Hebrews, Epistle to
 
  1. Its canonicity. All the results of critical and historical
     research to which this epistle has been specially subjected
     abundantly vindicate its right to a place in the New Testament
     canon among the other inspired books.
  2. Its authorship. A considerable variety of opinions on this
     subject has at different times been advanced. Some have
     maintained that its author was Silas, Paul's companion. Others
     have attributed it to Clement of Rome, or Luke, or Barnabas, or
     some unknown Alexandrian Christian, or Apollos; but the
     conclusion which we think is best supported, both from internal
     and external evidence, is that Paul was its author. There are,
     no doubt, many difficulties in the way of accepting it as
     Paul's; but we may at least argue with Calvin that there can be
     no difficulty in the way of "embracing it without controversy as
     one of the apostolical epistles."
  3. Date and place of writing. It was in all probability written at
     Rome, near the close of Paul's two years' imprisonment
     Heb 13:19,24 It was certainly written before the destruction
     of Jerusalem Heb 13:10
  4. To whom addressed. Plainly it was intended for Jewish converts
     to the faith of the gospel, probably for the church at
     Jerusalem. The subscription of this epistle is, of course,
     without authority. In this case it is incorrect, for obviously
     Timothy could not be the bearer of it Heb 13:23
  5. Its design was to show the true end and meaning of the Mosaic
     system, and its symbolical and transient character. It proves
     that the Levitical priesthood was a "shadow" of that of Christ,
     and that the legal sacrifices prefigured the great and
     all-perfect sacrifice he offered for us. It explains that the
     gospel was designed, not to modify the law of Moses, but to
     supersede and abolish it. Its teaching was fitted, as it was
     designed, to check that tendency to apostatize from Christianity
     and to return to Judaism which now showed itself among certain
     Jewish Christians. The supreme authority and the transcendent
     glory of the gospel are clearly set forth, and in such a way as
     to strengthen and confirm their allegiance to Christ.
  6. It consists of two parts:
      a. doctrinal Heb 1:1-10:18
      b. and practical Heb 10:19-13:25 
     There are found in it many references to portions of the Old
     Testament. It may be regarded as a treatise supplementary to the
     Epistles to the Romans and Galatians, and as an inspired commentary 
     on the book of Leviticus.