The ultimate purpose of Hebrews was to encourage and restore the faith of the once faithful. In its form, however, Hebrews is a unique book. It is generally designated a letter, and is situated among a number of similar New Testament books, and yet it stands out from those around it like a necktie at a “contemporary” worship service. It is stately and polished in the midst of nitty-gritty letters full of busy instructions.

Despite a rocky beginning, Hebrews found a place in the canon, and it often played an important role in theological controversies at a time when an orthodox path of Christian theology was emerging from the early streams of tradition. The book’s distinctive portrayal of the nature of Jesus was influential during early debates over Christology, and its use of the Old Testament helped pave the way for centuries of allegorical and typological interpretation of the Bible.

That is to say, Hebrews is a multimedia presentation intended to inspire and encourage its audience. The author of Hebrews was a holy artist, communicating the good news to a distinct community of believers to address their needs in their context. Nonetheless, the images are timeless, and their inspiration may be new again as God works in our own imaginations.

Discover this same inspiration and encouragement for your life in the Hebrews Annual Bible Study.

Receive encouragement for your life of faith with the 2006 Annual Bible Study. Both the Teaching Guide and Study Guide, which are illustrated with art images, photos, and maps, were written by Dalen C. Jackson.

Hebrews Teaching Guide
Each chapter in the Hebrews Teaching Guide includes teaching options, a suggested worship outline for both a contemporary and traditional service, and approaches for leading discussions. The study examines biblical background, historical interpretation, as well as spiritual, ministerial, and theological themes. It also includes relevant lesson plans for children and youth.

Hebrews Teaching Guide $14.00

Hebrews Study Guide
The Hebrews Study Guide serves three purposes: to educate the learner on major issues of appropriate interpretations, to offer an overview of theological themes, and to build the learner's Bible study skills by considering several significant interpretations.

Hebrews-James
The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary
Edgar V. McKnight & Christopher Church

McKnight explores the two aspects of Hebrews as covenant—the appeal to the perfection and finality of Jesus Christ and the exhortation to faithfulness based on that appeal. In his accompanying commentary on James, Church presents the letter as something of a biblical and historical fossil, a surviving representative of a once-flourishing Jewish Christianity.