Hebrews
The human writer of Hebrews does not identify himself, but was obviously well known to the original recipients. Various ideas prevailed among the early church leaders that it could have been Paul, Barnabas and or Apollos. The letter bears evidenced that the author was a second generation Christian and one who was well versed in the Old Testament. The author gives evidence of high literary ability and a style closer to classical Greek than any of the other New Testament Writers.
Some believes it was Paul.
1. Peter gives endorsement to Paul, 2 Pet. 3:15, when writing to the same Jewish constituency to which Paul wrote.
2. For more than a century after the death of Paul, he was generally accepted as the author.
3. It seems to be written with apostolic authority, and Paul completely fits this.
4. Paul frequently uses the pronoun “we”, which is not done by the other writers except in association with all Christians.
5. In the last chapter, v18,19, “Pray for us----that I may be restored to you sooner ” is so characteristic of Paul.
6. Verse 22 indicates the writer may have written the last few verses by his own hand, as Paul sometimes did with other epistles.
7. Verse 23 is a real clincher. “Know ye that our brother Timothy, is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
8. Verses 24, 25 are so like Paul with his “Grace be with you all”.
9. Paul’s frequent use of olympic terms as in Heb.12:1. 10. Differences in content are understandable because Paul was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” and is writing to Jews concerning “better” things, whereas in the other epistles he is writing basically to Gentiles on Church subjects. Difference in style, while he has the time to write the way he is certainly qualified, to this kind of people.
The time period Hebrews seems to be written points to the late sixties of the first century before the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 During this decade or time period the fear of persecution was a grim reality for the members of the Church in Rome. Events point that this letter was written to Jewish Christians in Palestine or in Rome. It would be converts who were being tempted to revert to Judaism or to Judaize the Gospel. Frequent warnings are given for them not to neglect or reject this great salvation that has been provided in Jesus.
This and the following eight epistles are Christian Hebrew Epistles, differing from the first nine, Romans to 2 Thess., which were written to churches. Between are personal epistles, 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. (John’s message to both)
Hebrews has a similarity of the book of Leviticus to Exodus. Exodus tells of the passover lamb, but it is not mentioned in Leviticus, There are still sacrifices, but they are for a people already redeemed. Hebrews speaks of Christ who made the sacrifice once for all, but now He is finished and sits at the right hand of God as our Priest.
In Acts 6:7 priests believed; in 15:5 Pharisees believed; in 21:20 thousands of Jews believed and were zealous of the Law, having not forsaken Moses, circumcision, customs or sacrifices. Also Acts 8:12, 13 Samaritans including Simon believed, yet in verses 20-23 Peter calls this baptized believer unsaved. The Holy Spirit even fell on unsaved Balaam, Num. 24:2. Some of the “believers” in Heb. 6 and 10 are perhaps of this group referred to as “once enlightened, partakers of the Holy Spirit , tasted of heavenly gift and word of God and needed to know the things which were “Better”.
PLAN OF THE EPISTLE
(A Book of comparison, exhortation and warning)
The book of Hebrews presents SIX MAJESTIC PORTRAITS OF CHRIST and coupled with these are SIX FEARSOME WARNINGS.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SON OF GOD with authority to forgive sinners. Coupled with this is WARNING AGAINST DRIFTING, or failure to heed His voice, 2:1-4.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SON OF MAN with sympathy;y for the sinner. Coupled with this is the WARNING AGAINST DOUBTING, or failure to follow His leadership, 3::7-19.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SAVIOUR with all the qualities of a mediator. Coupled with this is the WARNING AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE, or failure to mature in Christian living, 4:11-15.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SACRIFICE with an offer to eternal salvation. Coupled with this is the WARNING AGAINST DEGENERATION, or failure to appreciate the one and only sufficient offering for sin, 5:11-6:12.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SAINT with an example for Christians to follow. Coupled with this is the WARNING AGAINST DESPISING, or failure to accept the chastening of the Lord as a means of grace, 10:26-29.
Christ is pictured as the PERFECT SHEPHERD WITH desire to lead His flock. Coupled with this is the WARNING AGAINST DEPARTING or failure to abide with the good shepherd as He leads to maturity, 12:25-29.
Warnings were given in order to test the reality of professed faith.
Better Things in Hebrews
1:4 Better than angels
6:9 Better things that accompany salvation
7: 7 Less is blessed by the better
7:19 Better hope
7:22 Better testament
8:6 Better promises
19: 23 Better and nobler sacrifices
10:34 Better and lasting possession
11:16 Better country
11:35 Better life
11:40 Better resurrection
12:24 Better blood than that offered by Able
Excerpts from EXPLORE THE BOOK, by Sidlow Baxter, p269
1 JESUS THE NEW AND BETTER DELIVERER
Jesus the God-Man - better than angels, Chap. 1,2
Jesus the new Apostle - Better than Moses, Chap 3
Jesus the new Leader - better than Joshua, Chap 4:1-13
Jesus the new Priest - better than Aaron, Chap. 4:14 - Chap. 7
2 CALVARY -- THE NEW AND BETTER COVENANT
New covenant has better promises, Chap. 8:6-13
And it opens up a better sanctuary, Chap. 9:1-14
And is sealed by a better sacrifice, Chap. 9:15-28
And it achieves far better results, Chap. 10:10-18
3 FAITH -- THE TRUE AND BETTER PRINCIPLE
Faith the true response to these “better” things Chap. 10:19-39
It has always been vindicated as such; examples, Chap. 11
Is now to endure, patiently looking to Jesus, Chap. 12:1-13
Is to express itself in practical sanctity, Chap. 12:14 - 13:21
Parting words, Chap. 13:22-25
Hebrew Christians were ostracized. They could not sit to eat or talk with their own families, and others would not buy or sell to them. They were very discouraged and considering going back into Judaism.
In Heb. 3:12,13 they were to exhort or encourage one another.
In Heb. 4:12,13 the Word of God is even more discerning
Outline
Most of the use of Let Us in Hebrews is to those with an intellectual knowledge but never truly born again. In some cases also to believers
Heb 4:1* Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
Heb 4:11* Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Heb 4:14* Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:16* Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 6:1* Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Heb 10:22* Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23* Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24* And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 12:1* Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:28* Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 13:13* Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:15* By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 01
We don’t know the identity of the human author of Hebrews. However, the style of writing and especially the benediction along with it’s reference to Timothy, leave me well convinced that it was the apostle Paul. We know from 1Pet. 1:1 that Peter wrote to Jews. From 1Pet. 3:1 and 15 we know that both he and Paul wrote to these same people. Clearly Hebrews is written to Jewish believers, and since Paul was such a controversial figure among the Jews, this may be why he withheld his name. One thing is certain. The true author is the Lord.
