The Purpose of the Epistle to the Hebrews Cover Image

A Zsidókhoz írt levél keletkezésének oka
The Purpose of the Epistle to the Hebrews

Author(s): István Kenderesi
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: Erdélyi Református Egyházkerület
Keywords: Epistle to the Hebrews; Hebrews;

Summary/Abstract: In this essay we argue that the particular purpose of Hebrews is obscure for the modern reader. It is clear, that it was addressed to a particular community that needed to be warned not to apostatize, not to turn away from Christianity. But no dogmatic conclusion can be reached on a more precise identification of the danger could consist in. The drift of the argument on the levitical cultus, the exhortations and argumentations from the exposition of so many Old Testament passages would possibly give weight to the theory that the danger was that of relapsing into Judaism, a theory held by numerous scholars. However, this is an inference, though reasonable. But each further step in order to identify the exact form of the apostasy to Judaism will be conjectural. What we can tell from the thoughts expressed in the epistle is that the author wants to reassure his recipients in their faith, to inspire them by pointing to the HighPriest Christ, and to reinstate them in the characteristic Christian features of their faith, warning them of the immeasurable loss in case they would give up their belief in Christ.

  • Issue Year: 100/2007
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 128-137
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Hungarian