The Abridged Letter to the Hebrews

1:1-2. In the past, God spoke to us through prophets, but recently, God has sent the Child, who is ruler of all, and how God made the Universe.

1:3. The Child has the brightness of God, and keeps the whole Universe alive with his speech.
After he had made up for all the wrongdoings in the world, he sat down with God in heaven.

1:4. Jesus was elevated above every angel.

1:5. Did God ever call any of the angels Child?

1:6. When God created the Child, he told the angels to worship him.

1:7. God turns angels into wind and fire.

1:8-9. God's throne will last forever, and goodness will reign. God loves good and hates evil, so God elevated the Chosen above everyone.

1:10-12. In the beginning, God created heaven and the earth.
They will be destroyed, and God will wear them like a coat.
But God always stays the same, forever.

1:13. Which angel did God ever tell to rule? None.

1:14. Angels are spirits sent by God to help us.

2:1. So, we need to really focus on what we've been told to avoid going off track.

2:2. Messages delivered by angels had serious consequences for breaking them.

2:3. If we ignore this big chance to be saved, how will we get out of the consequences?

2:4. God showed it was true through amazing signs and miracles, and by giving out the Holy Spirit's gifts.

2:5. The future world we're talking about won't be controlled by angels.

2:6-8. Someone once said: "Why does God even care about humans? We are just below angels, but we're given high status and respect. God intended for humans to be in charge of everything, though we don't see that fully happening yet."

2:9. We do see Jesus, who was created lower than the angels, now honored because he suffered death in place of us all.

2:10. It was necessary for God to let Jesus go through suffering to complete his mission.

2:11. God has a family with those God makes holy. Jesus is proud to call them siblings.

2:12-13. Jesus says, "I'll tell my siblings about you, God, and praise you when we're all together. I rely on you. I will go to the children you gave me."

2:14-15. Since people are mortal, Jesus became moral too, so he could show us that death wasn't really that big of deal.

2:16. It's not angels he came to help, but the descendants of Abraham.

2:17-18. That's why he had to be fully human- to have empathy and understand from a human's point of view.

3:1. So, always keep your mind on the Messenger Priest Jesus.

3:2. He was loyal, just like Moses was loyal to God.

3:3. Jesus deserves more honor than Moses, as a builder is more honored than the building.

3:4. Someone builds every house, but God made everything.

3:5. Moses did his job well in serving God and pointed to future truths.

3:6. Yet, Jesus is in charge of God's family like an heir, and we are that family if we stay brave and hopeful.

3:7-11. The Holy Spirit says, "Don't hardern your hearts like those who were tested in the desert for 40 years. They never quite got it, so I promised them they'd never find peace."

3:12. Watch out that none of you gives up on the living God due to a closed heart.

3:13. Keep cheering each other on every day, so evil doesn't make you hard and deceitful.

3:14. We'll truly belong to the Chosen if we stay true to our initial trust to the very end.

3:15. Again, it's said: 'Hear God's voice today and don't be stubborn like those who rebelled.'

3:16-18. The people Moses led away from Egypt got to see God with their own eyes and ears, but they were still the ones who abandoned God and were forced to wander the desert for 40 years, even though God gave them plenty of warnings.

3:19. It's clear they couldn’t enter the promised land because they didn't believe what God said.

4:1. Since we still have a chance to be at peace as God promised, let's make sure none of us misses out.

4:2. We've heard the message just like others, but it didn't help them because they didn't truly believe it.

4:3. Those of us who believe will find peace.

4:4. God finished creation a long time ago and rested on the seventh day.

4:5-6. Some people will find peace, but others will miss out because they didn't obey.

4:7. As long as there's another day, that's another chance at peace.

4:8. If Joshua had given them lasting peace, God wouldn't talk about another chance.

4:9-10. So, God's people still have a chance to rest just like God on the Sabbath.

4:11. We should try hard to find this peace.

4:12. God's message is powerful and insightful, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.

4:13. Nothing is hidden from God; everything is completely exposed, and we'll have to explain ourselves.

4:14. Jesus is our high priest.

4:15. Jesus understands our struggles because he faced them too, yet he never did anything wrong.

4:16. So let's go to God to get kindness and help when we really need it.