v 1. The writer starts from the established point that these Jews believed God had revealed himself through the prophets. His name, Adonia-glorious and faithful; Elohim- who is, strong one, compassionate;Jehovah-the source of life, life giver and creator; also Lord and Jealous. They were mouthpieces, the Son, v2, is God
v 2. Now the Son Himself has come to reveal and do the Father’s will, Heb.10:7, Col. 1:15-17. Some of the Hebrew believers were in danger of falling into apostasy (not of losing their salvation but of their closeness and maturity by resorting to Judaism, or in some cases coming short of true faith in Christ), and he sets out to show them that Christ is superior to every past revelation. Gen.1:1, God created the world; John 1:1-3, Christ created the world; Eph. 3:9 and here, God created the world by Christ; Gen. 1:2, The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. So all are God, and if there is an internal distinction in the Trinity, we can not understand it.
v 3. Christ is distinct from the Father, yet in Jn 10:30 declares I and my Father are one. So, manifested in the flesh so people could see him, he said in Jn. 14:9 He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. After He sacrificed Himself for our sins, He resumed His position in heaven. Seven things about Christ, 1 Heir of all things; 2 Made the worlds; 3 Same brightness of God’s glory; 4 Exact representation of God; 5 Upholds all things; 6 Purged us from our sins; 7 Sat down at the right hand of God.
v 4,5. Though He was for a little time lower in position than the angels as Son of Man, after His resurrection Christ was again made superior to angels by his position as Son, Ps.2:7; Acts 13:33, but He was Son of God even before coming to earth.
v 6,7. In the first contrast Christ is superior to angels. Angels are the highest created beings, but are messengers to fulfill God’s pleasure and worship Christ.
v 8,9. In the second contrast with angels, Christ is the ruler of a kingdom. He is above human beings, but is glad to call them fellows, or partakers with Him. v8-Ps 97:7
v 10-12. In the third contrast Christ is the creator, whereas angels create nothing. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Christ will not change or pass away.
v 13,14. In the fourth contrast Christ is the final and perfect Messenger of God to man. Angels fulfill an obligation to the Lord by serving us as guardian angels, here and Ps. 34:7 and 91:11-13. Also Matt. 18:10 mentions children’s angels.
Hebrews 02
v 1. Since it is true that Christ is superior in all ways, we need to make a real effort to learn and obey the gospel truths or we are in danger of slipping away from the truths which we have been taught.
v 2,3. According to Deut. 33:2; Acts 7:53 and Gal. 3:19, angels had some part in the order and delivering of the Law given to Moses. We don’t understand what that was. The point being, the Law was binding and disobedience brought an appropriate penalty. Since Christ as a messenger was Himself the message, we cannot escape appropriate retribution if we neglect and ignore His great salvation. He first declared it, and it has been confirmed to us by His hearers, chiefly the Apostles.
v 4. God confirmed His message through the Apostles by many miracles and signs they performed through the power of the Holy Spirit.
v 5-8. These verses speak of mankind in general, because since Adam, God has given man dominion over the earth, modern technology and future dominion over the world, which even angels do not have. Man has been inferior from the fall to the millennial reign of Christ. However, this also speaks of Christ who was placed in a lower position for a time, yet will reign supreme. See Psalm 8.
v 9. Now the emphasis switches totally to Christ and how he took a lower position than angels so that He could die on the cross for us.
v 10. Christ’s perfecting here was not merely a stage of maturity in experiencing suffering as we do, but a completion of the task He came here to do for us. Bringing us “to glory” is not heaven, but the testimony of our lives.
v 11-13. The Christ who sets us apart, and ourselves set apart, have one Father, so we are brethren. He declares the Father unto us & sets the example of trusting Him. For v 11 see Jn.17:11-22, and v12 See Ps. 22:22.
v 14. Christ became flesh and blood like us so he could experience death and gain victory over it. 1 Cor. 15: 55-57; Jn. 19:10,11; 2 Tim. 1:10.
v 15. World wide, people expect an after life & fear their condition may be worse.
v 16. Christ didn’t take on a form in which to rescue fallen angels, but took on the form of man to deliver them.
v 17,18. It was essential that Christ take on humanity and was tested the same things by which we are tested. Thus He can be a sympathetic and faithful high priest to make atonement and reconciliation for us before God. His high priestly work will be taken up again in chapter 7.
Some of God’s attributes:
Sovereign - Full authority
Omnipotent - All powerful
Omnicience - All knlowing
Omipresence - Everywhere present
Immutability - Cannot and will not change
Transcendence - Distincet from His creation and above it
Eternality - He had no beginnign and no ending
Veracity - He only knows and is truth
Hebrews 03
v 1. Since Jesus is our faithful high priest (2:17), those of us as saints who share in the heavenly calling should attentatively consider Jesus who we confess as Savior.
v 2. Christ has been faithful in calling and performing, Phil. 1:6, 1 Thess.5:24, which would impress Jews who knew of Moses’ faithfulness, Num. 12:7. Some think “house” refers to the tabernacle, but it surely must refer to Israel.
v 3-5. To “build” here implys also the planning, furnishing, establishing and ownership. God is the owner and the Son in Him has more importance than the house and than Moses, who was just a servant, a testimony of the Christ who would follow. Servant in this instance is not a slave, but as a doctor cares for sick.
v 6. Believers of all time are now a part of the spiritual house owned by Christ (God’s family of believers, the Church). We are not made that way by confidence and rejoicing, but they are the proof of our triumphal hope in Christ.
v 7-10. Here is a repetition of the divine inspiration in Ps. 95:7-11, to not live in the unbelief which kept Israel from entering the promised land. This was not just a test of them, but they were trying God’s patience and putting Him to the test. It is significant that the test concerning the supply of water was given in both the first year, Ex. 17, and fortieth year, Num. 20. It was a grief to the Lord that they had not become progressively better, but they still did not believe in their hearts that He could supply their needs. (They were “saved” because of the application of blood the night of the death angel. This would have represented salvation, crossing the Red Sea represented baptism, the wilderness represented the struggles of the Christian walk, and crossing the Jordan represented victory in the Christian, not entrance into heaven.)
v 11. It was true that their hearts were hardened, because after all the miracles they had experienced, they had no reason for doubting God. He had planned all sorts of restful things for them in the promised land, so He was just in not allowing them in.
v 12. These were brethren, so this is fair warning to believers today not to have wicked unbelieving hearts which rob us of fellowship and blessing from God. We tend to think, “My faith is weak.” But God doesn’t call it a weakness, He calls it an evil heart. 1 There are unsaved with evil hearts. 2. There are professing Christians but with evil hearts of unbelief. 3. There are true believers who become busy, neglectful, leading to compromise, actions which destroy their testimony, finally hearts of unbelief and doubt.
v13. It’s not enough to take heed for ourselves, but we need to have a proper, loving concern for other Christians, ranging from encouraging to admonishing, before they become hardened in rebellion and the deceitfulness of sin.
v 14. Believers are in Christ, but cannot share in all He has for us unless we remain as confident and unshaken to the end, as we did when we were first saved.
v 15-19. We can’t undo yesterday and the future is uncertain, so we must act today. The alternative is re-emphasized by a reminder of the Israelites who had come out of Egypt. They were given every opportunity to reach the promised land, but their persistent disobedience, unbelief, their unwillingness to rely on God, shut them out, even though they had believed to the point of salvation the night of the death angel.
