Epistle to the Hebrews Notes
Main Theme
The Epistle to the Hebrews presents a Christian guide for the interpretation of the Old Testament [Hebrew Scriptures]. Paul presents a dialectical tension and ambiguity about the relationship of Jews and Christians. Hebrews sets forth a smooth flow of God’s message from the creation through the incarnation. Hebrews presents both “rules for interpretation” and “examples of interpretation.” The rules for interpretation utilize the idea of ‘typology’ and ‘shadow ‘ and ‘light.’ The presumption is that things that are a unity or simple are superior to things that are complex. Later Christian authors will follow the pattern of Hebrews.
Hermeneutical Rules
1:1-4
10:1-5
Examples
3:1-4 Jesus superior to Moses
5:1-8 Priesthood of Jesus superior to Aaron
9-10 Sacrifice of Jesus superior to atonement sacrifices
Rewriting the History of Israel by Faith
11