(Note: The following questions were originally designed as one-page Lessons. For the answers to all the questions along with notes and charts, go to: hebrews2.htm .)
STUDYING THE BOOK OF HEBREWS - TABLE OF CONTENTS
LESSON ONE: Hebrews 1:1-4 - God speaks to us today through His Son
LESSON TWO: Hebrews 1:5-2:4 - Christ is superior to the angels
LESSON THREE: Hebrews 2:5-18 - The Savior was made perfect through sufferings
LESSON FOUR: Hebrews 3:1-19 - Christ is greater than Moses
LESSON FIVE: Hebrews 4:1-13 - There remains a rest for the people of God
LESSON SIX: Hebrews 4:14-5:11 - Our great High Priest
LESSON SEVEN: Hebrews 5:12-6:8 - Let us go on to perfection
LESSON EIGHT: Hebrews 6:9-20 - The faithfulness of the promises of God
LESSON NINE: Hebrews 7:1-19 - A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek
LESSON TEN: Hebrews 7:20-8:5 - What Christ's priesthood means to Christians
LESSON ELEVEN: Hebrews 8:6-13 - The better covenant established upon better promises
LESSON TWELVE: Hebrews 9:1-15 - How much more shall the blood of Christ...?
LESSON THIRTEEN: Hebrews 9:16-28 - Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many
LESSON FOURTEEN: Hebrews 10:1-18 - The animal sacrifices were insufficient
LESSON FIFTEEN: Hebrews 10:19-31 - Hold fast our confession lest we fall into the hands of God
LESSON SIXTEEN: Hebrews 10:32-11:5 - The just shall live by faith
LESSON SEVENTEEN: Hebrews 11:6-16 - They desire a better, heavenly country
LESSON EIGHTEEN: Hebrews 11:17-31 - By faith they were victorious
LESSON NINETEEN: Hebrews 11:32-12:3 - Let us run with patience the race set before us
LESSON TWENTY: Hebrews 12:4-17 - Do not despise the chastening of the Lord
LESSON TWENTY-ONE: Hebrews 12:18-29 - We have come to Mount Zion
LESSON TWENTY-TWO: Hebrews 13:1-14 - Let us go outside the camp bearing His reproach
LESSON TWENTY-THREE: Hebrews 13:15-25 - His final exhortations
LESSON ONE: Hebrews 1:1-4 - God speaks to us today through His Son
1. How had God spoken to the fathers?
2. How do verses 1 and 2 indicate that the New Testament of Christ is the final revelation?
3. From 1:2-3, list the expressions which describe the Son.
4. What do verses 2 and 3 show regarding Jesus' relation to God the Father?
5. How does Christ uphold all things?
6. What did Jesus accomplish before He sat down at the right hand of the Father?
7. What is the "more excellent name" to which the Hebrew writer was referring?
RESEARCH
1. Are there any indications in the book as to who its author might be?
2. Find other passages where the term "last days" is used.
3. God has spoken to us today through His Son. How does one go about showing that the New Testament of Christ is the spoken word of the Son?
4. What other passage (or passages) show that the universe (or world) is held together by Christ?
5. The "Jesus only" people teach that the Father and the Son are the same divine being manifested
in different forms. How do verses 1-4 refute this idea?
LESSON TWO: Hebrews 1:5-2:4 - Christ is superior to the angels
1. From 1:4-14, make a brief list of the things which show how Christ is superior to the angels.
2. What exhortation (or commandment) does the writer give in 2:1 concerning the danger of drifting?
3. What comparison was made regarding the Law of Moses which shows that we dare not neglect the great salvation?
4. From 2:3-4, how does the writer describe the great salvation?
RESEARCH
1. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Christ was not God, but was simply a created angel. How do verses 4-14 of chapter 1 refute this idea?
2. Verse 2 of chapter 2 mentions the Law of Moses as the word "spoken by angels." What other verses mention this also?
3. List some examples from the O.T. of those who received a just reward for their transgression and disobedience.
4. List passages from the New Testament which show that if we neglect the great salvation we
will not escape.
