The master-idea of the Epistle to the Hebrews

Abstract

The Epistle to the Hebrews is the most elusive of the writings of the New Testament, disguising as it does under a magnificent array of scriptural arguments and rhetorical devices its real object and purpose. Interpreters of all ages have been misled by the fallacious appearances and have consequently misrepresented the writer's mind and the logical nexus and development of his ideas. Even those who came nearer to the writer's mind have left some points in complete darkness. It is universally agreed that the most salient doctrine of the Epistle is the doctrine of the priesthood of Christ, hence this is considered to be the object of the Epistle. But before bringing out the master idea of the writer of the Epistle it will be worth while to trace the tendencies and main lines of argument followed by modern interpreters.