5:1. A high priest is chosen from the people to act for them in all things related to God, like giving offerings and sacrifices for wrongdoing.

5:2. He can empathize with those who make mistakes or lose their way because he also experiences weaknesses.

5:3. That's why he has to make sacrifices for his own mistakes and for the people's too.

5:4. You can't just decide to become a high priest; God has to pick you, like Aaron.

5:5-6. Even Jesus didn't claim the title of high priest on his own. God told him, "Today you became my child. You'll be a priest forever, on the level of Melchizedek."

5:7. While Jesus was here, he prayed passionately, crying out to God, who could save him from death, and God listened because Jesus was devoted and respectful.

5:8. Even though Jesus was God's son, he had to learn to follow God by going through tough times.

5:9. After he went through these things, he became the one who gives eternal life to everyone who follows him.

5:10. God chose Jesus to be a high priest like Melchizedek.

5:11. There's a lot we could say about this, but it's tricky to make it clear because you're not catching on quickly.

5:12. By now, you should be teaching others, but you still need someone to go over the basics of God's teachings with you. You need baby food, not grown-up food!

5:13. If you're still on baby food, you're like a little kid who doesn't know right from wrong.

5:14. But grown-up food is for those who are experienced and have practiced knowing the difference between good and bad.

6:1. So, let's move beyond the basic lessons about the Chosen and grow up in our faith, without rehashing the basics like turning away from wrongdoing that lead to death and believing in God.

6:2. This includes moving past elementary instructions about different baptisms, religious rituals, what happens after we die, and the final judgment.

6:3. If God allows, we'll do just that.

6:4-6. It's impossible for those who have been fully enlightened and experienced the Holy Spirit to change their minds and turn away, because it would be killing Jesus all over agin.

6:7-8. God blesses those who make the most of what they're given, and burns everything else.

6:9. Even though we talk like this, friends, we're sure you're headed for better things, the things that come with salvation.

6:10. God isn't unfair; he won't forget the work you've done and the love you've shown him by helping others, and you're still helping them.

6:11. We want all of you to keep up the hard work until the end so that your hope is certain.

6:12. We don't want you to get lazy, but to follow the example of people who show they have God with them.

6:13-16. People swear by someone more important than themselves, to help settle an argument.
But when God promised Abraham something, God had to swear by God, because there is nothing higher.
Abraham patiently waited and got what God promised.

6:17-18. God keeps promises and never lies.

6:19-20. This hope is like an anchor for us, it keeps us strong and steady.
It goes all the way to the home of God, where Jesus has already started decorating.

7:1-2. Melchizedek was the king and high priest during the time of Abraham. When Abraham came back from winning a battle, Melchizedek blessed him, and Abraham gave him one-tenth of all the spoils.

7:3. Melchizedek had no parents, no family tree, and his life had no start or end. He is a priest forever.

7:4-6. Melchizedek was so important that even Abraham, a very respected ancestor, tithed to him, just like we tithe to the Levite priests!

7:7. It's clear that the more important person gives blessings to the less important one.

7:8. Normally, the people who collect tithes are priests, normal people who die, but Melchizedek has been alive and collecting them the whole time.

7:9-10. It's kind of like Levi, still in the body of Abraham, paid the tithes to someone else.

7:11. If the Levitical priests were enough, why did we need another priest like Melchizedek, not Aaron?

7:12. With a different kind of priest comes a new set of rules.

7:13. This new priest comes from a different family, one that never served at the altar.

7:14. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never covered Judean priests.

7:15-17. It's obvious when a new priest like Melchizedek shows up- they become a priest not because of their bloodline, but because their life cannot be destroyed.

7:18-19. The Law was replaced because it didn't actually help anything. Now we have a better hope that brings us closer to God.

7:20-21. God vocally made Jesus a priest forever.

7:22. Because of this promise, Jesus is part a better agreement with God.

7:23-24. Many priests were replaced because they died, but Jesus lives forever, so his role as high priest doesn't change.

7:25. That's why he can completely save those who come to God through him, always there to help them.

7:26. This perfect high priest is exactly what we need. He's holy, faultless, pure, separate from wrongdoers, and higher than the heavens.

