Hey everybody this is Steve and this is a brief introduction to Paul's letter to the
Hebrews.
Hebrews is one of the 27 books and letters that make up the New Testament canon.
Though the Apostle Paul is traditionally seen as the author, there's been some doubt about
that in Church history.
In the early 3rd century, for example, Clement of Alexandria attributed Hebrews to Paul.
But Origen questioned that, even though he agreed that the content of the letter was
in the tradition of Paul's teaching and preaching.
In the Eastern parts of the Church, people settled into attributing the letter to Paul.
While, in the West, there were questions until the 4th or 5th century.
Today, most scholars think the letter was written by someone other than Paul.
Though, for the Church, that doesn't really matter.
The letter expresses the truth.
So whether it was written by Paul or by one of his disciples, Hebrews is a spiritually
uplifting letter that the Church has placed in the New Testament canon.
Because of that, aside from our personal study, it's something we during the Liturgy at certain
times during the yearly cycle, and during certain feasts of the Theotokos.
The author of Hebrews, who we're going to say is Paul for purposes of this video, wrote
this letter to a community of Christians, most likely in the city of Rome.
And it seems likely these were Christians of Jewish descent who, because of Roman persecution,
were returning to the Jewish faith.
Paul describes his epistle as a "word of exhortation," an encouragement, something to inspire the
Christians in Rome to hold fast to their faith in Jesus, even in the midst of persecution;
and not to return to the faith they left behind when they entered the Church.
Pau's letter to the Hebrews offers a comparison between the Christian faith of the community
in Rome, and their Jewish faith before they had recognized Jesus as the Messiah and Son
of God.
Paul explains that Jesus is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than the
High Priest and the sacrifices for forgiveness of sins.
Jesus Christ is the hope of generations of prophets, those who, "though they were commended
for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something
better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect."
(Hebrews 11:39-40)
As we wrap it up, here are 3 things to keep in mind when you read to help give you a bit
of context and a better understanding of Paul's letter to the Hebrews.
First, Paul tells us that Christ is the true High Priest: not a priest of the earthly Temple,
who presided over animals sacrifices, but a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek is a figure that Abraham encounters in the Book of Genesis; a king to whom Abraham
offers a tithe, 10% of his property.
And, even more interestingly, Genesis calls Melchizedek a "priest of the God Most High,"
and Abraham gives him bread and wine.
Exactly what we offer today in the Divine Liturgy; and then we receive in return Christ's
Body and Blood.
This is a prophecy we see in Psalm 110, which describes the victory of God's priest-king:
"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."
(Psalm 110:4)
Unlike the Temple priest, Jesus doesn't need to atone for His sins: because He's sinless.
And Jesus doesn't need to offer a sacrifice every year, like they did in the Temple.
Jesus makes his sacrifice once and for all: and now sits at the right hand of the Father,
lifting us all up into His Father's house.
Second, Paul focuses on the sacrifice of Christ and the way He offers Himself for the life
of the world.
You see, Jesus as the High Priest is different than the High Priest of the Temple.
The Lord doesn't simply offer animals sacrifices for the people.
He Himself is the sacrifice.
He gives Himself, joining us in death and the most difficult human suffering, so that
we can join Him in eternal life:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we
have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy
and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)
Christ doesn't simply offer temporary atonement: He gives us existential connection, becoming
one of us so we can become, by grace, sons and daughters of God the Father.
And third, Paul focuses on an important phrase to describe our relationship with God: the
New Covenant.
A covenant is something relational.
It was used to describe the relationship between a king and his people, and became a scriptural
term to help show how we have become the people of God, part of His household.
A covenant isn't simply about rules or laws, or even an exchange (like a contract).
It's about faithfulness.
Christ is loyal to us: becoming one of us, enduring beatings for us, enduring the cross
and death for us.
"Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before
him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken His seat at the right hand of
the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:2)
Because, in the Old Testament, covenants were always sealed by the blood of an animal.
But the New Covenant was sealed by the blood of Christ, as He hung upon the Cross for our
salvation.
So Paul is encouraging the Christians in Rome to remain loyal to Christ even in the midst
of their hardships and persecutions: to remain steadfast for the One who was steadfast for
them; for the One who promises us, not comfort or ease, but life with Him in His Father's
house.
As you read along with us, keep these three points in mind: 1.
The identification of Christ as the High Priest, in the order of Melchizedek; 2.
The sacrifice of Christ, who gave Himself for the life of the world; and 3.
The significance of our New Covenant with God.
Tell us in the comments how you notice these three things as you begin to engage with the
Scripture; and then join us in our weekly video series, Live the Word.
Most importantly, I hope you'll celebrate with us this Sunday and every Sunday, to hear
the beautiful Scripture readings proclaimed during the Divine Liturgy and to learn how
you can Live the Word.
Thanks for watching.
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