The Letter to the HEBREWS Like the name of the author, the precise date of Hebrews cannot be determined. Because the argument depends on description of the Temple sacrifice, some scholars argue that it must originate before the destruction of the Temple in 70 cE. Because the work deals with the exegesis of scriptural texts, however, the literal existence of Temple sacrifice is not necessary for .the argument to be persuasive. The probable date of the work therefore falls somewhere in the range of 60 to 100 CE. Despite the title "to the Hebrews," the audience probably consists of people of both Jewish and Gentile background. Evidence within the sermon for the identity of its audience suggests that the community has suffered hardship and persecution (10.32) and that some may have renounced their faith (2.3; 6.4-6; 12.25). The central role of interpretation of the Jewish scriptures (used by the author in their ancient Greek translation, the Septuagint (LXX)) in the argument of the sermon shows the continued importance of the Bible and of Jewish tradition for those who believed in Christ. The author seeks both to ground the argument in scripture and to argue that Jesus is superior to Jewish traditions. Within the audience were both Jewish Christians well versed in scripture and Gentile Christians who also would have found such arguments persuasive. Because so many of the standard historical introductory questions about Hebrews are uncertain, Hebrews can best be read by leaving those questions open and exploring the work as a distinctive Christian writing. The work attempts to interpret the significance of Jesus Christ and his death in categories familiar to the author and audience. Its readers could appreciate the sophisticated rhetorical style, follow the repetition and development of images and vocabulary, and understand the logic of the author's argument in the context of Platonic and allegorical interpretation and of other early Christian language. Hebrews is a document in which themes and motifs anticipate and reinforce each other. The sermon is organized into four main sections. Heb 1.1-4.13 explores the word of God spoken through the Son. Heb 4.14-10.31 interprets Jesus as the eternal high priest against the background of the Israelite priesthood. The third part, 10.32-12.29, describes faith as insight into a heavenly world of reality. Chapter 13 gives practical advice and greetings.