LESSON THREE: Hebrews 2:5-18 - The Savior was made perfect through sufferings
1. What is the overall theme of 2:5-8?
2. Who was made a little lower than the angels?
3. What was God's purpose in making the author of salvation perfect through sufferings?
4. What "release" or "deliverance" was brought through the death of Jesus?
5. Which verse shows that Jesus did not bring aid to angels, but to the seed of Abraham?
6. Why is Christ well-fitted to aid those who are tempted?
RESEARCH
1. To what does the expression "the world to come" in 2:5 refer?
2. From 2:5-18, make a list of all the verses which are quoted from the Old Testament.
3. From 2:14, in what sense has the devil been destroyed? If he has been destroyed, why does evil
continue to be present in this world?
LESSON FOUR: Hebrews 3:1-19 - Christ is greater than Moses
1. From 3:1-6, in what way was Christ superior to Moses? (Show how they were alike and how they were different.)
2. From 3:7-19, make a list of the evil things of which Israel was guilty.
3. From 3:7-19, list the verses which show God's reaction to Israel's rebellion.
4. From 3:7-4:1, make a list of the things the writer encourages us to do.
5. What answers is the writer expecting to his questions in verses 16-18?
RESEARCH
1. From 3:2, why would Christ be called an "Apostle"?
2. Regarding 3:13, list some suggestions as to what we might do to help our fellow Christians from being hardened.
3. From 3:1-4:1, make a list which shows "once saved always saved" cannot be true.
LESSON FIVE: Hebrews 4:1-13 - There remains a rest for the people of God
1. According to 4:2, why were those to whom the gospel was first preached not profited?
2. What proof does the writer give to show there remains a rest to the people of God?
3. Which verse shows his conclusion to his line of reasoning?
4. To which "rest" is 4:10 referring?
5. What exhortation ("let us") does he give regarding the rest?
6. From 4:12, make a list of what the Word of God is and does.
7. What does verse 13 show regarding "giving account"?
RESEARCH
1. From 4:2, what "gospel" was preached to Israel?
2. How does his quote in verse 7 show that Joshua did not lead the Jews into the "rest" to which he was referring.
3. Why is it wrong for one to speak of the Lord's day as the "Christian Sabbath"?
LESSON SIX: Hebrews 4:14-5:11 - Our great High Priest
1. Why is Christ able to sympathize with our weaknesses?
2. In 4:14-16, what exhortations ("let us") does he give, since we have a great High Priest?
3. From 5:1-10, list the things which show Christ is qualified as our High Priest.
4. To what event is the "vehement cries and tears" probably referring?
5. Which verse in this section clearly shows that "obedience" is necessary?
6. From 5:11, what does the expression "dull of hearing" mean?
RESEARCH
1. Make a list of all the "let us" passages in the book of Hebrews.
2. The expression "called of God" in 5:4 is sometimes used to prove that a preacher must have a
supernatural calling in order to be qualified to preach. How would you answer this?
LESSON SEVEN: Hebrews 5:12-6:8 - Let us go on to perfection
1. How does the writer describe the spiritual immaturity of the brethren?
2. What causes one to be able to discern both good and evil?
3. That exhortation ("let us") does he give regarding basic principles?
4. Under what conditions is it impossible to renew one to repentance?
5. What happens to that which bears thorns and briers?
RESEARCH
1. As one continues through the book of Hebrews, at which verse does the writer again address Christ's priesthood?
2. List some suggestions which will help qualify us (or better qualify us) as teachers.
3. How would you answer the one who seeks to prove 6:4-6 to be false by saying that anyone can
be led to repentance?
LESSON EIGHT: Hebrews 6:9-20 - The faithfulness of the promises of God
1. Of what was the writer convinced concerning the brethren?
2. From 6:10-12, list the works (the better things which accompany salvation) the writer mentions?
3. What is the main point the writer is making in 6:13-20?
4. In order to give assurance to man, what did God do which was in accord with man's way of thinking?
5. What are the two immutable (unchangeable) things to which he made reference in verse 18?
6. What is the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul?
7. Into what has Jesus, the forerunner, entered for us?
RESEARCH
1. The term "fled for refuge" is probably an allusion to what?
2. List other passages which show the importance of "hope."
LESSON NINE: Hebrews 7:1-19 - A priest forever after the order of Melchizedek
1. From 7:1-10, list the things which show the greatness of Melchizedek.
2. What made a necessity for the change of the law?
3. Why couldn't Christ have been a priest under the Levitical priesthood?
4. What quote does he give from the Old Testament to show that Christ was not made a priest after the law of a fleshly commandment?
