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The Summary of The Book of Hebrews
The Summary of The Book of Hebrews
BY JOSPHAT NJIHIA
PRESENTED TO: BISHOP ANTHONY SAITOTI
APRIL 2024
FULL GOSPEL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
NYAHURURU, KENYA
THE SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS
In Hebrews chapter one, Christ’s superiority in revelation is highlighted in several ways;
1. Son of God – Christ is portrayed as the son of God a little that emphasizes his divine
nature and unique relationship with God. This status gives him authority and insight into
divine truths that surpass any other revelation.
2. Heir of all things – the chapter mentions that Christ is the heir of all things, indicating his
supreme position and ownership over creation. This implies that his revelation carries the
weight of ultimate authority.
3. Creator – Christ is presented as the creator of the universe, further ability to reveal truths
about the world and God’s plan.
4. Radiance of God’s glory – he is described as the radiance of God’s glory signifying his
direct connection to God’s essence and clarity with which he communicates divine truths.
5. Exact representation of God’s truth – Christ is said to the exact representation of God’s
being, highlighting his perfect reflection of God’s nature and his role as the ultimate
revealer of God to humanity.
Overall, Hebrews chapter one portrays Christ as superior to angels in several ways
1. Nature and identity – Christ is described as the son of God (Hebrews 1:2-5) indicating his
divine nature and unique relationship with God the father. Angels on the other hand , are
created beings and are referred to as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14)
2. Worship - the author of Hebrews quotes from the Old Testament to emphasize that even
the angels worship Christ (Hebrews 1:6) this underscores Christ’s preeminence and
worthiness of adoration.
3. Authority and dominion – Christ is credited as the ruler with eternal kingdom (Hebrews
1:8-9) while angels are servants who carry out God’s will but do not possess such
authority
4. Creation and stability - Christ is credited with laying the foundations of the earth and the
heavens, symbolizing his roles in creation and sustaining the universe (Hebrews 1:`10-
12) angels are created beings do not share in this creative power or stability.
5. This points collectively highlight the supremacy of Christ over angels, emphasizing his
divine nature, worship, authority and role in creation and governance.
Chapter one to five give warning to attention, particularly emphasizes the importance of
paying attention to the message being conveyed. It urges readers to pay attention to what
they have heard so they do not drift away from it. This emphasizes the significance of
actively engaging with and understanding the teachings ensuring they are not neglected
or overlooked.
Jesus made fully human
In (Hebrews 2:5-18) the author discusses the nature of Jesus and his relationship with
humanity. One key aspect is the concept of Jesus being made fully human. This passage
emphasizes Jesus identification with humanity through his incarnation, suffering, and
victory over death. Here are some key points from Hebrews chapter 2 regarding Jesus
being made fully human;
1. Incarnation - the passage highlights that Jesus shared in humanity’s flesh and
blood (Hebrews 2:14). This indicates that Jesus took on a physical body like ours
becoming fully human.
2. Suffering and temptation – Hebrews mentions that Jesus had to be made like his
brothers and sisters in every way, experiencing suffering and temptation
(Hebrews 2:17-18), this shows Jesus complete solidarity with humanity’s
struggles.
3. High priestly role – Jesus is portrayed as a compassionate and faithful high priest
who can empathize with human weakness because himself was tested and
suffered (Hebrews 2: 17-18)
4. Victory over death – through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the power
of death and the devil, offering salvation to humanity (Hebrews 2: 14-15)
Overall, Hebrews chapter 2 emphasizes Jesus humanity his ability to identify with our
experiences and his role as the mediator between God and humanity through his
incarnation, suffering and victory.
The Sabbath rest for the people of God Hebrews chapter 4 in the bible discusses the
concept of Sabbath rest for the people of God.
The chapter emphasizes the importance of entering into God’s rest through faith and
obedience. Hebrews 4 delves into several concepts about rest:
1. Sabbath Rest: The chapter draws parallels between the Sabbath rest God took after
creation and the rest believers can enter into through faith in Christ. It presents the
Sabbath as a symbol of the spiritual rest that believers can experience in Christ.
2. Promise of Rest: Hebrews 4 speaks about the promise of rest for God’s people,
emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in entering that rest. It contrasts
the rest offered by God with the restlessness experienced by those who disobeyed
Him.
3. Ceasing from Works: The chapter encourages believers to cease from their own
works and to rely on God’s grace for salvation and spiritual rest. It emphasizes that
true rest comes from trusting in God’s finished work through Jesus Christ.
4. Word of God: Hebrews 4 highlights the power of the Word of God, which is living
and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It
underscores the importance of allowing the Word to penetrate and transform the
innermost being, leading to spiritual rest.
