Teaching

Why Does an Early Date for Hebrews Matter?

Kevin Labby

17 Jan 2025 — 3 min read

An early date for the books of the New Testament, including Hebrews, strengthens our confidence in the reliability of the New Testament witness because it places these writings close to the events they describe. This proximity minimizes the risk of legend or distortion, grounds the writings in eyewitness testimony, and aligns them with the historical context of the first-century church. Let’s explore how this works in the case of Hebrews and the broader New Testament.

Proximity to the Events of Christ’s Life

The earlier a New Testament document was written, the closer it was to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In the case of Hebrews, if it was written before AD 70, it would have been completed within 40 years of Christ’s resurrection. This means it was written during the lifetime of people who had personally known Jesus or witnessed the events of His ministry.

For example, Hebrews 2:3 says, “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” This places the author and audience within the generation that directly interacted with the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection and teachings. If the claims in Hebrews were inaccurate or fabricated, contemporaries—both followers and opponents of Christ—could have easily exposed them. The closeness of the writing to the events acts as a safeguard against distortion or exaggeration.

The Silence on the Destruction of the Temple

The vivid descriptions of the temple sacrifices in Hebrews, presented as ongoing practices (e.g., Hebrews 10:1-4), strongly suggest the letter was written before AD 70, when the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem temple. This silence on such a monumental event is compelling evidence for an early date.

The destruction of the temple was a defining moment for both Jews and Christians, marking the end of the sacrificial system. For the author of Hebrews, whose argument rests heavily on Christ as the fulfillment of the old covenant sacrificial system, the temple’s destruction would have been a powerful illustration of this truth. That the author does not mention it strongly suggests it hadn’t yet occurred.

This early date reinforces the reliability of Hebrews, showing it was written in the thick of the historical realities it addresses, not as a later, retrospective interpretation.

Historical Context and Eyewitness Scrutiny

An early date places Hebrews and other New Testament writings within living memory of Jesus and the apostles. This is crucial because it means the writings were produced in a context where eyewitnesses—both friendly and hostile—could confirm or challenge their accuracy.

If Hebrews had misrepresented the gospel message, misunderstood the fulfillment of the Old Testament, or distorted the teachings of Jesus, it would have faced significant opposition. The fact that it gained widespread acceptance among early Christians suggests it accurately reflected the apostolic teaching they had received.

Furthermore, the historical details and cultural context in Hebrews align with what we know about first-century Judaism and the early Christian movement. For instance, the emphasis on Jesus as a High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7) reflects a sophisticated understanding of Jewish traditions and the Scriptures, underscoring the author’s credibility and connection to the apostolic circle.

Minimizing the Risk of Myth or Legend

The early date of Hebrews and other New Testament writings undercuts the skeptical claim that the gospel accounts are myths or legends developed over centuries. Historical studies consistently show that legends take time to develop, often emerging in the absence of firsthand witnesses. The early composition of Hebrews, along with other New Testament books, prevents such a process.

By grounding the message in the firsthand testimony of the apostles and their immediate associates, Hebrews and the New Testament provide a reliable record of the life and significance of Jesus. The consistency between these early writings and the broader testimony of the early church further attests to their trustworthiness.

Conclusion

The early dating of Hebrews and other New Testament books gives us good reason to trust their reliability. These writings emerged in close proximity to the events they describe, grounded in eyewitness testimony and written within the cultural and historical context of first-century Christianity.

For those wrestling with questions of faith or doubts about Scripture, the early composition of the New Testament is a reminder that its claims are not distant myths but rooted in history. Hebrews, written to encourage believers to hold fast to Christ, still speaks with that same reliability and power today. As we study it, we can be confident that its words point us to the living Savior who entered history to save His people.