Who wrote the book of Hebrews?

The author of Hebrews is unknown. Suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and Priscilla, but the text does not identify its writer. What matters most is the message: Jesus is supreme and His followers should persevere in faith.

Do I need to know the Old Testament to study Hebrews?

Hebrews makes extensive use of Old Testament concepts — the priesthood, the tabernacle, sacrifices, and covenant. While you can benefit from Hebrews without deep Old Testament knowledge, studying Exodus and Leviticus alongside it will significantly enrich your understanding.

What is the best chapter in Hebrews for Bible journaling?

Hebrews 11 (the Hall of Faith) and Hebrews 12:1-3 (running the race) are the most popular for journaling. They are visually inspiring, personally challenging, and full of application. Hebrews 4:12-16 is another favorite for its powerful description of God's Word and our access to the throne of grace.

Study Hebrews: Bible Journaling Guide

Hebrews at a Glance

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

Author

Unknown

Genre

Epistle

Overview

Hebrews is a sermon in letter form, written to Jewish believers who were tempted to abandon their faith in Christ and return to Judaism. Its central argument is breathtaking in scope: Jesus is superior to everything that came before — superior to angels, to Moses, to the Levitical priesthood, and to the old covenant itself. He is the better priest, offering a better sacrifice, under a better covenant, leading to a better hope.

Hebrews 11, the famous 'Hall of Faith,' is one of the most inspirational chapters in the Bible, tracing the faith of God's people from Abel to the prophets. The letter's practical exhortations — to hold fast, to draw near, to run with endurance — are grounded in the theological reality of Christ's supremacy. For Bible journalers, Hebrews offers deep theological truths, rich Old Testament connections, and a powerful call to persevering faith.

Key Themes in Hebrews

Christ's Supremacy

Jesus is greater than angels, Moses, Joshua, and the Levitical priests. He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature.

Faith

Hebrews 11 defines faith as 'assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen' and illustrates it through a gallery of Old Testament heroes.

Perseverance

The letter urges believers to hold fast their confession, not to drift away, and to run with endurance the race set before them.

New Covenant

Jesus mediates a new and better covenant, replacing the old sacrificial system with His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross.

Popular Verses to Journal

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.

Journaling idea: How would you define faith in your own words? Write about something you are hoping for that you cannot yet see. How do you hold onto faith?

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore let's also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let's run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

Journaling idea: What weights and entangling sins do you need to lay aside? Write about what it means to fix your eyes on Jesus as you run your race.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Journaling idea: Journal about a time when Scripture pierced your heart — revealing truth you didn't want to see but needed to hear.

Journaling Prompts for Hebrews

Hebrews 1 declares that Jesus is the exact representation of God. What does this mean for how you understand and relate to God?
Read the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Which person's faith story inspires you most? Why?
Hebrews 4:14-16 says we can approach God's throne with confidence. Write a bold prayer, knowing you have access through Jesus.
What 'weights' are slowing down your race of faith (12:1)? Be specific. What would it look like to lay them aside?
The author of Hebrews warns against drifting away (2:1). Where in your spiritual life have you been drifting? How can you anchor yourself?

Study Tips

Trace the 'better than' comparisons throughout Hebrews: better than angels (1-2), Moses (3-4), Aaron (5-7), the old covenant (8-10).
Read Hebrews 11 alongside the original Old Testament stories it references — this adds depth and context to each faith example.
Pay attention to the warning passages (2:1-4, 3:7-4:13, 5:11-6:12, 10:26-39, 12:25-29) — they reveal what the original audience was struggling with.
Use verse mapping on Hebrews 12:1-2 to unpack the race metaphor — cloud of witnesses, weights, entangling sin, and the goal.

How to Study Hebrews in Digible

Digible makes it easy to study Hebrews with purpose-built Bible journaling tools on your iPad. Open any chapter, use Apple Pencil to highlight key verses, write notes directly on the page, and build a consistent study habit with streaks. Whether you prefer Verse Mapping, Word Study Bible, or Inductive Bible Study, Digible gives you the canvas to engage with Hebrews your way. Start with one of the free translations — WEB, ASV, or BSB — and begin journaling through Hebrews today.

Related Books

Guides and Resources

Want to go deeper? Read our beginner's guide to Bible journaling, explore creative journaling ideas, or find the best Bible apps with Apple Pencil support for studying Hebrews on your iPad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the book of Hebrews?: The author of Hebrews is unknown. Suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, and Priscilla, but the text does not identify its writer. What matters most is the message: Jesus is supreme and His followers should persevere in faith.
Do I need to know the Old Testament to study Hebrews?: Hebrews makes extensive use of Old Testament concepts — the priesthood, the tabernacle, sacrifices, and covenant. While you can benefit from Hebrews without deep Old Testament knowledge, studying Exodus and Leviticus alongside it will significantly enrich your understanding.
What is the best chapter in Hebrews for Bible journaling?: Hebrews 11 (the Hall of Faith) and Hebrews 12:1-3 (running the race) are the most popular for journaling. They are visually inspiring, personally challenging, and full of application. Hebrews 4:12-16 is another favorite for its powerful description of God's Word and our access to the throne of grace.

Study Hebrews in Digible

Download the free Bible journaling app for iPad with Apple Pencil support.

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