Synopsis: The book of Hebrew was written by the Apostle Paul, (although scholars argue over its authorship) and is thought to have been written around 65 A.D.. As indicated by the title, it was written to Jewish Christian believers and is an admonishment for them not to return to the rituals of the organized Jewish religion from whence they had come. They were no longer under the law as it was now written in their hearts through the presence of the indwelling Holy Ghost/Spirit, and they were therefore under grace. The religious rituals practiced by unbelieving Jews were no longer necessary and should not be practiced by the Hebrew Christians. The Old Covenant was passed away and they were under the New Covenant through the shed blood of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Key Verse: “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:8-9
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Hebrews 2:1
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2:14-15
“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, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 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 2:4-6
Note: What is an epistle? Epistle is the English version of the Greek word, epistole, and it means a letter. All the Epistles in the New Testament are letters written to converted Christian believers. They were not written to unbelievers or the unsaved. As such, the Epistles are also written to converted Christian believers living today and to those living in the future. They are the Christians’ mail. Therefore, one cannot make a plan of salvation out of any statements written in these letters. The only plan of salvation provided in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 2 where the Apostle Peter answered the question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” and Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” That is God’s method or plan of salvation. Any thing else written in the Epistles is to people who have already done what Peter commanded in Acts chapter 2 and is simply a confirmation of their faith.