Hebrews 1:1-4

Introduction to the Book of Hebrews

There are unknowns about the book of Hebrews. Key questions include who wrote it, when it was written, to whom, from where, and to where. These provide historical, contextual, and interpretive insight.

The author is uncertain. Speculations include Barnabas, Luke, Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos, or Paul. The Greek style resembles Acts, suggesting Luke. Origen considered Luke. Thomas Aquinas thought Paul wrote it in Hebrew, translated by Luke. Apollos fits due to his description in Acts 18:24-28:

Now a Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures... He powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Apollos was mighty in Old Testament Scriptures, refuting Jewish misunderstandings about Jesus—much like Hebrews. Second Peter 3:15-17 links Paul to scriptural accuracy amid warnings of destruction, paralleling Hebrews' themes of perseverance.

However, Hebrews 2 suggests the author received the gospel secondhand, unlike Paul's direct revelation. Ultimately, the book seems intentionally anonymous. The author is a master of Koine Greek—among the New Testament's most advanced—and Old Testament exposition, including Melchizedek. Written with urgency to a persecuted audience, as in Hebrews 13:22: "Bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly" (13 chapters!).

Date and Location

Internal evidence dates it before 70 AD: present tense references to the standing temple and Levitical priesthood. Post-ascension (post-33 AD), likely 64-68 AD. "Those from Italy greet you" (Hebrews 13) suggests from Rome. Audience: likely Jewish Christians in Jerusalem or scattered Jews, facing persecution from fellow Jews to abandon Christ for Judaism.

Purpose of Hebrews

Written to Jewish Christians under persecution from unbelieving Jews promoting the Levitical system. The audience includes true believers and mere professors. Urgent call to persevere amid pressure to revert to Judaism.

Hebrews 1:1-4: The Value of Revelation, Christ, and Atonement

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Three key values emerge: revelation, Christ, and atonement.

The Value of Revelation

God spoke progressively: in the past through prophets (Old Testament); in these last days through His Son. This is special revelation, complementing general revelation (Romans 1). Prophets like Moses delivered God's words in diverse forms—hymns, poetry—but all God speaking.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation... men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Jesus affirmed this: "Have you not read what was spoken to you by God?" (Matthew 22:29-32, quoting Exodus). Scripture is living (Hebrews 4:12), sufficient for faith and practice—a Reformation cornerstone. Hebrews uses Scripture to encourage perseverance, refute Judaism, and present the gospel.

The Value of Christ

Scripture testifies of Christ (John 5:39-40, 45-46). God spoke ultimately through His Son: heir of all, creator and sustainer of worlds, radiance of God's glory, exact representation of His nature (hypostasis), seated at God's right hand.

Christ is superior: better prophet than prophets, than angels, Moses, Aaron, Levi; better priest, sacrifice, mediator, covenant. His salvation is perfect, perpetual, complete—unlike the imperfect Old Testament system. He is fully God (Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 42:8, 48:11)—essential for infinite atonement value.

The Value of Atonement

Christ, fully God and fully man, offered Himself: "by Himself purged our sins." Infinite worth from deity; substitutionary death from humanity. He sat down—work finished (unlike standing priests, Hebrews 10). Superior to angels, with a more excellent name.

Hebrews counters false Christs (Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism) with the biblical Jesus: exclusive Savior (John 14:6; 1:14). Right beliefs require right instruments (Scripture), right person (Christ), right work (His atonement)—yielding perseverance. Christ surpasses Judaism; reverting is fruitless.

Amid opposition, recognize sin's reality, Christ's superior work, and His accomplishment. He is preeminent Lord of all. Believers are perfect in the gospel—fully saved.