Knowra Epistle to the Hebrews Epistle to the Hebrews A New Testament writing that presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest and urges its audience to remain faithful. Its author is unknown, and its genre combines exposition with exhortation.
High Priest : A priest who holds the highest rank in a religious order, especially the chief priest of ancient Israel. The writing recasts this office around Jesus to explain his access to God and enduring intercession.
Jesus as High Priest : The Christian interpretation of Jesus as the mediator who offers himself and represents humanity before God. This is Hebrews’ central claim, developed through comparisons with Israel’s priests and sanctuary rites.
Authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews : The unresolved question of who composed the New Testament writing known as Hebrews. The writing names no author, and early Christian proposals never settled the question.
Pauline Epistles : New Testament letters attributed to Paul, addressing Christian communities and individuals across the Roman world. Hebrews differs in style and argument from Paul’s letters and does not identify Paul as its author.
Mosaic Covenant : The covenant between God and Israel mediated by Moses, traditionally associated with the law given at Sinai. Hebrews compares its arrangements with the new covenant it says Jesus mediates.
New Covenant : A covenant in biblical tradition associated with inwardly written law, forgiveness, and restored relationship with God. Hebrews treats Jeremiah’s promise of a new covenant as evidence that the earlier arrangement is surpassed.
Early Christianity : The diverse Jesus-following movements and communities of the first centuries CE. Hebrews reflects early Christian debate about scripture, worship, and fidelity to Jesus.
Gospel of Matthew : A New Testament narrative presenting Jesus’ life, teaching, death, and resurrection, traditionally attributed to Matthew. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as teacher and Davidic Messiah rather than developing Hebrews’ sustained priestly argument.
Day of Atonement : An annual Israelite observance in which the high priest performed rites for the purification of the sanctuary and people. Its entry into the sanctuary supplies the ritual pattern for Hebrews’ account of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Christology : The study and interpretation of the identity, nature, and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews contributes a distinctive account of Jesus’ divine status, suffering, and priestly work.
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