The Book of Hebrews is one of the most profound writings in the New Testament. It explains the greatness of Jesus Christ and His role as our High Priest, using Old Testament imagery and promises. While the author remains unknown, Hebrews gives us a deep look at how God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled through Christ.
1. The Author’s Identity Is Unknown
Unlike many New Testament letters, Hebrews does not name its author. Some have suggested Paul, Barnabas, Luke, or Apollos, but no single view is certain. The lack of a greeting at the beginning adds to the mystery.
2. Written to Jewish Christians Facing Persecution
The book was likely written to Jewish believers who were tempted to return to old traditions under the Law due to hardship. Hebrews encourages them to remain faithful to Jesus, the Messiah.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
3. Jesus Is Described as the Perfect High Priest
Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin—once for all.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:14 (KJV)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (KJV)
4. Strong Use of Old Testament References
The author uses examples from the Law, Psalms, and Prophets to show how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy. This would have been powerful for a Jewish audience familiar with Scripture.
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Hebrews 8:5 (KJV)
5. Contains the Famous “Hall of Faith” Chapter
Hebrews 11 lists men and women of faith, from Abel to the prophets, who trusted in God despite challenges. This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith.”
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
6. A Strong Warning Against Falling Away
Hebrews includes serious warnings about turning away from the truth after knowing Christ. These warnings urge believers to endure in faith.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Hebrews 6:4 (KJV)
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Hebrews 6:5 (KJV)
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Hebrews 6:6 (KJV)
7. Jesus Is Greater Than Angels, Moses, and the Priests
One main theme is that Jesus surpasses all who came before—He is greater than angels, Moses, the prophets, and the Levitical priests.
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Hebrews 3:3 (KJV)
8. Written in a Highly Polished Greek Style
The Greek of Hebrews is more refined than most New Testament writings, suggesting the author was well-educated and skilled in rhetoric.
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Hebrews 5:11 (KJV)
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Hebrews 5:12 (KJV)
9. Encourages Believers to Persevere in Faith
The letter repeatedly calls believers to run the race with endurance, keeping their eyes on Jesus.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
10. Ends with a Powerful Blessing
Hebrews closes with a beautiful benediction that points to Jesus as the eternal Shepherd.
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Hebrews 13:20 (KJV)
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:21 (KJV)