Commentary Of Paul's Letter To The Hebrews

Hebrews was traditionally thought to be a letter, authored by Paul, and addressed to “the Hebrews.” This is unlikely, however. Hebrews read far more like sermon than a letter, and may be an example of early Christian preaching. The author is entirely unknown, but appears to be very knowledgable about Christianity and about the culture of his time. The author shows familiarity with Pauline theology, but is probably not Paul. The author of Hebrews writes in extremely sophisticated language which does not match Paul’s, or even Luke’s, style.The audience is probably a group of Christians whoa re facing persecution of some kind, and need words of exhortation. Hebrews 2:1-9 appears after a discussion of the Son’s superiority to the prophets and to the angels. Various Old Testament passages are quoted to make this argument. The author then goes on to explain this further. Naturally, the audience may have considered angels to be superior due to the human body of Jesus. After this explanation, which begins in 2:1 and continues through the chapter, the author will go on to argue that Jesus is also greater than Moses. The …show more content…
Throughout Hebrews, the author argues the superiority of Christ to the Law, to the Prophets, to the angels, even to Moses. His high christology indicates that he believes Christ to be lower for a little while, not a little lower than the angels. He writes that Christ is “much superior to angels” and “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Furthermore, the author repeatedly states that Jesus sits at the place of honor and glory, the right hand of God. This high view of Christ as far superior to the Old Covenant indicates that the author views Christ as not lower than God, but lower for a little while. That “little while” having passed, Christ is supremely elevated. His glory is now evident, and he is no longer lower than the