). This call reflects the importance of continuing to live faithfully even when the promise seems distant.
God’s Liberating Justice: The letter presents God as generous and just, calling the community to mirror that justice by showing hospitality and caring for those in prison and those mistreated, “as if within the same body” (Hebrews 13:3).
Organizational Flow:
Chapters 1-2: Jesus is greater than the messengers who came before, and His message requires serious attention.
Chapters 3-4: Jesus is greater than Moses, offering a deeper and more inclusive rest than what was instructed in the Hebrew Bible.
Chapters 5-7: Jesus' priesthood in the order of Melchizedek explores how His role transcends the Levitical system.
Chapters 8-10: The advantage of the new covenant through Jesus’ final sacrifice.
Chapters 11-12: A list of ancient examples of faithfulness, calling the community to follow this tradition of trust and endurance.
Chapter 13: Final encouragements to live generously, show hospitality, and endure with love and mutual care.
Key Passages:
Hebrews 12:1-2: “We may run the race laid out for us with endurance, focusing on Jesus, the one who begins and completes faithfulness.”
Hebrews 13:1-2: “Familial love must stay present. Do not neglect welcoming strangers because through it some have welcomed messengers as guests unknowingly.”
Liberation and Inclusion:
Hebrews calls the community to live out the values of God’s reign, focusing on inclusion and liberation. This is most evident in the encouragement to care for prisoners and those mistreated (Hebrews 13:3). Jesus’ suffering “outside the gate” (Hebrews 13:12) reflects His solidarity with those marginalized by society, and followers are invited to join Him, not in privileged spaces but among the oppressed, embodying God's healing and justice.
In Hebrews, liberation is not just spiritual but deeply practical—shown through hospitality, generosity, and care for the vulnerable, reflecting God’s reign of justice for all.