God’s Exceptional Revelation. Hebrews 1:13
The book of Hebrews has been called the “orphan epistle” because it lacks the signature of a human author. But God, who delights to be a Father to the fatherless, has adopted this epistle. Instead of beginning with the name of Paul or James or Peter, it begins, “God.” It is no wonder that its human author fades into obscurity.Counting the book of Revelation, there are twenty-two epistles in the New Testament. We can express them in this formula: 9 + 4 + 9.
There are nine letters addressed to Christian churches, four letters addressed to individuals, and nine letters addressed to Jewish Christians.Comparing the two major groups of nine we note that each group begins with a major theological treatise in which the Old Testament is interpreted in the light of Christ and Calvary.Romans introduces the first nine epistles. It discusses the relationship of the gospel to Israel’s moral law. Great appeal is made to the Old Testament prophetic ministry.
Hebrews introduces the last nine epistles. Hebrews discusses the relationship of the gospel to Israel’s ritual law. Great appeal is made to the Old Testament priestly ministry.