Brief Summary:
The Book of Hebrews addresses three separate groups: believers in Christ, unbelievers who had knowledge of and an intellectual acceptance of the facts of Christ, and unbelievers who were attracted to Christ, but who rejected Him ultimately. It’s important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. To fail to do so can cause us to draw conclusions inconsistent with the rest of Scripture.
The writer of Hebrews continually makes mention of the superiority of Christ in both His personage and in His ministering work. In the writings of the Old Testament, we understand the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism symbolically pointed to the coming of Messiah. In other words, the rites of Judaism were but shadows of things to come. Hebrews tells us that Christ Jesus is better than anything mere religion has to offer. All the pomp and circumstance of religion pales in comparison to the person, work, and ministry of Christ Jesus. It is the superiority of our Lord Jesus, then, that remains the theme of this eloquently written letter.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
The Book of Hebrews
Summary of the Book of Hebrews – Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:1–18 summarizes the writer’s argument that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, based on animal sacrifices. Using themes developed in earlier passages, this section points out that God’s own Word promised to replace the system centered on the priests and the temple. Those flawed earthly components were symbols of the ”real” remedy for sin, which is the one-time sacrifice of Jesus. Having completed this long, detailed discourse, the writer will move on to practical applications, including a very stern warning.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:10 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:10 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:10
10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ”falling away” from the faith.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:23 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:23 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:23
23 let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ”falling away” from the faith.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:25 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:25 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:25
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:26–39 contains the letter’s most dire warning against apostasy. This passage should be understood in the same context as earlier references to Israel’s punishment in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19) and the dangers of a shallow faith (Hebrews 6:1–8). The concern here is not a loss of salvation, but of God’s punishment on those who willingly rebel against His will. Since the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, we can expect those who ”profane” the new covenant to suffer greater consequences for disobedience. This is followed by a word of encouragement and reassurance to those who have already survived hardship and persecution.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:26-27 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:26 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:26-27
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:26–39 contains the letter’s most dire warning against apostasy. This passage should be understood in the same context as earlier references to Israel’s punishment in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19) and the dangers of a shallow faith (Hebrews 6:1–8). The concern here is not a loss of salvation, but of God’s punishment on those who willingly rebel against His will. Since the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, we can expect those who ”profane” the new covenant to suffer greater consequences for disobedience. This is followed by a word of encouragement and reassurance to those who have already survived hardship and persecution.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:36 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:36 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:36
36 For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Context Summary
Hebrews 10:26–39 contains the letter’s most dire warning against apostasy. This passage should be understood in the same context as earlier references to Israel’s punishment in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19) and the dangers of a shallow faith (Hebrews 6:1–8). The concern here is not a loss of salvation, but of God’s punishment on those who willingly rebel against His will. Since the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, we can expect those who ”profane” the new covenant to suffer greater consequences for disobedience. This is followed by a word of encouragement and reassurance to those who have already survived hardship and persecution.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 10:39 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 10:39 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 10:39
39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:1–3 defines faith using words which are frequently quoted, and also frequently misunderstood. As with the rest of the book of Hebrews, context is critical. In this passage, the writer demonstrates that godly faith is really ”trust.” What we have seen of God’s nature and character should lead us to trust Him, and trust naturally leads to obedience. This is not an endorsement of ”blind faith,” especially since it comes after a lengthy discourse full of evidence and logic. Instead, the writer presents the idea of ”faith” as a confident look to the future, based on reliance on God’s promises. The next two sections of Hebrews will present God’s acceptance of faith and actions which prove it.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 11:1 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 11:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:1–3 defines faith using words which are frequently quoted, and also frequently misunderstood. As with the rest of the book of Hebrews, context is critical. In this passage, the writer demonstrates that godly faith is really ”trust.” What we have seen of God’s nature and character should lead us to trust Him, and trust naturally leads to obedience. This is not an endorsement of ”blind faith,” especially since it comes after a lengthy discourse full of evidence and logic. Instead, the writer presents the idea of ”faith” as a confident look to the future, based on reliance on God’s promises. The next two sections of Hebrews will present God’s acceptance of faith and actions which prove it.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 11:3 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 11:3 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 11:3
3 By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:4–16 gives examples of figures from the Old Testament who demonstrated faith in God and were blessed as a result. Persons such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are commended for their trust in God’s promises. In particular, this segment of the book of Hebrews focuses on those who heard from God, obeyed, and were blessed. While their actions are important, the common theme of these early references is obedience to God when fulfillment of His promises seems distant. The following passage will explore a similar idea, but in the context of those who demonstrated faith in the face of more immediate hardship.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 11:6 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 11:6 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 11:6
6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:32—12:2 is one of Scripture’s most stirring and inspirational passages. The theme of earlier verses was Old Testament heroes who exemplified faith, defined as a forward-looking trust in God. The emphasis of these examples moved from general faith, to faith in the face of hard choices, to faith resulting in victory. Here, the writer includes all of these, in a rapid-fire list of people who demonstrated the power of true, godly faith. As a letter delivered to persecuted Jewish Christians, these examples are meant to be encouraging and inspiring, as well as convicting. God waited to deliver the ultimate fulfillment of His promises so that we—those who are alive now—would have an opportunity to be saved. Given that privilege, Christians ought to strive to endure, and to hold fast, living out that same godly faith.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 12:1 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 12:1 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Context Summary
Hebrews 11:32—12:2 is one of Scripture’s most stirring and inspirational passages. The theme of earlier verses was Old Testament heroes who exemplified faith, defined as a forward-looking trust in God. The emphasis of these examples moved from general faith, to faith in the face of hard choices, to faith resulting in victory. Here, the writer includes all of these, in a rapid-fire list of people who demonstrated the power of true, godly faith. As a letter delivered to persecuted Jewish Christians, these examples are meant to be encouraging and inspiring, as well as convicting. God waited to deliver the ultimate fulfillment of His promises so that we—those who are alive now—would have an opportunity to be saved. Given that privilege, Christians ought to strive to endure, and to hold fast, living out that same godly faith.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 12:2 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 12:2 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Context Summary
Hebrews 12:18–29 summarizes the lessons given through chapters 11 and 12. Those living under the new covenant have the advantage of looking to Christ, rather than to the law. The Old Testament was given through ominous signs, dire messages, fire, and sacrifice; it involved material things in a material world. God presented Himself as unapproachable, symbolic of His holiness. The New Covenant offers something better, and something beyond rituals and earthly needs. Also symbolically, Christ gives us an ability to approach God which the old covenant could not grant. While prior things can be changed and destroyed, the destiny offered to believers in Christ cannot. That is the ”kingdom that cannot be shaken,” and our worship for God ought to reflect reverence as a result.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 12:28 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 12:28 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 12:28
28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,
Context Summary
Hebrews 13:1–6 contains practical, real-world instructions for Christian believers. These mirror some of the more common themes in the New Testament. Brotherly love, hospitality, care for the abused, sexual morality, and contentment are all commended. The writer ties the ability to be content, and faithful, to our trust in Christ to be there with us, and for us, in all of our circumstances. This grounding is strengthened in the following passage.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 13:5 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 13:5 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 13:5
15 Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God Psalm 50:23 continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.
Context Summary
Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus’ crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 13:8” Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 13:8 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Context Summary
Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus’ crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 13:15 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 13:15 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 13:15
15 Through him, then, let’s offer up a sacrifice of praise to God Psalm 50:23 continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to his name.
Context Summary
Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus’ crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.
For a more detailed summary select the link below.
“Hebrews 13:17 Bibleref.com
What does Hebrews 13:17 mean? | BibleRef.com
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
