Things Upheld. A Study of Hebrews.

The New Testament book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians in Italy but is applicable to us today. It can be viewed in the format of a court case and proves the point that God himself has provided man’s righteousness, with arguments to persuade the Christian that his or her faith is truly genuine, and that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

The book of Hebrews is structured like a court case as well. The writer of Hebrews uses legal terms to make his argument to persuade the Christian that his or her faith is truly genuine. The theme of the book is that peace (with God) and righteousness (from God) are for us today. With this in mind, the writer brings the evidence before the reader in Hebrews 6:13-12:24. In Chapter 10 of Hebrews, the First Witness, Jesus, is cross-examined, and the Third Witness, the Holy Spirit, is called to the stand. The case has already occurred and can be seen in Psalm 109 and 110, Zechariah 3, and the last of the seven trials of Jesus (the 1st six trials were before Annas (John 18:12-23), before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57-68), before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66-71), before Pilate the 1st time (Matthew 27:1), before Herod (Luke 23:8-12), and before Pilate the 2nd time (Luke 23:13-25)), the trial before the Father (Matthew 27:46).

All the evidence is presented and the writer uses the Old Testament to make the case clear and immediately, the importance of the case is understood. Additionally, there are precedents, preliminary proceedings, charges against us, evidence, the defendant's testimony, pre-verdict events, and the verdict.

The theme of the book is that peace and righteousness are for us today. This outline using alliteration with in-depth questions is meant to facilitate a detailed study of the book with one of many references available. The writer uses the Old Testament extensively to substantiate his argument and the reader is encouraged to privately investigate those passages either individually or in a group setting.

Seventeen color illustrations illuminate the point the writer is pleading. May you find assurance and rest as you study the book of Hebrews and gain growth for your spirit.