Page 3 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

Study of the Book of Hebrews

By Gideon Mwale, M.A.B.E.

Study Section 1: The Promise-Plan and the Supremacy of Jesus

1.1 Connect

There have been theologians over the centuries who have declared that Jesus was and is
not God in flesh. They promote the teaching of Arias in the 4th century who said Jesus was
the first created being of God. In fact, the early church convened a church council in Nicea
in 325 to debate and decide the matter. Fortunately the church fathers declared that Jesus
is God and was never created. Arias’s teaching was banned but not destroyed. Today, the
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe and adamantly teach that Jesus was the first created being of God, and
they site various “proof” texts from the Bible to back their claims. But if you carefully examine each of
their proof texts, you will find that they do not at all declare that Jesus was created.

As we begin our study in the book of Hebrews, it becomes very clear that Jesus is God. You will get
excited to read how the author of Hebrews declares the supremacy of Jesus over all creation because, as
God the Father declares in the first chapter, “Thou, O GOD!” referencing His Son. He was and is God,
the IAM of the Old Testament. Let’s learn about the introductory information as we get into the book...

1.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to discribe the disputes over who was the author of the book to
the Hebrews.

2. The student should be able to discribe the receipients of the book and why it was written.

3. The student should be able to explain a possible date for the writing of the book.

1.3 Introduction

Of all the New Testament books classified as “epistles,” the epistle to the Hebrews is in
many ways more similar to a full treatise than to a typical letter. It does not have in
common with other New Testament epistles an opening salutation that names the writer
and the addressees to whom it was sent. It does, however, conclude with typical epistolary
features such as a benediction, some personal remarks, and a farewell (Heb 13:20–25).
There is little doubt that the writer of this letter had some very specific persons in mind though, for he
sprinkled throughout his writing a number of strong exhortations that were specifically directed to his

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