7:27. Unlike other high priests, he doesn't have to offer sacrifices all the time, first for his own wrongdoing and then for the people's. He did it once and for all by giving up himself.

7:28. The law chooses regular people as high priests, but God's promise to us features Jesus perfect forever.

8:1. What we're really talking about is having a powerful spiritual leader, who has a seat of honor in heaven next to God.

8:2. This leader works in the holy place that God made, not people.

8:3. High priests have the job of giving offerings and sacrifices, so this leader must have something to give too.

8:4. If this leader were on Earth, he wouldn't be a priest because we already have priests who follow the rules.

8:5. These priests work in a place that's just a rough copy of what's actually in heaven. That's why, when Moses was making the sanctuary, he was told to follow the exact design he was shown by God.

8:6. The way Jesus serves is much better than the old way, like a new and improved agreement with God based on better promises.

8:7. If there was nothing wrong with the first agreement, we wouldn't need another one.

8:8. But God saw issues with the people, so God plans to make a new agreement with them.

8:9. This new agreement won't be like the old one that people have had trouble following.

8:10. In the new agreement, God says the rules will be written automatically in our minds and hearts, opening up a direct relationship with God.

8:11. People won't have to teach each other about God because everyone will already know.

8:12. God will forgive their bad deeds.

8:13. By introducing this 'new' agreement, God is phasing out the old one, which will soon be completely gone.

9:1. The old agreement had rules for how to worship in a particular location.

9:2. A holy tent was made. The first part had a lamp, a table, and special bread; called the Holy Place.

9:3. Behind a second curtain was an area named the Most Holy Place.

9:4. This room had a golden altar for incense and a gold-coated box with important items like manna, Aaron's rod, and stone commandment tablets inside.

9:5. On the box, there were angel figures, but we won't go into all the details now.

9:6. Priests would always go into the outer part of the tent to do their religious work.

9:7. But only the head priest went into the inner part, just once a year, with animal blood to ask for forgiveness for himself and the people's wrongdoing done without knowing.

9:8. This showed that the way into the Most Holy Place wasn't known as long as the first tent was still used.

9:9. It was a symbol, showing the gifts and animal sacrifices couldn't fully clear a person's guilty feelings.

9:10. They were just about food, drink, and washings- temporary rules until a new system came.

9:11. Jesus came as the high priest with better things in a perfect tent not made by humans, not part of this world.

9:12. He didn't use animals' blood but his own to enter the Most Holy Place once and forever, securing eternal redemption.

9:13. The blood of animals and ashes only clean people on the outside.

9:14. Jesus' blood can truly clean us inside so we can serve the living God.

9:15. Jesus is the middleman for a new promise- he died to free you from the crimes under the first law, so you can receive the eternal life promised.

9:16. A letter of inheritance, a will, has to be legally valid.

9:17. It only comes into effect after someone has died; it's not valid while the writer is stll alive.

9:18. That's why the first agreement was made official with blood.

9:19-21. Moses announced all the rules to the people, then used calf blood, water, red wool, and hyssop plants to sprinkle the book and people, saying, "This is the binding blood of the agreement that God told you to follow."

9:22. According to the law, almost everything is cleaned with blood, and without bloodshed, there's no forgiveness.

9:23. All of these tools are simply copies of what's in heaven- but the real tools need better sacrifices.

9:24. Jesus didn't just enter a copy of heaven, he actually went to the real place.

9:25. He doesn't even have to do it every year like the high priest's sacrifice.

9:26. He only had to do it once, now, at the end of time.

9:27. Humans are meant to die once, and then face judgment.

9:28. Jesus died once to remove many people's wrongdoing; he'll come back to save those who are waiting for him.

10:1. The old laws are like a preview of the good stuff yet to come- they don't contain the real thing. No matter how often the same rituals are done, they can't make worshippers perfect.

10:2. If the old rituals worked, people wouldn't feel guilty about their mistakes anymore.

10:3-4. Instead, these yearly rituals remind people of their mistakes, because animal blood can't really erase human mistakes.

10:5-10. Jesus told God he knew God wasn't satisfied with the animal sacrifices, so Jesus offered to do whatever God wanted, which ended up working.

10:11. Priests keep standing and doing their duties, offering the same things that can't really take away mistakes.

