AIM Commentary
Ancient Lens
What can we learn from the historical context?
Context to the Letter
While we don’t have a robust understanding of the context of Hebrews compared to, for example, many of Paul’s letters, there are some significant details that help us flesh out the purpose and meaning of the letter. As the letter implies, Hebrews was likely written to a group of Jewish Christians some time before 95-96 A.D. At the same time, contextual clues support this being a second-generation church that are the beneficiaries of the letter.
A Crisis of Faith?
Why the letter to the Hebrews? Like many of the churches Paul writes to, they were experiencing a crisis of faith. Persecution…
Discussion Questions
What can we infer about the challenges faced by the early Jewish Christians that prompted the writing of Hebrews? How does understanding the context of the letter shape our interpretation of its message?
How does the author of Hebrews describe the limitations of the old sacrificial system? Why was it inadequate in providing true reconciliation between God and humanity?
The author describes the temptation of the Hebrews to turn back to Judaism, including their focus on ritual sacrifice. Why do you think this was attractive to their community?
What does the author of Hebrews mean when he describes the old sacrificial system as a “shadow” of the real thing.
How does the crisis of faith in…
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