Bible Discussion Thread

INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS (Part 2):

All of this is important to understand how to interpret the book of Hebrews.

I. DATE OF WRITING:

Evidence from the letter itself places the date written between 67 and 69 A.D. The reason for this is that the author uses present tense verbs throughout the letter indicating the temple in Jerusalem was still functioning.

And there is a list of present tense verbs found in this writing, Hebrews 5:1; 7:5; 8:3; 9:6; 9:22; 10:4; 10:8; and 13:11. A Present tense verb just basically says the writer is speaking as if it is ongoing now, when he talks about the temple rituals and functions.

The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. by Titus the Roman General. So, the letter had to have been written before 70 A.D. as the information tells us. That's because the writer is speaking as though the temple is still there and is still functioning. So, it has to be written before 70 A.D.

II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:

The inscription added to this letter in the 2nd century was "The Letter to the Hebrews."

Prior to the 2nd century, there were no titles to the letters. In the 2nd century, they decided to add titles or inscriptions to the letters. And it wasn't until the 2nd century the inscription said the letter to the Hebrews. The letter was written to Hebrew Christians. We know this because of the emphasis on the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, and an absence of any reference to Gentiles.