Hebrews 1-3

Hebrews 1

Author: The human author is unknown. Whoever it was had eloquent Greek writing. Could be

• Paul (however writing is different)
• Barnabas
• Apollos
• Luke

The letter was written primarily to Jewish Christians who were experiencing pressure, persecution, and temptation to return to Judaism.

Date

Date:  AD 60-69.

• The Temple sacrificial system is discussed as if it is still functioning.
• The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 is never mentioned.
• Timothy is mentioned as still alive 

God spoke:

• Through the prophets
• In many times
• In many ways

Now God has spoken through His Son

Jesus is:

• Heir of all things
• Creator of the world
• Radiance of God’s glory
• Exact imprint of God’s nature
• Sustainer of all things
• Purifier of sins
• Exalted at God’s right hand

The author quotes several OT passages to demonstrate that Jesus is superior to angels.

The Son is:

• Begotten 
• Worshiped by angels
• Eternal
• Creator

Angels are:

• Servants
• Ministering spirits
• Sent to serve God’s people

Hebrews	OT Verse
1:5a	Psalm 2:7
1:5b	2 Samuel 7:14
1:6	Deuteronomy 32:43 / Psalm 97:7
1:7	Psalm 104:4
1:8-9	Psalm 45:6-7
1:10-12	Psalm 102:25-27
1:13	Psalm 110:1

Hebrews 2

Hebrews 1: Jesus is greater than angels.

Hebrews 2: Therefore, we must listen carefully to Jesus.

Or we might gradually drift away from the truth!

We know that angels were involved in the giving of the Law to Moses (Acts 7:53

Galatians 3:19) and that it was reliable. 

• How much more serious is neglecting salvation through Christ?

Jesus declared, eyewitnesses attested, and God confirmed the gospel through:

• Signs
• Wonders
• Miracles
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Psalm 8 Quoted

• Humanity was created to rule creation
• Sin disrupted that purpose

Jesus became:

• Temporarily lower than angels
• Human
• Crowned with glory after suffering

In order to:

• Bring many sons to glory
• Destroy the devil’s power
• Deliver people from fear of death

Jesus calls us brothers and sisters

Because He became human and suffered he understands temptation

Hebrews	OT Source (I think)
2:12	Psalm 22:22
2:13a	Isaiah 8:17
2:13b	Isaiah 8:18

Hebrews 3

Jesus is:

• Apostle
• High Priest of our confession

Moses:Faithful servant in God’s house

Jesus:Faithful Son over God’s house

Moses served within the house and Jesus built the house. Christ is worthy of greater glory than Moses.

 Do Not Harden Your Hearts

Psalm 95: 7-11 Quoted

The author recalls Israel’s wilderness rebellion. Repeated warning:“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Israel rebelled even while in the presence of God’s voice.

They failed to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief. 

Believers must encourage one another daily

Application

We are shown that Jesus is worthy and we should listen to Him above all else. Jesus became human and suffered, thus he can empathize with us in our weakness and temptation.