The Letter to the Hebrews

The Letter to the Hebrews is a writing of beauty and power. Because the author doesn’t name himself, he remains unknown. Early Christian tradition attributed the letter to Paul, but that is highly unlikely because of the many differences between Hebrews and the Pauline letters. These differences include both writing style and theology. Among the many differences in theological emphasis, an interesting one concerns the role of faith as the way to salvation. For Paul, faith related to trust in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection to save. For the author of Hebrews, faith refers to confidence that God’s promises will be fulfilled (11: 1-40).

Although billed as a letter, this New Testament document reads more like a theological sermon. The target audience was probably a church within the Jewish-Christian community sometime toward the end of the first century. The theme of the sermon is clear: Jesus Christ replaces Judaism. The religion brought into the world by the death and resurrection of Christ is superior in every way.

The word of God is eternal and unchanging. Throughout history, God has chosen specific individuals through which to communicate his word. At one point, God chose the prophets. Now he speaks through his own son. The revelation brought into the world by Christ is superior to that of the prophets (1: 1-3). Christ also brings to the world the new and perfect covenant promised by the prophets (8:6-13).

Likewise, Christ is superior to Moses and Joshua. While Moses brought the Law to Israel, Christ brings salvation (3: 1-6). With regard to Joshua, he brought peace to Israel for a time while Christ brings perfect and everlasting peace (4: 1-11).

Jesus also replaces the Jewish priesthood. Sadly, the Levitical priests were unable to make people right with God. Their repeated sacrifices could not defeat the vicious cycle of sin (4: 14-5: 10). Jesus makes an atoning sacrifice for all time and for all people. Because of his act of obedience on the cross, sin is defeated once and for all, and humans are made right with God (10: 1-18). I often wonder how much has changed. There doesn’t seem to be much evidence that the power of sin has been broken for Christian believers.

Finally, Jesus is the new High Priest, the ruler of the faith. He is the supreme High Priest, the High Priest in heaven (4: 14). The Jewish High Priest who presided over the Temple was unable to bring the people of Israel to perfection. Only Christ has the power to do that (9: 1-28). When, I wonder? Maybe in heaven at some time in the future because things haven’t changed much around here.

The sermon also contains several exhortations to the congregation. People will only attain the salvation promised by God if they remain faithful to the church. Those who reject the faith will be judged and consumed by fire when Jesus returns to reward the faithful with salvation (10: 29-30).

Many scholars have pointed out the influence of Plato on the author of Hebrews. There is a sharp distinction made between the phenomenal world of sin and corruption and the spiritual world which is pure and eternal. Law and Judaism only reflect a shadow of the spiritual world. What is truly real is only found in Christ (10: 1-2).