5. Is the letter to the Hebrews addressed to “the Body of Christ”?

Since the ecclesia as the Body of Christ began at the resurrection of Christ (see question 1), it stands to reason that the believing Hebrews are part of this Body. The truth concerning this Body was only made known through Paul, and it is possible that the Hebrews were hardly or not yet aware of it. After all, they were (first and foremost) familiar with “the evangel of the circumcision” as James, Peter, and John had taught it (Gal.2:7-9; Acts 21:20,21).

Elsewhere (see ‘the setting of the letter to the Hebrews’ on this site) I have explained that the letter to the Hebrews was written to the second generation of Christians in the land of Israel and more specifically in Jerusalem. The letter is a final appeal to the Jews confessing Jesus as Messiah, and a warning of the impending drama that would unfold in 70 AD, when city and temple were completely destroyed. The middle wall that made separation between Jew and gentile (Eph.2:14,15) would soon also be physically torn down, and in the letter to the Hebrews the readers are being prepared for this.

The letter clearly betrays the hand of the apostle Paul, but it is telling that his name is absent from the letter. The readers are not addressed as the Body of Christ (even though they belonged to it) but as Hebrews. The addressees are believing Israelites, and as such they are characterized. As members of the people with whom God will make a new covenant in the future (Heb.8:8). And as Israel’s remnant which, after the entrance of the High Priest into the holy place, is now awaiting His return (Heb.9:24-28).

Delen: