Hebrews, God’s New Covenant — Leader Guide Bible Studies

Hebrews

There are three major unknowns about the letter of Hebrews; the author, date of writing, and the recipients' location are all unknown. What is known is that the author was a masterful theologian, and the letter was regarded as canon in the early church (Clement of Rome, 95AD). The author of Hebrews did not sign their name to the letter, unlike Paul, who commonly identified himself at the beginning and end of his letters.

Hebrews was probably written before 70AD because it does not mention the destruction of Herod’s temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. The letter mentions persecution, imprisonment, confiscation of property (10:33-34), and enduring hardship (12:7). Persecution of Jewish Christians by Jewish leaders began immediately following Jesus’ death. Emperor Claudius expelled Christians from Rome in 49AD. Emperors Nero and Domitian murdered Christians for entertainment beginning in 64AD and through the eighties and nineties. The view of the early church was that Hebrews was written to the Jewish-Christian church in Jerusalem.

The author of Hebrews writes with persuasive logic that Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and all the rituals in Jewish worship point to Christ.

The Star of David and the sign of the trinity symbolize God’s old and new covenant’s. The Star of David is a symbol of Israel. The six points of the star represent David’s shield, whose security is found only in God, his protector from danger in any direction - above and below, east, west, north, or south. God chose Israel and promised Abraham He would bless the entire world through his line and promised David his line would reign as king forever. These promises and blessings were fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who was from the line of David and also God’s Son. Jesus redeemed us from sin and spiritual death with his own blood. He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and reigns in glory forever.

The Trinity circle (or Triquetra) is an ancient symbol adopted by Christians for the eternal fellowship of the triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The symbol can also be viewed as comprised of three ICHTHUS (fish) symbols. The fish was also used as an early Christian symbol because each Greek letter in ICHTHUS (fish) is the first letter of words: Jesus, Christ, God, Son, Savior.