Hebrews 04
Ilustration of rest: The Muskegon river winds sharply between hills. At one spot if you trust the current, you can float across fast waters to the other side and be deposited back gently on your own side further down stream. But you must rest and let the river carry you, and it is a pleasing experience. Few ever enjoy it. Weak swimmers don’t trust the water to do it, and strong swimmers try to do it themselves, and are in a constant struggle.
The nature of God’s rest:
A. Valid for believers of every age, 4:1-3a, 5-9.
B. Fully established at creation, 4:3b,4. Enter by believing, not by doing.
C. Precludes self effort, 4:10. Complete surrender and let God’s will work through our lives.
D. Precludes deception, 4:11-13. We can’t deceive God.
v 1-3. Since they had failed to enter their rest in the promised land because of unbelief, we need to be sure we don’t allow unbelief to rob us of spiritual rest. Their rest included rest in the land, rest from slavery, rest from enemies, and eventually under Joshua, rest from travel and warfare. But the main thrust was spiritual rest, and even Joshua could not give them that because their hearts were in rebellion against God. So believers today can have spiritual rest if they fully believe and trust the Lord.
v 4. God prepared every thing that was necessary for us to have rest before he Himself rested on the seventh day, Gen. 2:2.
v 5-9. Ps. 95:7-11 refers to Israel not entering because of unbelief. But David speaks of “Today” as if it is a Today of any generation, not just the day of Joshua. Clearly this isn’t salvation, but a heart and will at peace and good fellowship with God. Mt 11:28 Christ offers rest and Jn. 14:27 He offers peace.
v 10. As God’s works were finished from the foundation of the world, verse 3, so our works are finished when we enter His rest. We could not work for salvation and we cannot work for rest. This does not mean we go into monastic meditations. We simply by faith turn our lives over to God’s control. Instead of the struggle of being up one day and down another, we allow Christ to work in us mightily in our tasks, Col. 1:29.
v 11. Labor here is diligence, be eager to enter His rest. Eagerly take the step of surrendering our self-effort over to God, because doubt soon leads to disobedience. Example of mother who told her son to wait where he was for her if they got separated. She couldn’t get on the elevator, and he panicked about her finding him there and got off at another floor while she waited for the elevator to come back to her floor with him.
v 12, 13. Man devises styles, customs and even morality, but the Word of God gives living principles, It not only shows what is right but is powerful to convict. By our actions we may deceive others that we are resting in the Lord, but the Word may show us what our thoughts and true motives really are. They are already exposed to God.
v 14,15. In 3:6 we were to hold fast because of Christ’s faithfulness, in 3:12-14 because of the danger of apostasy, here because we have a sympathetic high priest. We draw strength from another human who has been through the same thing we are going through.How much more strength from the power of Christ in us when He has experienced every thing we have and more, yet is sinless.
v 16. Because Christ has experienced our needs, we can have confidence that He will understand when we come to Him with our problems, whether great or small.
Hebrews 05
v 1-3. God appointed men, not angels to be high priests. Angels have not experienced what men have, and would not have the compassion and understanding. The high priest even had to offer a sacrifice for his own sin. Those “ignorant” are not stupid, they just don’t know and understand. We are “kings and priests”, 1 Pet. 2:9 and Rev. 1:6, so we must have compassion and tell them. As the High Priest had to confess his own sins before ministering to the people, so must we, 1 Jn 1:8,9.
v 4,5. Aaron was high priest by God’s appointment, not because of his own decision. Christ also was chosen by God and qualified by becoming a man.
v 6. Not Melchizedek, but “after the order of”, details will be given in 7:1-3.
v 7. Christ would have known the horrors of crucifixtion, and in the flesh feared it. He also knew of the unfairness, the tauntings and the pain of scourging, and had good reason to weep in the garden. But perhaps a greater fear was what no other had experienced, the separation when God turned His back on Him.
v 8. We learn progressive obedience by failures and corrections. Christ had never sinned, so His was active obedience by submission to suffering. He knew the suffering of weakness, but never yielded. His trust was in the Father and His will.
v 9. His sufferings as a man proved Him “perfect”, complete, ready and qualified to be the Source of eternal salvation to those who would heed and obey Him.
v 10. The call, appointment or order for Christ’s high priestly ministry was from God. See v 6 and 7:1-3 and Ps. 110:4.
v 11. He had more to say about that ministry, but it was difficult to explain since these people had become spiritually sluggish and lacked spiritual insight.
v 12. Ye is personal to believers. They had been saved long enough to have been teachers, but had grown so lax and undeveloped that they needed teaching on the basic things themselves, or at least taught to discern what were essential truths. Need spiritual growth.
v 13. Here is a figure of speech. Those continuing to partake of just milk of the Word were obviously unskilled in doctrinal truths because they were spiritual infants.
v 14. These Jews had become Christians and believed in Christ for salvation, but they didn’t understand what it means to have a Savior to direct our lives and stand by to aid. Many today have been saved, but that is the only thing they have been taught, and they are hardly recognizable as Christians. They may still be content in their old modernistic or cultish ways. Others have been saved and believe the doctrines because some one has taught them that they are right, but they don’t understand them at all. When a false teacher comes along they are easily led into error.
Hebrews 06
v 1. In chapter 1, Christ is God, in 2-4 Christ is better than ...., in 5 Christ is the Great High Priest, but in 6:1, the writer is leaving behind (1) doctrine (2) Baptisms, that is washings, cleansing (3) Laying on hands (4) Resurrection (5) Eternal judgments For us the challenge: “Let us go on”. You don’t keep building foundations for a house. The believers dull of hearing in 5:11 are the same believers in 6:1.
v 3. These were proper and were done, so he is going on to advanced teaching and developing our Christian lives. He has been concerned for the danger of them going back into Judaism. (See view D)
(Views: A. Warning to believers who are in danger of falling away through sin or unbelief that they may lose their salvation. This is wrong & contrary to other scripture.
B. That this is a hypothetical case that if one could fall away, it would be impossible to renew him, which would mean that Christ would have to be crucified again, and in v9 he is showing something better. This too, is not a good explanation.
C. These are Jews who profess to be believers, but have stopped short of true faith in Christ, though they were at the verge of salvation. Much merit in this view by Matthew Henry and Schofield, but still not satisfactory, you don’t give milk to unsaved.
Yet in Acts 6:7 priests believed; in 15:5 Pharisees believed; in 21:20 thousands of Jews believed and were zealous of the Law, having not forsaken Moses, circumcision, customs or sacrifices. Also Acts 8:12, 13 Samaritans including Simon believed, yet in verses 20-23 Peter calls this baptized believer unsaved. The Holy Spirit even fell on unsaved Balaam, Num. 24:2. Some of the “believers” in Heb. 6 and 10 are perhaps of this group referred to as “once enlightened, partakers of the Holy Spirit , tasted of heavenly gift and word of God and needed to know the things which were “Better”.
v 4-6. VIEW C. The argument is made that the culture was Judaism. Whereas 5:12 to 6:3 was in the second person, 4-6 is in the third person. In verse 9 he will again speak to them as second person. All five statements in 4 and 5 refer back to “those” of v 4. The claim is made that the statements in no place of Scripture necessarily refers to Christians. Enlightened means to some extent but not full knowledge. Taste in 2:5 refers to just a glimpse of the powers of the ages to come. “Partakers” usually implies complete participation, but here may compare with Judas Iscariot, Herod who murdered John the Baptist, Felix who was almost persuaded or Simon Magnus, Acts 8:13, a professor. Also 1 John 2:18,19, “from us but not of us”, the same kind of people, but v20, true believers. Under view C, we can compare the people of Heb. 6:4-6 with the Judaizers of Galatians with their works based salvation.
