1. AUTHOR. — Uncertain. According to the traditional view, Paul was the author. Many think Apollos wrote the Epistle. Some name Barnabas as the author.

2. DATE. — Probably between 62 and 67 A. D.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — Hebrew Christians, though it is not certain whether those in Jerusalem or those in Rome were ad dressed.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. —At a time when the Hebrew Christians were being persecuted by the Jews, and were in danger of turning back from Christianity to Judaism; when they were no longer allowed to share in the worship of the temple, and when the temple itself was soon to be done away with.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — The relation of the sys tem of worship of the Old Testament dispensation to the facts of the gospel, showing that the former was inferior to the latter and was fulfilled in the coming of Christ; that the suffering of these Hebrew Christians was sent by God as their Father; and they were to look by faith to the future.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that these Christians should not be discouraged, though they had to suffer from those who were called the chosen people of God; for Christians were now the real people of God, the Old Testament system of worship being fulfilled in Christianity; they should expect chastisement, and should have faith which looked to the future for its pos sessions.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. Doctrinal: Christianity is superior to the Old Testament legal system, and fulfills it, Ch. 1-10:18.

(a) Christ superior to angels, Ch. 1, 2.

(b) Christ superior to Moses, Ch. 3, 4.

(c) Christ superior to Aaron, Ch. 5–10:18.

Part II. Practical: Encouragement to stead fastness on the part of those knowing that they were sons, though chastised, and that they would receive the promises, Ch. 10:19-13:25.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — Angels are ministers to the heirs of salvation; Jesus has subdued death; Christ was a priest like Melchisedec; he bore the sins of many; faith looks forward to the future for its possessions; affliction is sent for chastisement.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — In Matthew we have the relation of Christ to Old Testament prophecy; Hebrews gives his relation to the Old Testament worship. The Epistle of James shows the Hebrew Christians as a part of the Israelitish nation; Hebrews distinguishes Christians from Israel. Here especially we have the interpretation of Old Testament types.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The priest hood and sacrifices of the Old Testament; the continuance of the temple worship by the early Christians.