5. Entering God’s Rest: The chapter stresses the urgency of entering God’s rest and
warns against disobedience and unbelief, which can hinder believers from
experiencing that rest. It encourages believers to persevere in faith and obedience to
fully enter into the rest that God provides.
Overall, Hebrews 4 presents rest as a central theme in the Christian faith, emphasizing
that true rest is found in Christ and is accessed through faith, obedience, and reliance on
God’s promises.
1. Sympathetic High Priest: Hebrews 4:15 states that Jesus is a high priest who can
sympathize with our weaknesses because he has been tempted in every way, yet he
did not sin. Unlike other high priests who were imperfect and subject to sin, Jesus is
sinless and understands our human struggles intimately.
2. Access to God’s Throne of Grace: Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach
God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our high priest, has
opened the way for us to come boldly before God. Through Jesus, we have direct
access to God’s presence and can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need.
Overall, Hebrews 4 presents Jesus as a greater high priest who surpasses the limitations
of the Levitical priesthood, offering believers access to God’s grace, sympathy in their
weaknesses, and continual intercession on their behalf.
Hebrews chapter 5 sets the stage for deeper spiritual teaching by introducing the concept
of Jesus as the ultimate high priest. Hebrews chapter 5 lays the groundwork for deeper
spiritual teachings about Jesus' role as the ultimate high priest, his divine appointment,
his perfect obedience, and the significance of the priesthood in understanding Jesus'
eternal priesthood and salvation.
3. Superiority: Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who was greater than him, indicating a
superiority over the Levitical priesthood. Likewise, Jesus, as the ultimate high priest,
is superior to the Levitical priests (Hebrews 7:4-7).
In these ways, Melchizedek serves as a type or symbol of Jesus Christ, particularly in his
eternal priesthood, righteousness, and superiority over the Levitical priesthood.
Hebrews chapter 8 portrays Jesus as the higher priest of a new covenant through several
key points:
2. Written on Hearts: Unlike the old covenant written on tablets of stone, the new
covenant is written on the hearts and minds of believers (Hebrews 8:10). This
emphasizes a more intimate and personal relationship with God through Jesus.
3. Forgiveness of Sins: Under the new covenant, there is the promise of complete
forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 8:12). Through Jesus' sacrifice, believers receive
redemption and the cleansing of their sins.
4. Access to God: Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God (Hebrews 8:11).
There is no need for intermediaries like the Levitical priests because Jesus serves as
the ultimate high priest, granting access to the Father.
In Hebrews chapter 9, these elements are discussed in detail to highlight the superiority
of Christ's sacrifice over the rituals and offerings of the old covenant.
1. Eternal Redemption: Christ's blood secured eternal redemption for believers
(Hebrews 9:12). Unlike the temporary and symbolic sacrifices of the Old Testament,
Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to provide eternal salvation and redemption for all
who believe.
2. Cleansing Conscience: Through the shedding of his blood, Christ cleanses the
consciences of believers from acts that lead to death, enabling them to serve the living
God (Hebrews 9:14). This cleansing from sin is not merely external but also affects
the inner conscience, freeing believers from guilt and enabling them to live in
righteousness.
3. New Covenant: Christ's sacrifice inaugurated a new covenant between God and
humanity (Hebrews 9:15). This new covenant, sealed with Christ's blood, offers
forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal inheritance to those who are called.
4. Remission of Sins: Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins
(Hebrews 9:22). Christ's blood, offered once for all, provides complete remission of
sins for believers (Hebrews 9:26). His sacrifice surpasses the temporary and symbolic
sacrifices of the Old Testament, securing forgiveness and reconciliation with God for
all who believe.
These concepts emphasize the central role of Christ's blood in achieving eternal
redemption, cleansing the conscience, establishing the new covenant, and securing the
remission of sins for believers.
In Hebrews chapter 10 the concept of "once for all " Emphasizes the completeness and
Sufficiency of Jesus sacrifice in forgiveness of sin, these are key points from Hebrews in
relation to that briefly siting verses in Hebrews 10,
1. Verse 10: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the
body of Jesus Christ once for all." This verse underscores the effectiveness of Jesus'
sacrifice, which was offered once for all time, resulting in believers being made holy
through His sacrifice.
2. Verse 12: "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat
down at the right hand of God." This verse highlights the finality and sufficiency of
Jesus' sacrifice, which was offered once for all time, accomplishing redemption for
believers.
3. Verse 14: "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being
made holy." This verse emphasizes the completeness and permanence of Jesus'
sacrifice, which has perfected believers forever, ensuring their eternal salvation.
4. Verse 18: "And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer
necessary." This verse declares the ultimate efficacy of Jesus' sacrifice, which has
completely forgiven sins, rendering any further sacrifice unnecessary.
