New Testament · General Letters · World English Bible
Hebrews
"Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body."
— Hebrews 13:3 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Letter
Anonymous. It names no author and opens with no greeting, which is why it has been attributed to Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla and others across the centuries without the question ever being settled. Its Greek is the most polished in the New Testament.
It calls itself a word of exhortation rather than a letter, and it reads like a sustained sermon — an argument built in stages, with warning passages inserted at intervals rather than saved for the end.
The argument is comparative throughout: better than the angels, than Moses, than Aaron, than the covenant, than the sacrifices. And it is addressed to people under real pressure who were considering going back, which is what the warnings are for.
13 Chapters
God Has Spoken in a Son
The opening sentence — many times and in many ways, and now in a Son. Then a chain of quotations establishing that he is not an angel.
Made Like His Brothers
The first warning: pay closer attention, so as not to drift. Then the reason for the incarnation — that he might help those who are tempted, having been tempted himself.
Greater Than Moses
The builder of the house against the house itself. Then the wilderness generation held up as a warning, and the instruction to encourage one another daily.
A Rest That Remains
The sabbath rest still open. The word living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. And a high priest who is not unable to sympathise with our weaknesses — so come boldly.
Melchizedek Introduced
A high priest taken from among men who can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, because he is beset by weakness himself. Then a rebuke: by now you ought to be teachers.
The Hard Warning
The passage that has troubled readers most, followed immediately by the assurance that God is not unjust and will not forget the work and love they have shown in serving the saints.
A Priest Forever
Melchizedek without genealogy, and a priesthood that does not pass on at death — so he is able to save completely those who come to God through him.
A Better Covenant
Jeremiah’s new covenant quoted at length — written on minds and hearts, and their sins remembered no more.
The Copy and the Reality
The earthly sanctuary described as a copy and shadow. Blood, and the once-for-all entry — not into a sanctuary made with hands.
Once for All
The repeated sacrifices that could never take away sins, against the single offering. Then the encouragement: hold fast, and consider how to spur one another toward love and good works.
By Faith
The roll call, running from Abel to the prophets — and including at the end those who were tortured, sawn in two, destitute and wandering, who did not receive what was promised.
The Cloud of Witnesses
Lay aside every weight and run with endurance. Discipline as a sign of sonship, not rejection. And the mountain you have not come to — set against the one you have.
Remember the Prisoners
Plain instruction at the end. Hospitality to strangers, since some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those in prison as though in prison with them. Be content. Do good and share.