5. What do verses 18 and 19 teach us regarding the Law of Moses?
RESEARCH
1. In what sense was Melchizedek "without father" and "without mother"?
2. How do verses 13 and 14 of chapter 7 show that the silence of the Scriptures forbids a thing?
3. In the original Greek, there are two words used for the word "another" ("heteros" - "another of
a different sort" and "allos" - "another of the same sort"). Which of these two words is used in
7:15?
LESSON TEN: Hebrews 7:20-8:5 - What Christ's priesthood means to Christians
1. From 7:14-28, list the verses which indicate that Jesus continues as priest forever.
2. From 7:18-28, make a brief list of the blessings brought to Christians.
3. From 7:20-28, list the things which show the superiority of Christ's priesthood.
4. Which verse lists five descriptions of our High Priest?
5. What did the "word of the oath" appoint?
6. Jesus is said to be the "Minister" of what?
RESEARCH
1. What Old Testament prophecy states that Christ would be king when He was priest?
2. Define the expression in 7:25, "to the uttermost."
3. Is one justified in using 8:5 to teach that we should build the church according to the pattern?
LESSON ELEVEN: Hebrews 8:6-13 - The better covenant established upon better promises
1. From 8:6-13, list the things which make our New Covenant a better one.
2. List the things from this section which further show that we are not under the Law of Moses today.
3. What would have prevented a place being sought for a second covenant?
4. Would the new covenant be united with, or somewhat similar to, the old covenant?
5. What great blessings regarding forgiveness of sins can be obtained under the new covenant?
RESEARCH
1. Make a list of all the "better" things in the book of Hebrews.
2. Explain the expressions, "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother saying, 'Know the Lord.'"
3. Explain how the "I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts" was different from the situation under the first covenant.
4. List other passages which indicate that the Old Testament went out slowly rather than abruptly.
LESSON TWELVE: Hebrews 9:1-15 - How much more shall the blood of Christ...?
1. What kind of sanctuary did the first covenant have?
2. What things were in the ark?
3. Indicate whether the following items were in the Holy Place (HP) or the Most Holy Place (MHP) of the tabernacle.
golden pot with manna ----------- Aaron's rod that budded
table of showbread ---------------- cherubims
golden lampstands ----------------- tables of the covenant
mercy seat -------------------------- ark of the covenant
4. From verses 7 and 8, what did the restrictions which prevented men from entering behind the veil indicate?
5. What point did the writer make with reference to the expression "how much more," in verse 14?
6. From 9:15, how did the death of Jesus affect the sins of those who lived under the Old
Covenant?
RESEARCH
1. To what "time" does the "present time" in 9:9 and the "times of reformation" in 9:10 refer?
2. How does the illustration of "writing a check" illustrate how sins were forgiven under the Old
Testament?
LESSON THIRTEEN: Hebrews 9:16-28 - Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many
1. From 9:11-28, list the things which Christ's blood (death, offering, sacrifice) obtained.
2. When does a testament become binding?
3. What did Moses use to dedicate the first covenant?
4. What did Moses say when he sprinkled both the book and all the people?
5. What is the only means by which remission of sins can be obtained?
6. What did the writer mention about the death of Christ which is consistent with the death of all
men?
RESEARCH
1. How do verses 16 and 17 answer the age-old question, "What about the thief on the cross"?
2. From verses 23-24, where it is used twice, define the word "copies" and list at least one other verse where this word is used.
3. From verses 26-28, where it is used three times, define the word "once" and list at least one other verse where this word is used.
