Your Destination

In our preliminary and background study of the letter to the Hebrews we looked at authorship—we looked at who the first readers of the letter may have been (see previous months posts)—this month we look at the destination for the letter. Next month we will ask about the date the letter was written. The answer to these questions is important when studying an ancient writing—the answers help us understand the important lessons of the letter. 

In Hebrews there is a helpful clue that points to who the letter is written to, 

Hebrews 13:24 (CSB)  

24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings.  

The indication in Heb. 13:24 is the letter is to people “from Italy.” The challenge is, if they are from Italy, where were they when the letter was written? Were they visiting another church, or had they moved permanently to another place? 

There is some mystery involved in knowing the destination of the letter. If you are not from Italy, does that mean this letter does not apply to you? I sure hope you don’t feel it does not, because in Heb. 4:15-16 states, 

Hebrews 4:15–16 (CSB)  

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.  

We can all benefit from “grace” that will “help us in our time of need.” The letter to the Hebrews is beneficial to all of us who want to know and relate to God on a greater level. As to who it is written to, we need to pray and continue studying… 

Like the Hebrews letter in your Bible, the 12–Steps are there to help you in your need. Don’t discount this help because you feel the Steps are not written to you—to address the issue you may be struggling with. Our ministry has five Open Share Groups for you to choose from every Monday night. We have one for you.