R³ Devotional - Day 355

In these chapters in Hebrews, the superiority of Christ is the major theme throughout this book.  

The book of Hebrews describes in detail how Jesus Christ not only fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament but is better than everything in the Jewish system of thought.  The Jews accepted the Old Testament, but most of them rejected Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.  The recipients of this letter seemed to have been Jewish Christians. They were well versed in Scripture, and they had professed faith in Christ.  Whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, however, they may have been in danger of giving up their Christian faith and returning to Judaism.

The author, traditionally, Paul the Apostle, was thought to be the author, however, since the third century this has been questioned, and the consensus among most modern scholars is that the author is unknown.  The Epistle to the Hebrews was included in the collected writings of Paul from a very early date.  So, since the authorship of this book is uncertain, several names have been suggested.  Included in that list would be Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, and Paul.  Most scholars do not believe that Paul was the author, because the writing style of Hebrews is quite different from that of his letters.  In addition, Paul identified himself in his other letters and appealed to his authority as an apostle, whereas this writer of Hebrews, who never gives his or her name, appeals to eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry for authority.  Nevertheless, the author of Hebrews evidently knew Paul well.  Hebrews was probably written by one of Paul’s close associates who often heard him preach.

In Chapter 1, this book links God’s saving power with His creative power.  In other words, the power that brought the universe into being and that keeps it operating is the very power that removes (provides purification for) our sins.  How mistaken we would be to ever think that God couldn’t forgive us.  No sin is too big for the Ruler of the universe to handle.  He can and will forgive us when we come to Him through His Son.  That Jesus sat down means that the work was complete.  Christ’s sacrifice was final.

The beginning of Chapter 1 is centered around the superiority of Christ and how He is greater than the angels.  Then it continues to relate how Jesus is superior to several other examples, such as humanity, Moses, and the Old Testament priesthood.
Through chapters 2-6, it warns against regression and immaturity, and focus on faith and endurance.

Real life principle: Trust that Jesus is superior than all religious traditions.
Relevant application: Stay secure in the faith.
Ready action steps: Read daily to increase in faith.