Overall, Hebrews chapter 10 emphasizes the once-for-all nature of Jesus' sacrifice for the
forgiveness of sins. His sacrifice is portrayed as complete, sufficient, and final, providing
eternal redemption and perfection for believers
Hebrews 10 presents Christ as superior to Aaron, the high priest, in several ways:
1. Perfection of Sacrifice: Christ's sacrifice is depicted as perfect and sufficient for the
forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:12), whereas the sacrifices offered by Aaron and the
Levitical priests were temporary and needed to be repeated annually.
2. Eternal Priesthood: Christ's priesthood is portrayed as eternal according to the
order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 10:12-14), while Aaron's priesthood was limited by
his mortality and the need for successive generations of priests.
3. Completion of God’s Will: Christ fulfills God’s will by offering Himself as a
sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 10:9), whereas the sacrifices offered by Aaron were a
reminder of sins but could not take them away (Hebrews 10:3-4).
4. Access to God: Through Christ's sacrifice, believers have direct access to God’s
presence (Hebrews 10:19-22), whereas access to the Most Holy Place in the
tabernacle was restricted to Aaron, the high priest, and only once a year on the Day of
Atonement.
5. Superior Covenant: Christ mediates a better covenant based on better promises
(Hebrews 8:6), which provides complete forgiveness of sins and writes God’s laws on
the hearts and minds of believers (Hebrews 10:16-17), surpassing the limitations of
the Mosaic covenant administered by Aaron.
In Hebrews 12, the superiority of Christ over self is highlighted in several ways:
1. Author and Perfected of Faith: Christ is portrayed as the author and perfected of
our faith (Hebrews 12:2), implying that He is the source and ultimate example of
faithfulness. Unlike self, which may waver or falter, Christ's faith is unwavering and
perfect.
2. Endurance of Suffering: Christ endured the cross and its shame (Hebrews 12:2),
demonstrating unparalleled endurance in the face of suffering. His example
encourages believers to persevere in their own trials and tribulations, relying on His
strength rather than their own.
3. Despising Shame: Christ endured the shame of the cross, disregarding its
humiliation (Hebrews 12:2), contrasting with self-centeredness, which often seeks to
avoid shame and humiliation at all costs. Christ's example challenges believers to
prioritize obedience to God over personal reputation.
4. Subjection to God’s Will: Christ submitted to the will of God, even unto death on
the cross (Hebrews 12:2), exemplifying perfect obedience and humility. In contrast,
self may resist God’s will or prioritize personal desires over divine direction.
5. Victory over Sin: Christ conquered sin and death through His sacrifice and
resurrection (Hebrews 12:2), offering believers the hope of victory over sin and
eternal life. Self, on the other hand, is prone to succumb to sin and its consequences.
6. Discipline as Sons: Believers are exhorted to endure hardship as discipline from
God, recognizing His fatherly love and training (Hebrews 12:5-11). Christ's example
of enduring suffering and discipline without complaint or bitterness serves as a model
for believers to follow.
Overall, Hebrews 12 presents Christ as the ultimate example of faithfulness, endurance,
obedience, and victory over sin. His superiority over self is demonstrated through His
perfect example and sacrificial love, inspiring believers to lay aside every weight and sin
that hinders them and to run with endurance the race set before them, looking to Jesus as
their ultimate source of strength and salvation.
In Hebrews chapter 13, the author provides several exhortations and instructions for
Christian living:
1. Brotherly Love: The author encourages believers to continue in brotherly love
(Hebrews 13:1), emphasizing the importance of maintaining loving relationships
within the Christian community.
4. Marriage and Sexual Purity: Marriage is honored and the marriage bed is to be kept
pure (Hebrews 13:4), highlighting the sanctity of marriage and the importance of
sexual purity within the marital relationship.
5. Contentment and Trust in God: Believers are encouraged to be content with what
they have, recognizing that God will never leave or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5-6).
This encourages trust in God’s provision and sovereignty.
6. Remembering Leaders: The author exhorts believers to remember their leaders and
imitate their faith, recognizing the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and shepherding
the church (Hebrews 13:7).
9. Submission and Obedience: Believers are urged to obey their leaders and submit to
their authority, recognizing their responsibility to watch over souls (Hebrews 13:17).
10. Prayer: The author requests prayers for himself and expresses confidence in the
power of prayer (Hebrews 13:18-19).
Jesus as the high priest of a new covenant. Jesus is depicted as the high priest of a new
covenant in the book of Hebrews, particularly in chapters 7 through 10. Here's how:
1. *Superiority of the New Covenant*: Hebrews contrasts the new covenant with the
old covenant established through Moses. While the old covenant was temporary and
based on the Levitical priesthood, the new covenant is eternal and established on
better promises (Hebrews 8:6).
3. *Perfect Sacrifice*: Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly,
Jesus offered himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:27). His
sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse believers from all sin for all time, fulfilling the
requirements of the law and establishing the new covenant.
