Introducing Hebrews - Bible Class Study Guide

Study Guide

Hebrews Study 1 | Introducing Hebrews

Taught by Dr Paul Iles

Bible Class is the teaching ministry of Salisbury Christian Church 56 Henson Rd Salisbury QLD 4107 AUSTRALIA contact@salisburychristianchurch.com.au www.bibleclass.com.au Page 1

Purpose 1. Why was Hebrews Written?

• A letter of exhortation, encouragement or comfort (13:22).

• Written to people who are spiritually suffering, in trouble and under stress (cf 10:32-36).

Main Themes of Hebrews 1. The Lord Jesus Christ • Hebrews is a Christ-exalting book, showing that He is the source of strength, courage and every resource that the Christian needs.

• He is presented in the introduction, which speaks of His uniqueness (Chapter 1).

• He is still presented in the conclusion, which speaks of His unchangeableness (13:8).

• • • • •

The One who is greater than all else, with all power and authority (Chapter 1).

Our Apostle and High Priest (3:1).

The Captain/Leader of our Salvation (2:10).

Our Forerunner into God’s presence (6:20).

Our Anchor (6:19).

2. The Faith of the Fathers • The recipients are Jews, who have transitioned in their faith from the Jewish traditions of thousands of years standing, to the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Unconverted Jews (mainly the Essenes) were a major source of their persecution, therefore.

3. Remedying Diverse Troubles • By fixing our eyes on Jesus (3:1; 12:2).

• He is sympathetic and merciful (4:15-16).

• He gives grace to help in time of need (4:16).

• He puts other things into perspective (12:1-2).

• Without Christ, your troubles and your life will defeat you.

4. Faith • Faith looks to God in all things.

• Therefore it is applied in the whole scope of Hebrews, which exhorts us to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Warnings & Exhortations Chapter 2 • Exhortation: Pay more earnest attention to what you’ve heard in the gospel (2:1).

• Warning: How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (2:3).

Chapter 3 • Exhortation: Hold firm to the end (3:6).

• Warning: Take care against an evil heart of unbelief (3:12).

• Exhortation: Exhort one another daily (3:13).

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Chapter 4 • Exhortation: Strive, being diligent to enter into rest (4:11).

• Warning: God’s word is sharp, discerning all things (4:12-13).

• Exhortation: Christ is on the throne, which is a throne of grace and mercy (4:16).

Chapter 5 • Warning: You are spiritually immature! (5:11-14).

Chapter 6 • Exhortation: Encouragement to grow up spiritually (6:1).

• Warning: Turning back to apostasy will see us destroyed (6:4-6).

Chapter 10 • Exhortation: Draw Near to Christ (10:22).

• Exhortation: Hold Fast to Him who is faithful (10:23).

• Exhortation: Consider others (10:24).

• Exhortation: Don’t forsake assembling together (10:25).

Chapter 11 • Exhortation: Encouragement by example: the heroes of the faith (11:1-39).

Chapter 12 • Exhortation: Run with endurance, looking unto Jesus (12:1-3).

• Exhortation: Consider His trials and sufferings (12:4).

• Exhortation: Consider the One who will come again to restore all things to God (12:18-29).

• Exhortation: Look to the future (12:18-29).

Chapter 13 • Exhortation: Live Christ at all times, knowing that He will never change (13:8).

Authorship • Paul wrote Hebrews, according to the testimony of Clement of Alexandria, 215AD. • Paul’s authorship was conclusively accepted by the church councils of the 4th century.

• The book was probably written in Hebrew as a Homily (Hebrew sermon) and translated into Greek by Luke. This explains the structural divergence from Paul’s other works.

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Review Questions 1. Who were the Essenes?

A. Jews who taught that two Messiahs would come, ultimately giving up rulership to Michael the Archangel.

B. A Jewish sect that were politically motivated and thus critical of the pacifism of the Hebrew Christians.

C. A Roman legion responsible for much of the persecution of the Hebrew Christians.

D. Caesar’s secret service.

2. The purpose of Hebrews is to...?

A. Encourage and exhort Christians by pointing them to Christ.

B. Encourage and exhort Christians by explaining their virtues.

C. Warn Christians about false religions.

D. Warn Christians about persecution.

3. There is good evidence to indicate that the author of Hebrews was...?

A. Timothy B. Apollos C. Paul D. Barnabas 4. Which of the following is NOT an aspect of Jesus’ person, covered in Hebrews?

A. His office as Great High Priest B. His unrivalled greatness and authority C. His role as our leader and captain D. That He is our forerunner into the presence of God E. None of the above 5. Which broad definition of faith is most accurate, especially in light of Hebrews?

A. Unfailing obedience B. Looking to God in all things C. Knowing God’s word D. Loving one another 6. The Jewish faith is so heavily discussed in Hebrews because...?

A. The readers had converted from Judaism to Christ B. Christians and Jews are so similar C. Jews were popular D. Paul was a keen Jew 7. In the broad scheme of scripture, Hebrews is especially helpful for...?

A. Teaching Jewish history B. Debating the doctrine of the end times C. Appreciating Paul’s scholarly writing D. Understanding that the Old Testament points to Christ

Answers | 1A | 2A | 3C | 4E | 5B | 6A | 7D bibleclass.com.au

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