Panayotis Coutsoumpos

Reading Hebrews In First-Century Context and Early Christianity Panayotis Coutsoumpos

Paul's epistle to the Hebrews is one of the most detached and polemical letters in the whole Bible, making it one of the most difficult documents to study. In the letter to the Hebrews, we find the basic concept of the author's theology on the topics of the sanctuary and the high priest in the temple. What made Hebrews a special letter is a sermon and refined oral style. Another feature of Hebrews is its originality and Paul's use of the Old Testament. The Christology in Hebrews focuses on Christ's preexistence and divine status, as well as the humility that makes him our example. Hebrews portrays Jesus as ultimate high priest, who sacrificed himself once for all to atone for human sins.