10:12. But Jesus made one supreme offering for mistakes and then sat down beside God.

10:13. Now he's waiting until his enemies are defeated.

10:14. Because of his single sacrifice, those who are being made pure are perfect forever.

10:15-16. God told us about the new rules that would be written in our hearts.

10:17-18. God will forgive us, and when things are forgiven, you don't need more sacrifices.

10:19-22. Friends, because of Jesus, we can confidently enter the most sacred place,
through the path cleared for us.
And with Jesus guiding us like a priest to God's place, let's get close to God for real, with hearts full of trust, leaving our guilt behind and cleaning ourselves up.

10:23. Let's hang onto the hope we talk about because God keeps his word.

10:24. Let's think about how to motivate each other to be loving and do good stuff.

10:25. Don't quit getting together with others, some are already skipping it, but cheer each other on, especially now that tough times are coming.

10:26-27. If we keep on messing up after we know what's right, there's no backup sacrifice left, just a scary future and a fiery punishment for God's opponents.

10:28. Back then, if you ignored Moses' law, you got punished without pity if two or three people saw what you did.

10:29. Think about how much worse it'll be for someone who doesn't appreciate Jesus and his death.

10:30. God takes vengance with God's judgement.

10:31. It's terrifying to face the consequences from the real, living God.

10:32. Remember the tough times you went through after you first understood the truth, when you kept your cool despite the rough stuff.

10:33. Sometimes you were humiliated and harassed; other times you supported those who were.

10:34. You even felt empathy for prisoners and didn't mind when your stuff was taken- because you knew you had better, unbreakable possessions.

10:35. So hang onto your confidence- it pays off big time.

10:36. Keep at it so that after doing God's will, you'll get what's promised.

10:37. Hang in there, because the One we're waiting for will arrive and won't be late.

10:38. God's people live by faith, but if someone backs down, God won't be happy with them.

10:39. We're not the kind to back down and be ruined, we'll keep the faith and be rescued.

11:1. Faith means being sure about what we hope for and convinced of things we can't see.

11:2. People from the past got praise for living this way.

11:3. We believe the universe was created by God: what we see came from things that are invisible.

11:4. Abel gave a better offering than Cain because of his faith.
God said Abel’s gifts were good. Although he's dead, his faith still speaks to us.

11:5-6. Enoch was taken up by God so he didn't die. Before that, he was known for pleasing God- and you can't make God happy without faith.
Anyone who comes to God has to believe he's real and rewards those who look for him.

11:7. Noah built an ark, saving his family, because he trusted God’s warnings about things not yet seen, and this faith set him apart.

11:8. Abraham followed God's call to a new place without knowing where he was going.

11:9-10. He trusted God and lived in the promised land in tents with Isaac and Jacob, even though he was waiting for a real city built by God.

11:11-12. Abraham's faith let him become a father because he trusted God's promise. From this one old man, a huge family grew, as many as the stars and the sand.

11:13. Everyone at this time all died without getting what was promised, only able to see it from a distance.

11:14-15. If they missed their old home, they could have gone back, but they were seeking a better place.

11:16. They didn't get in their lifetimes, but God still has a land prepared for them at the end of time.

11:17-18. God tested Abraham, and he was ready to offer his son Isaac, even though God had told him Isaac was key to his legacy.

11:19. Abraham thought God could even bring Isaac back to life, and in a symbolic way, he did.

11:20. Isaac had faith when he gave Jacob and Esau blessings for their future.

11:21. Jacob also blessed Joseph's sons along with own when he was dying, because God told him to.

11:22. It was faith that made Joseph talk about Israel's future exodus from Egypt.

11:23. Moses' parents hid him after birth because they had faith he was special.

11:24. When Moses grew up, he refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

11:25. He chose to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy a brief time of evil pleasure.

11:26. He valued servitude to God more valuable than all the treasure in Egypt, because he knew the reward.

11:27. Moses left Egypt, unafraid of the king because he saw God.

11:28. He celebrated the Passover and applied the blood to save Israel’s firstborn because God said so.

11:29. The people trusted God while crossing the Red Sea, and the Egyptians drowned chasing after them.

11:30. Jericho's walls fell after the people listened to God and marched for seven days.