4. How does 9:27 show that reincarnation cannot be true?
LESSON FOURTEEN: Hebrews 10:1-18 - The animal sacrifices were insufficient
1. Of what was the Law a shadow?
2. From 10:1-9, list some things which suggest weaknesses regarding the Old Testament sacrifices.
3. Which verse makes reference to the incarnation (John 1:1,14) of Christ?
4. What had Christ come to do, and to what does it seem to have reference?
5. Which verse shows that God has never had two wills or covenants in effect at the same time?
6. According to verses 10 and 14, how have we been sanctified and perfected?
7. From 10:15-18, in what way had the Holy Spirit witnessed?
RESEARCH
1. To which "book" is the writer referring in 10:7?
2. Some argue from 10:13 that Christ is waiting for His enemies to be conquered so that He can begin His reign? How would you answer?
3. From 10:10-18, how is the Catholic teaching regarding "penitence" and "indulgences" refuted?
LESSON FIFTEEN: Hebrews 10:19-31- Hold fast our confession lest we fall into the hands of God
1. What has the Lord consecrated for us?
2. From 10:19-21, what two things do we now have?
3. Based on the blessings mentioned in verses 10:19-21, what three exhortations ("let us") does he give in the verses which follow?
4. What are the internal and external parts of conversion as mentioned in 10:22?
5. What did the writer encourage (command) us not to do?
6. From 10:26-31, list the consequences for those who sin wilfully.
7. How does this section show that God is not a God of love only?
RESEARCH
1. How would you answer those who say that 10:25 refers to the Lord's day only?
2. What does it mean to count the blood of the covenant as a "common thing" and "insult (do
despite to) the Spirit of grace?
LESSON SIXTEEN: Hebrews 10:32-11:5 - The just shall live by faith
1. From 10:32-34, list the things they had done which he asks them to recall.
2. What motivated the Hebrews to accept joyfully the plundering of their goods?
3. What were they exhorted to not cast away?
4. Why do we have need of patience?
5. Of whom is it said, "My soul has no pleasure in him."
6. How is faith described or defined in 11:1?
7. From 11:3 and Psalm 33:6-9, what do we understand by faith?
8. What did Abel do by faith?
9. What testimony did Enoch have before he was translated?
RESEARCH
1. What is the difference in the meaning of the words "believe" in 10:39 and "faith" in 11:1?
2. Why was Abel's sacrifice, which he offered "by faith," accepted; whereas, Cain's was not? In
other words, what does it mean to do something "by faith"?
LESSON SEVENTEEN: Hebrews 11:6-16 - They desire a better, heavenly country
1. What must one believe to be pleasing to God, and if he so believes, what will he be doing?
2. What action resulted from Noah's faith?
3. What action resulted from Abraham's faith?
4. What shows Abraham's trust in God when he went out?
5. What kind of city or country did the patriarchs desire?
6. Why was Sarah able to receive strength to conceive?
7. What did the patriarchs confess concerning their life here on earth?
8. What did their confession plainly declare?
9. Could they have returned to the land from which they had come?
10. Why is God not ashamed to be called their God?
RESEARCH
1. How did Noah condemn the world by his actions?
2. How does the expression in 11:13 "having seen them afar off" support the basic definition of
faith as given in 11:1.
LESSON EIGHTEEN: Hebrews 11:17-31 - By faith they were victorious
1. From 11:17-19, what did Abraham do as the result of his faith?
2. What did both Isaac and Jacob do concerning their children? Was this merely their wishes?
3. How did Joseph show faith in God's promise regarding the future?
4. From 11:23-28, list the "by faith" things said regarding Moses.
5. Which verse shows that the pleasures of sin are only passing and temporary at best?
6. What did Rahab do as the result of her faith?
RESEARCH
1. How in a figurative sense was Isaac received from the dead?
2. What lessons can be learned from Joseph's bones?
3. How did Moses esteem the "reproach of Christ" greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, when Christ had not yet come to the earth?
