end further imply that the epistle addresses not Hebrew Christians in general, but some particular community of them, which is most naturally to be sought in Palestine, perhaps in Jerusalem.  As to the time of the epistle, the manner in which it refers to the temple and its services makes it certain that the author wrote before the overthrow of Jerusalem, that is, before A.D. 70.  The arguments adduced to show that Paul was its author, either immediately or virtually, carry it back beyond A.D. 67 or 68, when, according to ancient tradition, the apostle suffered martyrdom.  It was probably written not many years before that event; but a more exact determination of the time is impossible.  According to the most probable interpretation of chap. 13:24, the epistle was written from Italy.  But that Timothy was not the bearer of it, as the subscription states, is plain from the preceding verse, in which he conditionally promises to come with Timothy at a future time.

The references in the epistle to the Levitical priesthood and the temple services connected with it are in the present or perfect tenses—­“is ordained,” “is encompassed,” “he ought,” “taketh this honor,” “have a commandment to take tithes” “receive tithes” “hath given attendance at the altar” (chap. 7:13), “have become” (chap. 7:21, 23), “maketh men high priests,” “who serve,” “hath made the first old” (the references in chap. 9:1-5 are to the ancient tabernacle), “enter always into the first tabernacle” (chap. 9:6), “which he offers” (verse 7), “the Holy Ghost this signifying that the way into the holiest places has not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is as yet standing” (verse 8), “gifts and sacrifices are offered” (verse 9), “sanctifieth,” “are by the law purged,” “can never,” “standeth.”  It is to be regretted that our version has not in all cases observed this distinction of tenses.

44.  The central theme of this book is the superiority of the Christian over the Mosaic dispensation considered on the side of its divine Mediator and High-priest.  In unfolding this great theme the writer dwells on the glory and dignity of Christ’s person in contrast with the ancient prophets, with the angels, and with Moses, all of whom were connected with the first economy.  He then proceeds to exhibit the divine efficacy of Christ’s priesthood.  This is the substance, of which the Levitical priesthood, with its altar, its offerings and all the temple-services connected with it, was only the shadow.  In no book of the New Testament is our Lord’s priestly office set forth with such fullness and rich variety of illustrations, always with reference to its divinely appointed type, the Levitical priesthood.  This was especially needful to fortify the Hebrew Christians, who had been educated and lived under the constant impression of the splendid Mosaic ritual with its magnificent temple, against the danger of being turned