The epistle to the Hebrews is a paranaetic homily written with the specific purpose of addressing the socio-historical situation of the first hearers. These first hearers started their Christian faith with zeal, determination and a strong commitment to the new-found faith. However, this resulted in their persecution by an unbelieving society to the extent that they even lost their property. Consequently, after an extended period of hardships and sufferings, some succumbed to the social pressures. Hence, they were demoralised, lacked zeal and suffered spiritual malaise.

MzebetshanaM_Final-Thesis-Oct-2014