D. Warning is given to Christians of the danger of moving from the position of faith and life, to being disqualified for service, 1Cor. 9:27, and from losing rewards. This has the most merit. Under this view, falling away would not be falling from salvation, but falling back into some form of their ancestral religion. If they rejoined those who thought Christ deserved to die on the cross, they would never be able to return to the committment of Christians, even though they didn’t lose their salvation.
V 4-6. VIEW D. This is not discussing salvation, rather of living a fruitful and productive life for God, that is well rewarded in Heaven at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is the correct view and fits the illustration given in verses 7-8. Compare my notes on James 1:21. These are believers, having fully partaken and once for all enlightened, but , 5:13, are still on milk. Oliver Green says in the original there was no if in verse 6, but “Having fallen away”. He gives example of a preacher involved with a woman and living like the devil, he crucifies the Son afresh. He can not be renewed to repentance in the sense he is disapproved, though still a believer. He denies the power of God to himself. The same may be said of people in our local churches, if they are truly born again and say they know they ought to be in church etc. but don’t ever come or live as believers. The writer is persuaded of better things of these people, v 9.
v 7. Even the soil replenished with rain partakes of a blessing from God.
v 8. If that same soil persistently bears thorns and thistles, it is considered useless
v 9. According to view C, in going back to the second person form, the writer is expecting better things of them than of those in v 4-6, whether they were mere professors or uncommitted. If the latter, He is looking for fruit of salvation, not the root of salvation. Whether the popular view, C, or the correct view, D, verse 9 is the key to verses 4-6. There are recognizable better things that go along with salvation.
v10. It is important that what we do, we do in love. Work and labor of love won’t save, but are important for the believer. God will reward according to their faithfulness.
v11, 12. The writer returns to his purpose of stressing perseverance in the faith till death or the return of Christ. They were not to become spiritual sluggards, but imitate those who through faith and patient confidence in the Lord are now inheriting the promises. Verses 10-12 are the better things of verse 9.
v13-15. God made a sure and irrevocable promise to Abraham, Gen. 15:17, and though he received much in his life time, the greater blessing, which Jews would recognize, was the delayed birth of the Messiah.
v 16,-18. Men seek an oath for confirmation, so God had promised Abraham by the greatest oath possible, Himself. (Immutible is unchanging) The two unchangeable things were God’s counsel or promise, and His oath, which confirmed the promise, Christ in us is the hope of glory, Col. 1:27. We have two immutable things, the death and resurrection of Christ. The Israelites had cities of refuge where an accused could flee for judgment, not revenge. We have fled to Christ for refuge, and also have the blessed hope of His return.
v 19,20. A ship may drag anchor in a storm, but in Christ we have an anchor that will not move. The anchor of our hope reaches within the veil to the very presence of God. So even in the face of difficulties, with the knowledge of Rom. 5:2b-4, tribulation-faith-experience-hope we can live victoriously. Our Forerunner, Christ has already entered there and become a High Priest forever. He is after the order, or with the rank of Melchisedek. In other words, with the likeness in official dignity, a king and priest. (See chapter 7.) The Jews were making quite a distinction between a priest and a high priest, so this writer to the Jews presents Jesus as not just a priest, but as a high priest.
Hebrews 07
In verses 1-3, Melchizedek represents Christ perpetual.
in verses 4-22 Christ is represented as the perfect priest.
In verses 23-28, in person he is a perpetual and perfect priest.
v 1. Melchizedek occurred once in history at his brief encounter with Abraham, Gen 14:18-20, and was significantly mentioned in Psalms 110:4. Whereas in Heb. 6:17,18 the Lord spoke of two things which could not change, His promise and His oath which confirmed the promise, a third thing is added in Psalms. To the Lord’s oath it is added, “and will not repent.” Melchizedek has already been mentioned two times in Hebrews, but now a detailed description is given. Some godly teachers believe that Melchizedek was actually Christ incarnate. However we note that it is not said that Christ is Melchizedek, but that He is after the order, rank or office (king and priest) of Melchizedek. That he was from among mere men, Heb. 5:1, rules out angels or the Holy Spirit, and even rules out the Son of God, until he became man at birth. (A few think this could have been Shem, but It is very unlikely that Shem would have been in that area.) Old Jewsh writers believed he was simply a godly Canannite man.
v 2. Though Melchizedek was a Gentile, his spiritual superiority to God’s chosen vessel, Abraham, is seen by him blessing Abraham and accepting his tithes. His name means “King of Righteousness”, and since he was king of Salem which means peace, he was also “King of Peace”. It does not necessarily mean he was king of Jerusalem or of another town, Salem, which was not far away, but geographically it surely was Jerusalem. I consider him definitely not Christ incarnate.
v 3. It is not that he had no father, mother, or had not been born or died, but that none of these things were recorded in the register of the Levitical priesthood, as done . B by the Jews. When my mother applied for Social Security, her name was not on the Madison Co. IA register, and she was considered by the government as a non person. (The overworked country doctor probably thought such a tiny baby as she was would die in those days, and had merely listed a nameless “girl” with the wrong birth date. By family Bible records etc., we got her admitted to the legal register.) Melchizedek was a type of Christ in the following major ways:
A. Not of the Levitical tribe
B. Superior to Abraham
C. Whose beginning and end are unknown (or forever, Heb. 6:20)
C. Who is not only a priest, but also a king of righteousness and peace
v 4. It would have been hard for the Jews to accept that even for a short time, anyone was superior to Abraham. They challenged Jesus on this, John 8:53-59. But here it is boldly pointed out that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. In Gen. 14:8, he brings bread and wine, maybe suggesting they looked forward to the coming of Christ, maybe just hospitable. In verses19, 20. this Gentile recognizes the Lord as “the most high God.” possesor of heaven and earth. Principal of tithes was before the Law was given. (or 1 Cor. 16:2 give as God prospers.)
v 5. Here are contrasts in tithe giving:
A. Israel’s priests took tithes of brethren, but Melchizedek was not kin to Abraham
B. Israel paid tithes at God’s command, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek voluntarily
C. Israel paid tithes to a succession of priests, but Melchizedek stands alone in priesthood, no one having succeeded him
v 6-8. The very fact that Melchizedek blessed Abraham, aside from the fact of receiving his tithe, was ample proof that he was superior or better.
v 9,10. Having proven that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, it is now pointed out that as a result, he was also greater than the Levitical priesthood. The writer is building up to point out that Christ is greater than the Levitical priesthood.
