Hebrews, Epistle to: 1. Its canonicity. All the results of critical and historical
research to which this epistle has been specially subjected
abundantly vindicate its right to a place in the New Testament
canon among the other inspired books.2. Its authorship. A considerable variety of opinions on this
subject has at different times been advanced. Some have
maintained that its author was Silas, Paul's companion. Others
have attributed it to Clement of Rome, or Luke, or Barnabas, or
some unknown Alexandrian Christian, or Apollos; but the
conclusion which we think is best supported, both from internal
and external evidence, is that Paul was its author. There are,
no doubt, many difficulties in the way of accepting it as
Paul's; but we may at least argue with Calvin that there can be
no difficulty in the way of "embracing it without controversy as
one of the apostolical epistles."
3. Date and place of writing. It was in all probability written at
Rome, near the close of Paul's two years' imprisonment
(Hebrews 13:19,24) It was certainly written before the destruction
of Jerusalem
(Hebrews 13:10)
4. To whom addressed. Plainly it was intended for Jewish converts
to the faith of the gospel, probably for the church at
Jerusalem. The subscription of this epistle is, of course,
without authority. In this case it is incorrect, for obviously
Timothy could not be the bearer of it
(Hebrews 13:23)
5. Its design was to show the true end and meaning of the Mosaic
system, and its symbolical and transient character. It proves
that the Levitical priesthood was a "shadow" of that of Christ,
and that the legal sacrifices prefigured the great and
all-perfect sacrifice he offered for us. It explains that the
gospel was designed, not to modify the law of Moses, but to
supersede and abolish it. Its teaching was fitted, as it was
designed, to check that tendency to apostatize from Christianity
and to return to Judaism which now showed itself among certain
Jewish Christians. The supreme authority and the transcendent
glory of the gospel are clearly set forth, and in such a way as
to strengthen and confirm their allegiance to Christ.
6. It consists of two parts:
a. doctrinal
(He 1:1-10:18)
b. and practical
(He 10:19-13:25)
There are found in it many references to portions of the Old
Testament. It may be regarded as a treatise supplementary to the
Epistles to the Romans and Galatians, and as an inspired commentary
on the book of Leviticus.
