“Introducing Hebrews”

The title, “To the Hebrews” which was probably added a hundred years after it was penned does without much doubt accurately identify the recipients of the epistle. The first readers of this letter were Jewish people who had professed faith in Jesus Christ but were in danger of drifting away from the Christian faith. Because they were tempted to return to Judaism, that is life and worship under the law, the author of Hebrews demonstrated that the New Covenant mediated by Christ was not only better than the Old Covenant but was replacing it. There is an emphasis on their need to endure in their faith in Christ (10:36), as encouraged in one of the most well known passages found in the epistle – Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).