3 Insights to Help Us Understand the Book of Hebrews Better

The New Testament book of Hebrews is a beautifully written sermon that is rich in Christology as well as Old Testament wisdom. However, to a casual reader, the deep insights within the text can be lost in ancient cultural and theological concepts. The letter is skillfully written and full of dynamic language expressing deep theological truths. A quick glance at the text does not do it justice. 

So, what are we to understand from this ancient letter? How can the letter to the Hebrews be useful to us today? 

Here are three key insights that will help you get the most out of reading this eloquent and meaningful text.

1. The Author of Hebrews Writes to Persecuted Christians in Rome

The author of the letter to the Hebrews was concerned that the believers in Rome were discouraged in faith to the point of giving up Christian belief and returning to Jewish practice. 

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

A large population of dispersed Jews and God-fearing people lived in Rome in the first century. This letter was likely received and read by Roman Christians before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The gospel message traveled to Rome and house churches developed, providing a place to assemble, hear Christian teaching, and be encouraged by other believers. Many of these Christians belonged to local Jewish synagogues. They faced pressure and persecution from Roman citizens and Jews living in Rome to give up the Christian confession. 

“But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory” (Hebrews 3:6). 

2. The Author Writes to Remind and Convince Christians of the Person and Work of Christ

The author of Hebrews was highly educated and skilled. The introduction to the letter is considered one of the best literary examples of ancient Greek writing known to us. The book begins with a straightforward thesis. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

The rest of the letter contains explanations of the ministry and identity of Jesus. Each explanation of Christ’s work is accompanied by a warning to not turn away from the truth. This exhortation-warning pattern is repeated throughout the letter.

Christ is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14).

Warning: Therefore, be careful to listen to the Gospel truth so that you do not drift away (Hebrews 2:1).

Jesus was God in the flesh (Hebrews 2:5-18).

Warning: Therefore, fix your thoughts on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1). 

Jesus is faithful (Hebrews 3:6).

Warning: Therefore, do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8). 

Jesus was the one sacrifice to make perfect all those who believe in him (Hebrews 10:14). Because Jesus made the perfect sacrifice, let us boldly approach God’s throne in assurance that we are washed clean (Hebrews 10:14-25).

Warning: If we deliberately keep on sinning, no sacrifice is left (Hebrews 10:26). 

As well as exhortations to continue in faith in Jesus, the letter provides a beautiful portrait of Christ’s incarnation. God’s Son is portrayed as heir, agent of creation, sustainer of the universe, Savior, and sovereign (Hebrews 1:1-4). The author states that Jesus is fully God (1:3) and fully human (2:3-18). Jesus is our high priest who sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). 

3. Understanding the Letter Requires an Awareness of Old Testament Teachings

You don’t have to have a degree in Old Testament studies, but it is helpful to keep in mind that the letter to the Hebrews was written by a Hebrew to other Hebrews. The author made many references that he knew his readers would understand. The letter to the Hebrews has thirty-five Old Testament quotations and dozens of Old Testament names and summaries. 

For example, Hebrews 10:7 is a quote from Psalm 40:7 in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament). “Then I said, ‘Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, my God.’”

Hebrews 1:13 quotes Psalm 110:1. “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

Significant themes commonly understood in the Hebrew culture and found in the letter include old covenant and new covenant, Jesus as High Priest, the leadership of Moses and Joshua, and atonement by sacrifice. 

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a “who’s who list” of Old Testament heroes who set the example of faithfulness to God. The author skillfully uses their common faith heritage to encourage faithfulness to Jesus. The author reminds the Roman Christians of many stories of Old Testament faith (11:1-31) and then reminds them that some of their forefathers were tortured (11:35), jeered and flogged (v. 36), put to death by stoning, went destitute, and were persecuted and mistreated (v. 37). These were all commended for their faith.

The author ends the chapter by reminding the discouraged readers that “God has something better for us” (v. 40).

The Letter to the Hebrews Is Encouragement to Us Today

The letter to the Hebrews is a beautiful message of encouragement that rings true for us today. By understanding the difficulties and persecution the Hebrews faced, we understand the sermon as a call to courage when we are discouraged. When we remember the Person and work of Jesus, we find strength to remain firm in our faith. When we remember what the people of the past endured, we grow in our resolve to be faithful.

To experience the eloquence and strength of this ancient sermon, try to read the Book of Hebrews in one sitting or use an audio Bible to listen to its powerful message. Here are some of the meaningful words of encouragement from the letter to the Hebrews that can encourage us in our faith today.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow…” (Hebrews 4:12). 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees, ‘Make level paths for your feet’, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed” (Hebrews 12:12). 

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). 

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Author T.A. Boland holds a BA in Biblical Studies and is working to complete MA in Biblical Exposition.