Theme - This Epistle makes no reference to Gentiles; in fact, it gives prominence to Abraham, indicating that those to whom it was written were physical descendants of this patriarch. Persecutions and losses of property had greatly tested the faith of these Hebrew believers. Increasing Jewish and Roman conflicts led many of them to wonder if they should not return to a patriotic support of Judaistic institutions and the Temple. Such were the occasions for the writing of this Epistle. Yet, the author shows that Judaism had come to an end through the fulfilment by Christ of the whole purpose of the law, and that Christ is "better" than angels, than Moses, than Joshua, than Aaron; and the New Covenant supersedes the Mosaic Covenant.

Outline - The purpose and scope of the Epistle can best be presented by a comprehensive analysis: I. Introduction (1:1-4) II. The Superiority of the Son to Angels (1:5-2:18) III. The Superiority of the Son to Moses and Joshua (3-4) IV. The Nature and Scope of Christ's High Priesthood (5-7) V. The Ministry of Christ as High Priest (8:1-10:18) VI. The Superior Blessings of Christianity (10:19-12:29) VII. Practical Social and Religious Duties (13)