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The name Hebrews is another name for the Jews.
Abraham was called a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13) and so the Jews
in Egypt at the time of the Exodus were also called Hebrews.
The Apostle Paul in New Testament times, who had been educated
as a strict Jew, said he was "a Hebrew of Hebrews"
(Philippians 3:5). Early Christians who were Jews were also
called Hebrews, whereas those of other nations were called
Greeks or Hellenists (e.g. Acts 6:1).
This letter to the Hebrew believers demonstrates that Jesus
Christ is God's final and perfect representative, better and
greater in his manifestation of God's nature and purpose than
all the patriarchs, priests and prophets who came before him.
He is even greater than the angels!
Christ is greater than:
• the angels .................. Hebrews 1:4-14
• Abraham .................... Hebrews 7:4
• Moses ........................ Hebrews 3:3-6
• Aaron (High Priest) .. Hebrews 4:14-15, 8:1-4
• Joshua ....................... Hebrews 4:8
• the prophets .............. Hebrews 1:1-2
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews (who is not named)
shows how the Law of Moses pointed forward to Christ. The
central point of Jewish worship was the Tabernacle and, later,
the Temple (9:1-7) but the writer show how Christians no longer
need such things. Christ's sacrifice did away6 with the need
of annual sacrifices and also the need for the Temple and
the priesthood.
Jesus was tempted in the same ways we are and so can understand
our problems (4:15). He is the best, the only,
leader for all true Christians to follow (12:2, 13:20). Men
and women in Old Testament times who had faith in God's promises
will be given everlasting life at the same time as Christians
who have lived since (11:39-40). The great need is for faith
in what God has said and done through Jesus Christ (11:6).
Christ is the leader of all people of faith, whether Jews
or Gentiles.
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