The Letter to the Hebrews, Part 1: Five Characteristics
When we first look at the biblical letter to the Hebrews, certain questions naturally come to mind. Who wrote this letter? Who were the recipients? We do not know the author by anything said directly in the text. There are indications that it could be Paul and it certainly sounds like him, with his background in Judaism, but the quality of the Greek is different and the style is not his usual way of writing. In favor of Paul as the author is the mention of the writer coming on a visit with Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and the fact that early collections of Paul’s letters include Hebrews. It was considered by early writers outside the Church to be his. The author chose not to tell us who he was, even though his first-century audience knew.
Who and where was the original audience? Certainly they were of Jewish background, because of the content of the book and its references to the books of Moses. It’s been suggested they were in Jerusalem, Rome or areas close to cities.
Since Timothy is mentioned, the letter must be dated after 50 CE, when he became an associate of Paul. The Levitical system is referred to in the present tense (10:1–2, 8, 11), so the book had to be written before 70 CE, when the priesthood ceased (at the time of the destruction of the temple). It was probably written between 64 and 66 CE — still a possible date for authorship by Paul. We know that the book was in circulation by the end of the first century, because Clement of Rome (thought to have died in 99 CE) uses it as the basis for one of his letters.
Hebrews is more like a sermon in style, and can be divided into two main sections, with the central theme of both sections being the superiority of Christ. In the first part (1:1–10:18), we find His individual work; in the second (10:19–13:25), the practical application in the life of His followers.
Considering the social and spiritual situation of the audience will provide background to the book’s overriding purpose and help us apply that purpose.
CHARACTERISTICS
Several aspects stand out in the audience’s situation:
1. The Hebrews had been believers for quite some time. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. . . . For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again . . .” (2:3; 5:12).
They were early converts who had had access to eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and teaching, and had been around long enough to have become teachers, but instead had become weakened. Reference is also made to the circumstances of their earlier spiritual lives (10:32–34).
2. They were likely in or near a city. “Do not forget to entertain strangers. . . . Remember the prisoners as if chained with them” (13:2–3).
Taking care of regular visitors and people in prison are tasks more likely in an urban setting. And people who live in a city would understand the powerful effect and hold of city life. Christ’s followers are not to be captivated by such surroundings — their goal is very different — a truly permanent spiritual future: “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (13:14).
3. They were probably members of a house church that had suffered defections. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (10:25).
Some had ceased to see the value of meeting together and cut themselves off from the encouragement that each can give to others, and removed themselves from that responsibility. There is a need to be connected each week in order to encourage one another as the time of Christ’s return draws closer.
4. They were having issues with their leaders. “Remember those who [had the] rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (13:7).
This is instruction to recall past leaders who had taught and set a good example. The Greek tense can refer to the initial teaching the audience heard. Those teachers are to be remembered in the same way as the faithful of chapter 11. The line of succession of spiritual leadership is clear. Just as previous leaders are to be respected, so present leaders deserve the same: “Obey those who rule over you [now], and be submissive” (13:17).
5. They were suffering renewed persecution. The struggle was having its effect in weariness, laxity, lethargy and faithlessness. Under such circumstances it might have been easier to go back into their former religious ways of Judaism, which focused on three supports: angels, Moses and the Aaronic/Levitical system. These three emphases were good, but what Christ has brought is better.
In summary, the book of Hebrews speaks to a people growing weary and lax, struggling with its leadership and with the requirement to be different from the surrounding society. The purpose is to shore up the brethren. The book does this by showing Christ’s superior work; showing the application of Christ’s coming to His followers’ daily lives. In Part 2 we’ll look at the book’s five warnings.
SELECTED REFERENCES:
1. William L. Lane, Hebrews 1–8. Vol. 47A. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, (1998).
2. William L. Lane, Hebrews 9–13. Vol. 47B. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, (1998).
3. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, “The Five Warnings of the Book of Hebrews” in The Messianic Bible Study Collection (1983).
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