4. *Mediator of the New Covenant*: Hebrews portrays Jesus as the mediator of the
new covenant between God and humanity (Hebrews 9:15). Through his sacrificial
death, Jesus reconciles humanity to God, providing forgiveness of sins and access to
eternal salvation.
Overall, Hebrews presents Jesus as the high priest of a new covenant that is superior
to the old covenant established through Moses. His priesthood, based on the order of
Melchizedek, and his perfect sacrifice provide believers with eternal redemption and
access to God's grace and salvation.
In Hebrews the author compares the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly tabernacle by
emphasizing the superiority of Christ. In Hebrews, the author indeed compares the
earthly tabernacle with the heavenly tabernacle, emphasizing the superiority of Christ.
Some of the imperfections and limitations highlighted in Hebrews include:
1. Temporary Nature: The earthly tabernacle, along with its rituals and sacrifices,
was temporary and symbolic. Hebrews contrasts this with the eternal nature of
Christ's priesthood and the permanent redemption he offers (Hebrews 7:23-25).
2. Repetitive Sacrifices: Under the old covenant, the priests had to offer sacrifices
repeatedly, day after day, year after year, for the forgiveness of sins. However,
these sacrifices could never take away sins permanently (Hebrews 10:1-4).
3. Earthly High Priests: The earthly high priests, being human, were subject to
weakness and sin. They had to offer sacrifices for their own sins as well as for the
sins of the people. In contrast, Jesus, as the heavenly high priest, is sinless and
perfect (Hebrews 7:26-28).
4. Limited Access: The earthly tabernacle had limited access. Only the high priest
could enter the Most Holy Place, and even then, only once a year on the Day of
Atonement. Hebrews contrasts this with the access believers have to the heavenly
sanctuary through Jesus, who has entered once for all (Hebrews 9:11-12).
5. Shadow of the True: The earthly tabernacle and its rituals were a shadow or
copy of the heavenly realities. Hebrews emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice and
ministry in the heavenly tabernacle are the true fulfillment of what the earthly
tabernacle foreshadowed (Hebrews 8:5, 10:1).
Overall, Hebrews underscores the imperfections and limitations of the earthly
tabernacle and its priesthood in order to highlight the superiority of Christ and his
eternal priesthood, which provide believers with access to God's presence and
eternal redemption
Absolutely, faith understood in a spiritual context is often considered more perfect than
worship in an earthly tabernacle for several reasons:
1. *Direct Relationship with God*: Faith allows believers to have a direct, personal
relationship with God, transcending the need for physical structures or rituals. In contrast,
worship in an earthly tabernacle may involve intermediaries such as priests or specific
rituals.
2. *Internal Transformation*: Faith operates on the level of the heart and soul, leading to
internal transformation and spiritual growth. It goes beyond outward observances to
encompass sincere belief, trust, and obedience to God.
4. *Permanence*: While earthly tabernacles and temples are subject to decay and
destruction, faith endures forever. It is a lasting foundation for believers, providing
stability and hope even in the face of adversity.
5. *Fulfillment in Christ*: Faith finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is
the true tabernacle and mediator between God and humanity. Through faith in
Christ, believers have access to God's presence and receive the fullness of
spiritual blessings.
In summary, faith understood in a spiritual context is considered more perfect than worship in an
earthly tabernacle because it enables a direct relationship with God, fosters internal
transformation, is universally accessible, endures forever, and finds its fulfillment in Jesus
Christ.
Jesus according to Christian beliefs hold a unique and central role. Jesus considered the son of
god, the savior of humanity and the mediator between God and humans. Christians believe that
Jesus can offer salvation forgiveness of sins and eternal life more than the latter sacrifice in the
earthly tabernacle which were not attributed typically associated with faith.
Conclusion of the Author of the Book of Hebrews
The authorship of the book of Hebrews has been a subject of debate centuries. While some early
Christians attributed it to Paul, modern scholars generally agree that Paul was not the author.
These are several reasons for this conclusion.
1. Writing style
Although writing style of Hebrews shares some similarities with Paul’s letters there are
also significant differences. The vocabulary syntax and theological emphasis in Hebrews
differs enough from Paul’s other writings to suggest a different author.
2. Theological emphases
The theological themes and emphasis in Hebrews such as the superiority of Christ and the
new covenant over the old covenant are distinct from Paul’s usual focus.
3. Anonymous authorship
4. The author of Hebrews does not identify themselves within the text unlike Paul who
consistently identifies himself in the text of his letters.
5. Instead of Paul, some scholars propose other figures as potential authors, such as Apollos,
Barnabas, Luke or someone else from the early Christian community. Ultimately the
exact authorship remains uncertain and the book continues to be appreciated for its
profound theology and insights into the nature of Christ’s priesthood and sacrifice.