11:31. Rahab survived because she trusted God and helped the Israelite spies.

11:32-34. I could go on about all the Judges, Kings, and Prophets who conquered kingdoms, did what was right, and got their reward.
They shut lions' mouths, put out flames, escaped death, and won impossible battles.

11:35-37. Some got their dead loved ones brought back to life.
Others suffered, and were poor and harassed.
Others were tortured and whipped, chained and jailed.
Others were killed by stoning, dimemberment, and stabbing.

11:38. They were too good for this world. They ened up wandering in deserts, mountains, and hiding in caves and holes.

11:39. All of them were praised for their faith but didn't see the promise fulfilled in their lifetime.

11:40. God used them to give us something better, but we're going back for them.

12:1. So, with so many people supporting us, let's stop doing things that hold us back. Let's keep going in the tough journey ahead of us.

12:2. Focus on Jesus, who started and perfects our faith. He dealt with the pain of the cross without caring about the shame because he knew the joy that was waiting, and now he's in the place of honor beside God.

12:3. Think about how much he went through, so you don't get tired and give up.

12:4. You haven't had to fight against evil to the point where it cost you your life.

12:5-9. You've forgotten that God only discplines you because God considers you a child. If God didn't discpline you, that would mean God doesn't love you.

12:10. Our parents disciplined us when we were young, but now God does.

12:11. Discipline doesn't feel good at the moment; it hurts. But later, it rewards us if we learn from it.

12:12-13. So, prepare, and walk straight, so that any weaknesses you have will be healed.

12:14. Try hard to be at peace with everyone and live a good life.

12:15. Make sure that no one misses out on God’s kindness, and that no one becomes toxic.

12:16. Don't be sexually impure or careless about God's values like Esau, who traded his inheritence for a meal.

12:17. Later, he wanted the blessing, but was turned down. He couldn't change the decision, even though he begged with tears.

12:18-21. You're not on Mount Sinai with Moses- a mountain on fire, with darkness, wind, and thunder, and a voice with words so terrifying that they made people beg it to stop. Even Moses was terrified.

12:22. But you are a part of Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly capitol, with countless happy angels,

12:23-24. Your names written in heaven, and you've come to God and Jesus.

12:25. Don't ignore God. God has already been ignored when God spoke on earth, and now God is speaking from heaven.

12:26-27. God will destroy the earth again.

12:28-29. Then we will inherit an undestructable city, so let's be thankful and worship God.

13:1. Continue to love each other like siblings.

13:2. Remember to welcome strangers- they might be an angel.

13:3. Think of those in jail as if you were in there with them, and feel for those being mistreated as if it were happening to you.

13:4. Respect marriage, and stay faithful. God will judge cheaters and those who break this trust.

13:5. Don't be obsessed with money; be happy with what you have. God promises never to abandon you.

13:6. Be confident and know God is with you.

13:7. Think about your leaders who taught you about God. Follow their example and share their faith.

13:8. The Chosen remains constant through time.

13:9. Don't get swept up in weird teachings. It's better to strengthen your heart with kindness than with food rituals, which don't really help anyone.

13:10. We have a right to benefits that those serving the old ways do not.

13:11. When doing a sacrifice, the chief priest offers animal blood for wrongdoing in a sacred place, but the animals' bodies are burned elsewhere.

13:12. Jesus also suffered outside of the city to make people holy with his blood.

13:13. Let's join him outside the boundaries, accepting the same shame he did.

13:14. Our current place isn't permanent; we're looking forward to a future home.

13:15. Constantly praise God.

13:16. And don't forget to do good and share what you have- these are the kinds of actions that please God.

13:17. Listen to your leaders and follow their direction. They look out for you, and you will testify about them. Make it a positive experience for them, not a chore.

13:18. Pray for us; we aim to act honorably in everything, with a clear conscience.

13:19. I hope I can come see you soon.

13:20-21. May God prepare you to do God's Will and help us live in a good way. Let Jesus be praised forever.

13:22. Be patient with my advice; this letter is relatively short.

13:23. Timothy just got out of jail. If he gets here soon, I'll visit with him.

13:24. Say hello to all your leaders and the rest of God's people. Friends from Italy say hi.

13:25. Wishing God's kindness to be with everyone.