v 11,12. The imperfections of the law and the imperfections of the priesthood are inseparable, so God has established a different priesthood. The point to the Jewish Christians was, “Why are you looking to the Aaronic priesthood as well as to Christ?” They were Christians but trying to live according to the old law. Perhaps there are many Catholics who are saved but continue to try to live by the practices of the Roman Church. Perhaps we Christians too, are seeking to do our own works and self efforts and giving instead of offering ourselves a living sacrifice unto God, Rom. 12:1.
v 13,14. The same word for pertaineth is partaker. As Melchizedek, Ps. 110:4 was not a part of the tribe of Levi, Christ was of the tribe of Judah, the kingly line of David.
v 15-17. Again referring to Ps. 110:4, the contention is made that while the Levitical priests were subject to the flesh and death, Christ would not only live forever, but He would be priest forever. His death was atonement for our sins, but his resurrection and priestly work in heaven were necessary for our justification.
v 18,19. The law was imperfect and ineffective, so it was disannulled or replaced, to introduce a better hope by which we can come to God.and be made perfect.
v 20-22. The Levitical priests took office by commandment and that commandment passed it on to their successors at death. However Christ's position came by oath from God, which makes sure a stronger, better and more advantageous agreement.
v 23, 24. There had been many priests because of death, but Christ lives forever, so His priesthood is unchanging.
v 25. Since Christ lives to make intercession for us forever, he is able to save us, that is deliver us, keep us completely saved and for all eternity. Eternal Security and constant intercessor. Cp. Lk. 9:23-26, save our value, or the value of our souls.
v 26. Having experienced our problems as a man, Christ was perfectly adapted to represent our needs, and as a man He was sinless, so He was acceptable to God.
v 27,28. Under the law, priests had to repeatedly first offer sacrifice for his own sins, then for the people. Christ was perfect, so he needed to only offer himself as a sacrifice once. His appointment was permanent and He remains perfect forever.
(At the time of Christ the high priest was offering daily for his own sins, but under the law of Moses this was to have been once a year
Hebrews 08
v 1. Having finished comparisons between Melchizedek and Christ, the writer states that his main point is that we already have such a High Priest, and He is not simply ministering, but His ministry is accomplished. He is seated in honor in heaven.
v 2. Christ is the officiating Priest in the true heavenly tabernacle, from which Moses tabernacle was merely patterned.
v 3, 4. Since the earthly priests patterned after Christ and made offerings, it was necessary that He have some offering to make also, His atoning sacrifice.
v 5. Both the service of the priests and the tabernacle were taken from the model which God showed Moses.
v 6. Some things God promised Israel even if they sinned, eventual restoration. Other things were conditioned upon their actions, and they had a mediator, Moses. Christ has a superior (better) ministry, Himself being the mediator, and the promises are unconditional, complete and permanent, with a personal, closer relation with God. This better covenant is established on better promises
v 7. There would have been no use for a new covenant if the old met every need. It is not the covenant that is at fault, but the people for whom it was meant. A meat fork can pick up a roast, but if the roast is overcooked, the meat falls off. This is the fault of the roast, not the fault of the fork. A “new” spatula may be needed to deal with the roast
v 8,9. A double fault in that Israel found out they could not keep the law, and the law in itself gave them no power to keep it. Heb. 10:1, “could not make them perfect”. Because of their breech of covenant, God withdrew his favor and neglected them.
v 10. A friend said concerning certain inefficient farming practices, “We know better than we do.” Israel knew the law but kept on disobeying it. Now God promises not merely to give them full understanding of the laws, but to put them in their hearts, prompt their wills to want to do His will. This will result in a close relationship.
v 11. This goes beyond Israel to Church Age believers for a partial fulfillment, when the Holy Spirit indwells and teaches us. It has a more complete fulfillment, Hab. 2:14, when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.
v 12. This quotes Jer. 31:31-34. It is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, Titus 3:5. When we call upon Him, God forgives our sins and they are remembered no more. We cannot pay for our sins, but we may have to pay or bear the consequences of them.
v 13. These Hebrew Christians didn’t know there was a better life. They were still clinging to things of the law that had been annulled or made obsolete by the New Covenant.
Hebrews 09
v 1. The old covenant had rules for worship and an earthly tabernacle.
v 2. This is brief and does not mention the altar of incense or small utensils.
v 3-5 . Some think there is a discrepancy because Ex. 27:3,19 indicate the utensils used in the tabernacle were to be of brass, but that is for the brazen altar and outer service. The spoons, bowls etc. in the Holy Place were of gold. Certainly the censer taken into the Most Holy :Place would be of gold. It was used only one day a year and was not left in there, but stored so it would be available when the high priest entered the following year. The items listed here were in the original Holy of Hollies.
v 6,7. Daily in Holy Place, annually in Holy of Hollies. That day: Atonements (Plural)---- For both altars, the mercy seat and Holy place, the high priest himself, his family and the people of Israel. Lev. 16 gives many details. This was the biggest day of the year for Israel and the busiest for the high priest. Early in the day he changed from his beautiful high priest’s garments to linen garments. He entered the Most Holy place four times on this day. 1. He took in the golden censer with coals and incense which made a smoke screen for himself. 2. He took in blood of a bullock to sprinkle mercy seat for his own sins. 3. He went out, killed a goat of sin offering, and took it’s blood in to sprinkle mercy seat for the people’s sins, then outside on the altar of burnt offering (before the Lord Lev. 1:3,5: 3:7). 4. After completing other duties he must have gone in again to bring out the golden censer while a smoke screen still filled the room. Then he took a bath and changed back into his high priest’s garments.
Blood on the altar was a sacrifice, but sprinkled on the mercy seat transformed it to a place of fellowship.
v 8-10. The annual entrance of the high priest into the Holy of Hollies is stated, v 9, as a symbol or picture that men could not have access to the dwelling place of God until after the reconciliation by Christ. At His death the veil was taken away and believers are urged to come into God’s presence, not directly but through Christ. The ordinances of worship of the old covenant had a high value, but they could not take the place of true communion with God that can be had by a believer in Christ.
v 11,12. Christ was both the sacrificing priest and the sacrifice, and offered His own blood in the heavenly tabernacle, the better tabernacle, completing our eternal redemption in one single Day of Atonement.
v 13,14. The blood of animal sacrifices cleansed from sin and the ashes were to purify from ceremonial pollution from improper contact with a dead body. The blood of Christ is far better, it completely cleanses from sin and from polluting influence of language and practices of our daily contacts. We are cleansed in order to serve, and can only serve properly if we have been cleansed. The Trinity is seen in verse 14.
v 15. Christ is both minister and mediator for those who are saved today, those who will be saved, and for those who believed on the Lord under the Old Covenant, or Testament, when the death of animals was temporary till Christ would die for them.
v 16,17. Obviously a will or testament has no power until the death of the testator.
v 18-21. These verses can similarly be summarized well by Moses’ statement in v 20 that the blood he was sprinkling on everything sealed and ratified the agreement or testament which God had commanded him to deliver to them. Thogh not stated in Ex. 24, the blood may have beem actually sprinkled upon the book itself, which contained the written covenant, to signify that the covenant itself was ratified by the blood.The apostle in Hebrews writes from Divine inspiration.
