Hebrews 1:1-4 Lesson 2
Hebrews 1:1-4 - Lesson 2
October 12, 2025
Randolph Washington
Herbert harris
October 12, 2025
Randolph Washington
Herbert harris
Hebrews: Authorship, Apostasy, and Divine Revelation
An examination of the Epistle's purpose, historical context, and the supremacy of Christ as God's ultimate revelation.
Key Takeaways
- For the first 30 years of the church, it was possible to practice both Judaism and Christianity, but growing persecution, especially under Nero, made this coexistence difficult.
- The Book of Hebrews was written to persuade believers not to abandon their faith in Christ and return to Judaism, arguing for the superiority of the New Covenant.
- The authorship of Hebrews is unknown and ultimately not essential for salvation; its value lies in its inspired message from the Holy Spirit.
- The Bible defines three major periods: Antediluvian (before the flood), Post-diluvian (after the flood to Christ's ascension), and the "Last Days" (from the church's establishment until Christ's return).
- Angels are powerful, supernatural messengers of God, but they are not divine and are subservient to Christ, who has a more excellent name and nature.
- Jesus is the "radiance" of God's glory, sharing the same divine nature as the Father. To see the Son is to see the Father.
"If the Bible says that's how He used to do it, then that's how He used to do it. Today, He speaks to us through His Son."
— Class Participant
The Authorship of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews never identifies himself in the text. While scholars have proposed theories—including the apostles Paul and Barnabas, or the eloquent teacher Apollos—these remain speculative. Some arguments point to someone in Paul's inner circle, like Barnabas, due to shared terminology such as "Judaizers." However, the lack of definitive evidence makes debating the author's identity a futile exercise. The most important truth is that the book was inspired by the Holy Spirit and included in Scripture for our instruction, regardless of the human instrument who penned it.
Purpose and Central Message
The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a community of believers who were tempted to abandon their Christian faith and revert to Judaism, likely due to mounting persecution. The book serves as a powerful collection of sermons and exhortations designed to prevent this **apostasy** (a willful rejection of faith). Its central argument is the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ. The author systematically demonstrates that Jesus is superior to the angels, superior to Moses, and superior to the Aaronic priesthood. The New Covenant He established is far better than the Old, rendering a return to Judaic practices a regression from the ultimate revelation of God.
How God Speaks According to Scripture
Hebrews 1:1-2 makes a pivotal distinction in how God communicates with humanity. In the past, God spoke through various means: an audible voice, angels, dreams, and through the prophets. These revelations were given progressively over time. However, the author declares that in these "last days," God has spoken His final and most complete word through His Son. This means that today, God's primary method of communication is through Jesus, whose life and teachings are perfectly recorded in the written Word of Scripture. While the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and brings Scripture to our remembrance, the era of new, direct prophetic revelation as seen in the Old Testament has concluded in Christ.
Dreams, Discernment, and the "Reticular Activator"
The discussion raised an important point about claiming divine messages through dreams. The lecture cautioned that this is a "slippery slope," as Scripture indicates God's definitive word is now through His Son. Often, what we experience in dreams stems from our own conscience, the convictions formed by studying God's Word, and our daily experiences. One participant introduced a helpful psychological concept: the "reticular activator" (part of the reticular activating system in the brain). This is the brain's natural filtering system that causes us to notice things we're focused on. For example, when you focus on Scripture, your brain is primed to see its themes and lessons play out in your life. These experiences are common to all people—not just Christians—and are better understood as the mind processing information rather than new, direct revelation from God.
Key Theological Terms in Hebrews 1
To fully grasp the opening chapter, several key terms were defined:
- Majesty: This refers to God's inherent greatness, splendor, and supreme authority. It is a description of His nature, which evokes awe and reverence from creation.
- Scepter: A symbol of divine authority, royal power, and legitimate rule. When Hebrews says the scepter of Christ's kingdom is a scepter of righteousness, it means His rule is perfectly just and upright.
- Righteousness: This means holy and upright living that aligns with God's perfect standard. Its root word relates to "straightness," signifying conformity to God's divine and unerring nature.
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Hebrews 1:1–4 and Background — Quiz
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Fact or Fiction?
Drag each statement from the pool into the correct box: Fact (True) or Fiction (False).
Statements Pool
In these "last days," God speaks to us through His Son.
Prophets in the Bible were often self-appointed.
The author of the book of Hebrews never identifies himself.
The term "Judaizer" was a high compliment for a Jewish Christian.
Biblical angels are powerful supernatural beings, but they are not divine.
Judaism and Christianity coexisted easily for the first 100 years of the church.
✅ Fact
❌ Fiction
Key Term Scramble
Unscramble the letters to reveal a key term from the lesson. Use the hint if you need help!
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