4. Explain how the walls of Jericho fell down "by faith."
LESSON NINETEEN: Hebrews 11:32-12:3 - Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses
1. Match the following names with the list below: (a) Isaac; (b) Jacob; (c) Joseph; (d) Moses; (e) Israelites; (f) Rahab; (g) Gideon; (h) Barak; (i) Jephthah; (j) David
____1. Was the son of a harlot. ____6. Blessed his twin sons regarding the future.
____2. Gave orders concerning his bones. ____7. Blessed each of the sons of Joseph.
____3. Defeated a great army with 300 men. ____8. Welcomed the spies in peace.
____4. Esteemed the reproach of Christ greater. ____9. Passed through the Sea as by dry land.
____5. Was the sweet psalmist of Israel. ____10. Was captain of the host under Deborah.
2. Why did those who were tortured not accept deliverance?
3. Who was unworthy of these great people of faith?
4. From 11:39-40, (and the context of the entire epistle) what is the "better thing" God has provided for us?
5. On the basis of the great cloud of witnesses, what does the writer encourage us to do?
6. From 12:2-3, on what basis does he encourage us regarding "looking unto Jesus"?
7. What does considering Jesus prevent us from not doing?
RESEARCH
1. Find an example of "Women received their dead raised to life again."
2. From what is the expression "lay aside every weight" probably taken?
3. What was the "joy" that was set before Him?
LESSON TWENTY: Hebrews 12:4-17 - Do not despise the chastening of the Lord
1. From 12:5-11, what analogy is made between the chastening God gives and that of an earthly father?
2. From 12:5-11, what are the blessings which come to those who endure the chastening of the Lord?
3. Which verses show that we should shake off weariness and laziness, and press forward?
4. What must we pursue to be able to see God?
5. List the three "lests" given in 12:15-16.
6. What lessons can be learned from the example of Esau?
RESEARCH
1. In what way is 12:4 also true of us?
2. From what O.T. passage are 12:5-6 taken?
3. List other verses which show that God is the Father of our spirits.
4. What analogy does the writer make to a bitter or poisonous root?
LESSON TWENTY-ONE: Hebrews 12:18-29 - We have come to Mount Zion
1. State briefly the point (or purpose) of the Hebrew writer's contrast between verses 18-21 and 22-24?
2. What entreaty was made by those who heard the trumpet and the voice of words?
3. How did Moses react when he saw the terrifying things on the mountain?
4. What does "Yet once more" indicate?
5. In what manner are we to serve God?
RESEARCH
1. From 2 Sam. 5:6-7 and Rev. 14:1-5, what further things do we learn about Mount Zion?
2. Is one handling aright the Scriptures when he uses 12:23 to teach that the church should be called "the church of the firstborn"; that is, "the church of Christ who was the firstborn"?
3. How does the blood of Jesus speak better than that of Abel?
4. From 12:25-29, (and the context of the entire epistle) what are those things which cannot be shaken?
5. Along with 12:28, list other passages which show that the kingdom is in existence now.
LESSON TWENTY-TWO: Hebrews 13:1-14 - Let us go outside the camp bearing His reproach
1. Whom were they admonished to remember?
2. From 13:4, what will happen to all fornicators and adulterers?
3. What promise helps us to be content?
4. What does the writer admonish regarding doctrine?
5. It is good for our hearts to be established with what, and not with what?
6. Why should we "bear His reproach" as stated by the writer of Hebrews?
RESEARCH
1. From 13:2, to whom was the writer referring when he said, "some have unwittingly entertained angels"?
2. What is the meaning of the word "fornicators" which is used in 13:4?
3. Those of the various "Holiness" denominations use 13:8 to prove that Jesus continues to give miraculous gifts today. How would you answer?
4. To what "altar" is the writer referring in 13:10?
5. Why did Jesus suffer "outside the gate"?
LESSON TWENTY-THREE: Hebrews 13:15-25 - His final exhortations
1. What are we to do continually?
2. What should we not forget?
3. Why should Christians submit to those who have the rule over them?
4. Why was it proper for the Hebrews to pray for the writer and the others?
5. What did he wish the God of peace to do for them?
6. How did he label (or describe) his weighty and important epistle?
7. Along with whom did he want to come and visit them?
8. What was his final wish for them?
RESEARCH
1. What does the word "rule" in 13:17 mean? Would it also apply to other god-fearing leaders in the congregation?
2. Define the word "everlasting" in 13:20. What does it tell us regarding future covenants?
3. Give other passages which are similar to 13:20-21, which show that God is able and willing to perfect the faithful and bring them home to heaven with Him.
4. What in the latter part of the epistle seems to indicate that Paul is the writer of the epistle of Hebrews?
5. Has the study of the book of Hebrews increased and enriched your faith?