v 22. There were a few things that were purified with water, Ex. 19:10, Lev. 15:5 14:8,47, 13:6, 11:25, Num. 19:10, 31:24, (Num. 31:22 purification by fire) but blood was required for remission of sin.
v 23,24. Both the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries needed purification because they were approached by sinful men. Christ entered into the true one in heaven with a better sacrifice, His own blood. Three appearances of Christ are mentioned:
A. v 24, Appearing in heaven in the presence of God for us with His sacrifice.
B, v 26. A ppearing to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
C. v 28. Shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
v 25,26. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place annually with blood of animals. Sin was covered but not removed, conscience was not purged and salvation was not completed. But Christ entered heaven’s sanctuary once for all with His own blood, and took away the guilt and penalty of sin, as well as removing it from God’s remembrance.
v 27,28. Though Christ was sinless, He took on Himself our sin so that God’s demand could be satisfied, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die”, Ezk.18:4. Judgment is certain after death, so we must act now and let Christ take that judgment for us. We are looking for Christ to appear at the Rapture and He will again appear sinless, because he died and rose again, victorious over sin. Believers still fall victim to sin because they do not understand or accept all that Christ has done for them. We are no longer the servants of sin, but we will yield to Satan if we are not completely yielded to the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 10
v 1. The law was a shadow, not the real thing. Repeated offerings covered sin but didn’t make the offerer perfect.
v 2-4. Animal sacrifices did not take away sin. Day of Atonement was annual reminder, so the guilt and remembrance of them remained.
v 5,6. This following verses quote from Ps. 40:6-8, and refers to Christ, whose body had been prepared to offer by becoming man. The ceremonial sacrifices and offerings did not satisfy God.
v 7-9. No time from His birth to the cross did Christ make the decision to go to the cross for us. That was already decided before He left eternity to become man. He as God is unchangeable, and that had been decided in eternity past. Visibly to us, when he became a babe, He had crossed the point of no return. Even though He had our same temptations, His unswerving purpose was to do God’s will. He took away the order of symbolism of sacrifices for the reality order of a body sacrificed. When we yield to Christ who is in us,we can present our bodies unto the Lord and he will make them holy and renew our minds, Rom. 12:1,2.
v 10. The body of Christ has been offered once for all, so in this, our sanctification (made holy) has been accomplished once for all.
v 11-13. This continues the contrast of the continuing daily sacrifices of the priests. There were no chairs in the tabernacle and the priests work was never done, but Christ completed His work and sat down. Christ is already victorious, but this quote from Ps. 110:1 points out the final submission of His enemies.
v 14. His one offering perfected us forever - eternal security.
v 15-18. The Holy Spirit adds His confirmation to this by His inspired writing. Verse 16 quotes from Jer. 31:33 and verse 17 from Jer. 31:34. Remission or forgiveness is complete, so no more atoning offering is made for sin.
v 19. Boldness is not irreverence, but freedom and confidence. Only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies annually, but with the blood of Christ as our covering, we can enter the Holy of Holies of heaven at any time, even sharing priestly duties in our intercession for others. (We do need to prepare first, primarily, as the priest, we must have our sins confessed and forgiven first.)
v 20. The veil of humanity in our fallen state separated us from God’s Holy presence, but since Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross, the veil of humanity is taken away for all who have placed their trust in Him.
v 21. Christ is there constantly interceding as our advocate and is in control.
v 22. A. Draw near is the first of four commands to these wavering believers. A true heart is a sincere heart, where our treasures are indicate where our heart is. We can approach the Lord with assurance and faith if we sanctify ourselves before Him. These people are reminded of the ceremonial cleansing of priests and Levites. This sprinkling and washing does not refer to baptism, but being free from inward guilt and outward impurity. Sprinkling of the blood of Christ and washing of water by the Word, Eph. 5:26.
v 23. B. Hold fast Some wavered and felt the pull to go back to outward satisfaction of Judaism. Others had become neglectful because sin had crept in, but God remained faithful, they were not losing their salvation. The need is obedience.
v 24. C. Provoke one another This may be by encouragement or by correction, but it should stimulate them to love and noble activities.
v 25. D, Not forsaking assembling It is so easy to decline spiritually in our personal lives if we neglect this area, as had already begun here. It is important to lovingly warn and encourage each other to faithfulness as the “Day”, return of Christ nears. This expression is another indication that Paul may be the human author.
v 26,27. To sin willfully is a sin of presumption as in Num. 29-31, with no provision for forgiveness. (The NIV errs in saying “deliberately keep on sinning.”)The same problem here as in 6:4-9. Has this person partaken of the benefits of the Holy Spirit and come to the point of salvation, understood it, then totally rejected Christ and is damned? If he rejects Christ, there is no other way of salvation. Or has he fully partaken and is born again. If so, he cannot lose his salvation, but may face extreme retribution from God, but not hell. One who has merely professed Christ may apostasize, turn his back totally on Christ, but these people in 6:9 and 10:39 had not.
v 28,29. People under Moses law could die for a fairly minor offense. The punishment would be much more severe for someone who so rejects Christ and the Holy Spirit.
v 30,31. God is the one who judges, He will take care of it, and for those people, it will be horrible. This applies also to believers.
v 32-33. The writer, reminds them of how, after the light came on in their minds and they understood the Gospel, they were made a public spectacle and suffered physical and mental abuse as early believers. Sometimes this was personal, and other times it was because they were not ashamed to be associated with other believers who were being persecuted. Also believers may undergo severe chastening.
v 34. The mention of their care for him while he was in bonds is so similar to Paul’s writings, that this reinforces the view that Paul is the writer. At any rate, they are reminded that though their houses have been plundered and their goods confiscated, they have a better and lasting possession in the future.
v 35. This is another and firm reminder not to throw away our confidence as believers, because the blessings that start with redemption continue on into riches in glory. This encouragement to confidence and faith and in verse 38 is a prelude to chapter 11.
v 36. Patience infers that the believer will not merely wait, but do so without anxiety or complaining, realizing that as God fulfilled his promise to Abraham, so He will to us.
v 37. Early believers looked upon the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in their lifetime as indication that Christ would come soon. Following and current events still lend to the belief that He will return soon. The 2000 year wait does not mean he is delaying. At the appointed time, He will come without delay.
v 38. A continuing challenge is for believers to live by faith, confident commitment to the Lord. Those who shrink back in fear do not lose their salvation, but lose their victory and are a disappointment to their leaders and the Lord. “My” refers to God, who will not have pleasure in them. We may not have pleasure in a disobedient child, but he is still our child.
v 39. Believers may draw back and lose reward, but the mention of perdition would seem to speak of apostates, professors who were never born again. The writer, along with fellow believers has truly believed to salvation.
