Hebrews 1:1-4
Hebrews 2:1-4

Author: Unknown, possibly Apollos or Barnabas. Probably not Paul.

Date: Around 70AD. Before the destruction of the Temple.

Audience: Jewish Christians.

Theme: Jesus is better than anything.

Characteristics: Hebrews shows that Christianity is superior to other faiths by quoting extensively from the Old Testament.

1. God speaks to people through the prophets and through his Son. (1.1-2)
2. Jesus is greater because:
   1. He is the heir of the Father (owner)
   2. He is the creator of all. (Colossians 1.16)
   3. He radiates God’s glory.
   4. He is an exact representation of the Faither.
   5. He sustains all things.
   6. He provides purification from sin.
   7. He is at the right hand of God.
3. Jesus is better than the angels. (1.4)
4. Jesus has been given a great name. (Philippians 2.10-11)

Old Testament Influence:

There are Old Testament quotations in every chapter of Hebrews. In chapter one there are seven.

Signs, Wonders and Miracles… (2.4)

Confirmation (v. 3) is a legal term. It implies that there is evidence.

• Signs: An event or action that would point a person to ‘meaning’ or source.
• Wonders: The effects of a miracle.
• Miracles: Supernatural occurrences that originate with God.