en_tn_condensed/heb/front/intro.md

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Introduction to Hebrews

Outline of the Book of Hebrews

  1. Jesus is superior to God's prophets and angels (1:1-4:13)
  2. Jesus is superior to the priests who serve in the temple in Jerusalem (4:14-7:28)
  3. Jesus's ministry is superior to the old covenant that God made with his people (8:1-10:39)
  4. What faith is like (11:1-40)
  5. Encouragement to be faithful to God (12:1-29)
  6. Concluding encouragements and greetings (13:1-25)

Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?

No one knows who wrote Hebrews. Scholars have suggested several different people who could possibly be the author. Possible authors are Paul, Luke, and Barnabas. The date of writing is also not known. Most scholars think it was written before A.D. 70. Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70, but the writer of this letter spoke about Jerusalem as if it had not yet been destroyed.

What is the Book of Hebrews about?

In the Book of Hebrews, the author shows that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, encouraging the Jewish Christians and to explain that Jesus is better than anything that the old covenant had to offer. Jesus is the perfect High Priest and also the perfect sacrifice. Animal sacrifices became useless because Jesus's sacrifice was once and for all time. Therefore, Jesus is the one and only way for people to be accepted by God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Hebrews." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "The Letter to the Hebrews" or "A Letter to the Jewish Christians."