Page 118 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Study Section 12: Epistle to the Hebrews: Living in Christ

12.1 Connect

Christianity in the 1 century, and Christianity today, has never gone without some form of
st
persecution. You will realize that to be a Christian today in some places is considered to be old
fashioned, in some countries you can’t share the gospel in a public place, and in private, if the
recipient of the gospel feels like they are forced to accept it, they can sue you. In some African
areas the gospel is considered to be a white man’s religion. In some Arabic nations, in the Middle East,
the gospel is a Western Religion. In some families, accepting the gospel means forsaking the gods of the
family, thereby becoming an outcast. In some marriages, accepting the gospel means divorce. In highly
corrupt countries, accepting the gospel means missing out on great business/job opportunities. In some
communities, accepting the gospel means declaring enmity with your gang members, which might even
lead to death. Examples are endless. By nature, persecution at any level is evil because it is a greatest
force to try to cause a believer to deny the gospel they first accepted, therefore, requires endurance
(long suffering), courage, boldness, faith (trust that the Lord is with you). This is the point of Hebrews in
its context. The first-century audience of Hebrews was experiencing opposition to their faith in Jesus
and facing pressure to give up. The writer reassures them that everything they seek can be found in
Christ. Hope in Christ is so much better than what society has to offer. Once their entire lives are
transformed in Christ, the believers can withstand any persecution the world throws their way. Let’s
begin…

12.2 Objectives

1. The student shall be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the author of Hebrews.

2. The student shall be able to locate when and where the book was written.

3. The student shall be able to name the recipients of the book.

4. The student shall be able to describe the occasions under which the book was written.
5. The student shall be able to describe the themes and purposes of the book.

6. The student shall be able to explain the structures and outlines of the book.

7. The student shall be able to demonstrate mastery of the atmospheres at the time of the writing of the
book.

8. The student shall be able to name the key passages in the book.
9. The student shall be able to recite the key words in the book.

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