1 MIKE MAZZALONGO Introduction to Hebrews Great pressure

1 MIKE MAZZALONGO Introduction to Hebrews

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1. Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity – Saul (Acts 9: 1 -ff)

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1. Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity 2. Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity – Judaizers (Acts 15: 1 -ff)

Great pressure on Jewish Christians to choose between Judaism and Christianity: 1. Judaism’s hostility towards Christianity 2. Effort to maintain Jewish control of Christianity 3. Roman persecution Paul’s imprisonment – (II Tim. 4: 6)

Title “To the Hebrews” (Heb. 13: 23)

Authorship 1. Unknown writer

Authorship 1. Unknown writer 2. Barnabas – Levite (Acts 4: 36) – Greek from Cyprus – More “doer” than writer

Authorship 1. Unknown writer 2. Barnabas 3. Apollos – Greek scholar – Knew the Old Testament – Knew Paul’s writings – No name/no other writing

Authorship 1. Unknown writer 2. Barnabas 3. Apollos 4. Paul § Familiar with Old Testament/Gospel § Possible sermon in original form § Church “Fathers” name Paul *May have been written by Paul as a sermon, translated into Greek by Luke.

Date • 96 A. D. - Quoted by Clement • 70 A. D. - Destruction of Jerusalem • 33 -60 A. D. - Hebrews mentions mature leaders (63 -69 A. D. )

Purpose: Encouragement But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. - Hebrews 13: 22

Approach The writer compares Judaism and Christianity and challenges his readers to choose once and for all which is superior.

Outline Part 1 The Glory of Christ (1: 1 – 10: 18)

Outline Part 1 The Glory of Christ (1: 1 – 10: 18) Part 2 The Glory of the Church (10: 19 – 13: 25)

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways… - Hebrews 1: 1

FATHERS Various people to whom God spoke PROPHETS God spoke through them WAYS and PORTIONS How God spoke

In these last days… - Hebrews 1: 2 a

Historical Phases 1. Ante-Deluvian Creation – Flood (Gen. 1: 1 -8: 22)

Historical Phases 1. Ante-Deluvian 2. Post-Deluvian Rainbow – Ascension (Gen. 9: 1; Acts 1: 26)

Historical Phases 1. Ante-Deluvian 2. Post-Deluvian 3. Last Days Pentecost – Second Coming (Acts 2: 1; Rev. 22: 21)

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1. His pre-eminence in history in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. - Hebrews 1: 2

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power… - Hebrews 1: 3 a

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1. His pre-eminence in history 2. His person – Radiance of His glory – Representation of His nature – Word of His power

When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, - Hebrews 1: 3 b

3 Things That Demonstrate Jesus’ Superiority 1. His pre-eminence in history 2. His person 3. His position – Lowest – cross – Highest – Right hand of God

Greater than the prophets because: Jesus Prophets - First & last in history - Divine nature - Supreme authority - In between history - Human nature - No authority

Listen to Jesus: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him!” - Matthew 17: 5 b