Hebrews 11
Four men picture the Christian experience in this chapter:
Abel - sacrifice - Salvation
Enoch - pleased God, translated - Christian walk, the Rapture
Noah - obedience rewarded - Rewards at Bema Judgment
Abraham - looked for a heavenly city - Future inheritance in heavenly city
v 1. Faith is the assurance and confidence of that which cannot be perceived by the natural senses. It is not based upon human reasoning or the act of will, but is the result of God working in the human heart. Substance can be compared to a foundation so that our hope is built on the foundation of what we trust in.
v 2. By faith, men of old received divine testimony or witness of the future.
v 3. Evolution is not scientifically provable, neither is creation. It is through faith we believe in creation being done merely by God transferring the thought of His mind into real substance, not by things we see.
However, evidence supports or favors creation above evolution.
v 4. While the Bible account does not say why Able’s offering was acceptable, he had no doubt been told that a blood sacrifice was required, and God may have shown acceptance by a consuming fire. Even though he didn’t live long enough to have descendents to tell, his obedience still bears witness of his faith. Gen. 4:3-10.
v 5. Trusting God was Enoch’s way of life, and God was pleased to continue this fellowship right into eternity. Whether we die or are caught up in the Rapture, It is our faith that has pleased God and taken us to be with Him. Gen. 5:21-24.
v 6. Here are two elements essential to faith. 1. Believe that God exists. 2. Believe He rewards those who seek Him. (By eternal life and eternal blessings, some now.)
v7. Never having had rain until after the animals were gathered into the ark, Noah’s action in building this oddity was both faith and witness to those around him. Gen. 6:13-22. The world was condemned because they didn’t believe Noah.
v 8. Like Noah Abraham acted in simple faith to what was unrealistic. A good stopping place was Haran, but he left his father and moved on into the unknown.
v 9,10. He had left the luxuries of Ur to live in tents, but his main goal was not the land before him, but the eternal city in heaven which could only be obtained by faith. Gen. 12:1-8.
v 11,12. Sarah’s conception was because she acted upon the faith of God’s word. Both were beyond child bearing years, but their descendents became innumerable. Gen. 17:19; 18:11-14; 21:2; 15:5,6; 22;17; 32:12.
v 13-16. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph all died without gaining that land God promised, and if they had given up and chosen, they could have gone back to their original country. Ps. 39:12; Gen. 23:4 But in their faith and quest for the promised land on earth, they looked ahead to the promises of eternity. Ex. 3:6,15; 4:5.
v 17-19. Abraham’s supreme test was his willingness to offer Isaac, Gen. 22:1-10, but he proceeded with faith in the promise God would raise seed through Isaac. In his mind, Isaac was as good as dead when he was placed on the altar, but he would have had to have been brought back to life to fulfil that promise. Gen. 21:12. The ram God provided as a substitute is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ being our substitute. .
v 20. Gen. 27:27-29,39,40. - Isaac
v 21. Gen. 48. - Jacob
v 22. Gen. 49:24,25; Ex. 13:19. - Joseph
v 23. Ex. 1:22; 2:2. Moses’ parents not acting on a promise, merely their faith.
v 24. Ex. 2:10-15. - Moses faces choice
v 25-27 Ex. 2:15 - Moses forsaking Egypt
v 28. Ex. 12:21-30. - Passover kept
v 29. Ex. 14:21-31. - Crossing Red Sea
v 30. Josh. 5:12-21 - Jericho’s walls fall
v 31. Josh. 2:1-21; 6:22-25. Rahab shelters spies
v 32. Judg. 6-8; 4,5; 13-16; 11,12; 1Sam. 16-30; 2 Sam. 1-24; 1Kin. 1,2; 11; 1 Sam. 1-12; 15; 16:1-13. - Those named and others unnamed.
v 33. Included Dan. 6:22 - Daniel in lions den
v 34. Included Dan. 3:23-28 - The fiery furnace
v 35. 1 Kin. 17:17-24; 2 Kin. 4:25-37.
v 36-38. Untold numbers have suffered the agonies mentioned in these verses. Some were bribed to get them to reject their faith while many more were slain or punished for it. This was written before the terrible blood baths by the Roman church in the dark ages and later. Persians or Chaldeans may have started the barbarous punishment of sawing. Western Moors tied a man between two boards and sawed him length wise starting at the head. Old tradition is that Isaiah was put in a hollow log and sawed in two.
v 39,40.Though all these heroes of faith had won God’s approval and some immediate promises, like us, they still wait for the promises of eternity. They may have appeared defeated, but they, with us, await something better, resurrection.
Hebrews 12
v 1. The place in which Greeks ran their races was called a stadium because of the distance, a stadium was 600 Greek feet, 606 &3/4 feet English. Seating was on either side for the spectators, or witnesses. (Cloud of witnesses of chapter 11. This does not mean they are sitting in heaven watching us, they have other things to do there. They have witnessed by their lives setting an example for us.) Greek Olympic participants ran, then came up to sit and watch the rest of the race. A judge held the prize at the end and the competitors kept their eyes on him. (Looking unto Jesus, v 2.) The length of the race varied from one to twenty four times the length of the stadium. The distance runners had to “run with patience”. Paul refers to Olympic terms so many times that this is another inference that he might be the author. (As a child I ran in heavy muddy overshoes, then took them off to run and jump on dry ground.) We need to lay aside any thing that is a hindrance, but besetting sins may include neglecting our Bibles and prayer, selfishness, laziness and time wasting, gossip etc Perhaps the greatest besetting sin of believers is unbelief. Believers don’t have a choice as to if they will run the race, but how.
v 2. As author and finisher, Christ is the originator and executor of our faith. He insures that we can reach the goal, and for that joy and satisfaction, He was willing to go to the cross for us. That work is finished and He is seated, see Heb. 10:12.
v 3, As we consider Him, Chap. 1,2 He was better than angels, Chap 3,4 He was better than Moses, Chap. 5-10 He was the best high priest, Chap. 11 by faith in Him we have access to God, and Chap 2,2 He was the supreme sacrifice and worthy of our praise. Most of us have not suffered persecution to the point of martyrdom, but if we become mentally down and discouraged, which also brings on physical fatigue, then remind ourselves of what Christ went through in our behalf.
v 5-7. As a father chastens his child, the Lord, even more fairly chastens His children. V 6, more severe for older children. It may be through the hand of unsaved or enemies, just as God used wicked nations to judge Israel, but the Lord permits it. Discipline means train, and includes chastening and correcting, Prov. 2:11,12.
v 8. Chastening may be a sign of our son ship. Unsaved may prosper now.
v 9-11. We should reverence and obey God when we are chastened, even if it is unpleasant, because it is given to benefit us and make us righteous in practice.
v 12,13. Defeated Christians remind us of defeated refugees in their actions. We should encourage them and guide them in the right way by our example.
v 14. This verse must be taken with Rom. 12:18, “if it be possible.” We can’t please all. We have holiness positionally here and in verse 10, but we must urgently work at living peaceably with those around us and achieving practical holiness.
v 15. To knowingly turn from the blessings of God and allow bitterness in our own lives is bound to spread and harm others. We are to seek God’s best.
v 16,17. Moral purity can be thrown away in a reckless moment, and Esau threw away the sacred privilege of being priest of the family and all the other primogeniture (first born) rights for one hasty meal. He was unconcerned about that, but later, when he did not receive the blessing he was wept bitterly. Though he wept over what was done, it was a final act, and could not be changed by repentance for his error. Actually, Esau sought repentance or change of his father’s heart and mind. This he sought with tears in order that he might receive the blessing. He was not repentant himself as proven by his immediate desire to go kill Jacob. We must not allow spiritual lethargy to rob us of blessing.
v 18-21. Believers don’t come to Mt. Sinai, representing the law. It was fearful and could bring death, Ex. 19:12-22; 20:18-21, so the people asked Moses to speak to them instead of God.
Mount Sinai Mount Zion
God came to earth Believers go to heaven
Wilderness Heavenly home
Old Covenant (Law) New Covenant (Grace)
Fear and trembling Unshakable kingdom
v 22-24. In contrast believers are assured of coming to Mt. Zion representing the Gospel and life. Christians do not actually inhabit it until we die or are caught up, but we all have the privileges of the first born. When we arrive we will see: the heavenly Jerusalem, innumerable angels, the general assembly, God our righteous judge and protector, the souls of those who have died and gone on, Jesus personally, and the blood which he offered on the heavenly altar. This was infinitely superior to the blood which Able sacrificed on his altar. (It is difficult to understand how Christ was able to offer His blood. It was spilled on the ground and did not reenter His body. He carried it separate from His body. Apparently not the material blood He shed, but His blood through the Spirit in a way I can not explain, but perhaps in a similar way to which our heart and conscience is sprinkled, 10:22.) Many think from Gen. 4:`10, “Abel’s blood” is his own calling out for vengeance, whereas Christ’s blood speaks of pardon. But it may be comparing apples to oranges, and sacrifice is what is in question for both.
v 25. This continues the warning begun in verse 15. Those who refused the word given through Moses were punished. These Hebrews had the complete Old Testament with all it’s revelations and prophesies, some of the New Testament writings, and if saved, the indwelling Holy Spirit. They (any apostates) are therefore more responsible, and how can they escape punishment if they deliberately turn away? If people have not truly turned to God and are accepted by Him now, there is no hope of them being accepted by Him in the future.
v 26-28. When God shook Mt Sinai, people trembled in fear. The future shaking may refer to Hag. 2:6,7, before the new heaven and earth. Believers receive a kingdom which survives all shaking, so we should serve God with reverence and awe and in a manner pleasing to Him. Those not in the kingdom will be “shaken”.
v 29. This quotes Deut. 4:24. He is a jealous God (intolerant of disloyalty) and deserves our full devotion.
Hebrews 13
v 1,2. These actions are all done in proportion to the amount of brotherly love. Abraham had no idea he was preparing a meal for angels, Gen. 18, and we may likewise be blessed by hospitality to some one in need or passing missionaries etc. Hospitality is not just nice to do, but required of spiritual leaders, I Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8.
v 3. Such a concern for believers in prison that we “bond”, or feel at one with them, on the order of sympathy pains.
v 4. God ordained marriage, so celibacy or being a career person does not make one more noble, but indeed may lead to the actual sin of immorality, 1 Cor. 7:9. It is important enough to be a picture of Christ and the Church.
v 5,6. Covetousness frequently leads to the immorality of verse 4. Greed and slothfulness are both to be shunned, whereas if we are diligent and content with what those efforts produce, we can be sure the Lord won’t let us down.
v 7. “Rule” does not here refer to governors, but to spiritual leaders and teachers. We should not only remember them in prayer, but by following their Godly example.
v 8,9. Jesus Christ is unchangeable from eternity past to future, but even now, He is sufficient and unchanging for every generation. So remain true to Him and the “Old Time Religion” rather than seek solutions in current religious ideas, diets, or rituals. Don’t be “carried about”, swept away as in a flooding river.
v 10. A believers altar is not the communion table or a sanctuary full of candles and rituals. It is the sacrifice Christ on the cross, a better altar. The writer is speaking to Hebrews who still feel worship must be in their sanctuary and ceremonies. They cannot eat of their sin offering, but we “eat” upon Christ in the spiritual sense of Jn 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
v 11,12. On the Day of Atonement, the sin offering was burned outside the camp but the blood was brought into the sanctuary. The Jewish leaders didn’t realize they were fulfilling an anti type in having Christ crucified outside the camp, or city, but his blood was brought into the heavenly sanctuary.
v 13. These Hebrew believers were in a great struggle because they had reached the point they were going to have to break with the Jewish religion in order to worship Christ properly. Some today may have to break from the religion they were following, but this does not mean having nothing to do with those with slight differences of belief.
v 14. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed a few years after this was written, but believers have a permanent dwelling place ahead.
v 15. Christ made the sacrifice for sin, but believer priests may offer two offerings. The first is a praise offering from our lips, Jer. 13:11 “sacrifice of praise”. Praise isn’t something we determine to do, but is an attitude God creates in our hearts. Fruit of our lips is not produced by water and fertilizer, but our new life in Christ.
v 16. The second sacrifice is doing good and sharing. Christianity in action.
v 17. Our spiritual leaders are concerned about what is best for us spiritually, so we should obey and be in submission to their spiritual, Biblical counsel instead of being a continual source of grief to them. This does not mean cultish control of our lives, what home to buy, where to vacation etc. Some give advice beyond their ability and authority. .
Sometimes Christian leaders become lifted up in pride and use this verse to shield themselves from even constructive criticism. In such cases they should keep in mind 1 Pet. 5:3, not to be lords over God’s heritage.
v 18,19. This sounds like Paul’s request for prayer, and may show his concern in giving them these important truths without being misunderstood. Being restored may mean to their acceptance of him and his teaching rather that his physical presence.
v 20. Christ’s resurrection is the link between his sacrifice and high priest duties. It is through the blood of this covenant that he became our great Shepherd.
v 21. This is a prayer that through Christ the Lord will equip us to do His will.
v 22-25. Each of these verses show strong indication of Paul being the writer. The third mention of those who rule indicates he didn’t mean this important letter to take away any respect from those who were the spiritual leaders. Verse 23 does not indicate Timothy had been imprisoned and released. The context seems to be that Paul had sent him away on some mission, and he hoped for his soon return, so they could travel together.
As in Heb. 10:22-25, several things believers are told to do in Heb. 13:1-17:
1 Let brotherly love continue, v 1
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, v 2
3 Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them, v 3
4 Remember them which suffer adversity as if our own body, v 3
5 Marriage is honorable v 4
6 Let your conversation, manner of life, be without covetousness, v 5
7 Be content with what we have, v 5
8 Remember them which have the rule over you spiritually, v7
9 Follow their faith, v 7
10 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines 9
11 Go forth to Jesus bearing His reproach, v 13
12 Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, v 15
13 Don’t forget to do good and share, v 16
14 Be obedient and submissive to our spiritual leaders, v17
15 Pray for our spiritual leaders v 18
In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.
ANSWERS to 200 of Life's Most Probing Questions by Pat RobertsonOUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen