Book Of Hebrews
Category: Bible Studies
Chapter One: Christ is greater than the prophets and the angels.
1:1[1] In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets. Now, in these last days, He speaks to us through His Son. This Son, God so honored that He should possess everything (heir of all things)[2] and it was through this Son He created the world and the universe and everything contained within time. The Son radiates God's glory and exactly represents God's substance and essence, "sustaining all things by His powerful Word." After He provided cleansing for the sins of man,[3] He sat down on His throne to the right of God, the Father, or the divine Majesty. He became as much greater than the angels as His name, he inherited, is much greater than theirs.[4]
1:5 Did God ever say to any angel, "You are My Son; today I have become your Father"? [Psa 2:7]. But God did say, "I will be His Father, and He will be My Son."[5] And when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says, "Let all God's angels worship Him."[6] When speaking about the angels, He says He makes them like the wind and as flames of fire (Psa 104:4). But when speaking about the Son, He calls Him God and declares His throne will last forever, righteousness will be His scepter and that God has set Him above His companions because, "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness." [Psa 45:6-7]
1:10 God also attributes creation to Him and He declares that even though creation wear out and be tossed away like old clothes, yet Christ remains the same[7] and His years will never end (Psa 102:25-27; see also Isa 51:6). To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at My right hand[8] until I make Your enemies a footstool for your feet"? [Psa 110:1]. So, aren't the angels just ministering spirits "sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
Chapter Two: Christ's work is greater than the angels'; He made atonement for sins.
2:1 Because of this we must pay close attention to what we have learned of the Gospels, so that we don't drift away from the faith.[9] If this message of the law and prophecies, spoken by angels,[10] was binding (for the message was spoken by angels, not about angels) and if there was no hope for those who rejected the law, what will be the outcome for those who reject the One who died for their sins? For just as Christ is greater than the angels and the prophets, so is His sacrifice greater than the law. This is the message spoken by the Lord, when He was on earth. It was repeated by those who heard Him and it was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, miracles and the distribution of the Holy Spirit.
2:5 God has not put angels in command of the world to come. In Scriptures, someone has testified: "What is man that You are mindful of him, the Son of Man that You care for Him? You made Him a little lower than the angels; You crowned Him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet." God put everything under Christ. There is nothing that is not subject to Him even though it does not appear that way at the present time.
2:9 But we see Jesus was made lower than the angels (became like man) so that He might suffer death and in that way taste, or experience, death for all mankind. He is now crowned with glory and honor. (He finished redemption and proved His deity). It was suitable that God (for Whom all things exist and through Whom all things exist) should prove the author of salvation perfect through suffering, for bringing many sons to salvation, or glory. Both the sanctifier and the sanctified have experienced the same flesh and are of the same Father. That is why Christ is not ashamed to call those who are saved His brothers. He says, "I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing Your praises." [Psa 22:22]. In another Scripture, He says, "I will put My trust in Him." [Isa 8:17][11] And again He says, "Here I am, and the children God has given Me." [Isa 8:18].
2:14 You see, He became of the same flesh as His children, so that by His death He will destroy the devil, the one who holds the power of death.[12] He will free those who were held as slaves by their fear of death. Christ did not come to help the angels but the descendants of Abraham. This is why He was made like His brothers and suffered the same flesh, so that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest and make atonement for our sins. He knows what we are going through because He lived like us.
Chapter Three: Christ's work greater than Moses'; warning to obey.
3:1 In view of the fact that Christ suffered much in the flesh, we, who share in the heavenly calling, must fix our thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we confess.[13] For just as Moses was faithful in regards to the temple (the atoning sacrifices), so Christ was faithful (to make the final sacrifice, or atonement) to the Father, Who appointed Him. Jesus has been counted worthy of more honor than Moses, just as the builder of the house is worthy of greater honor than the house. "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."[14]
3:5 Moses was faithful as a servant in God's temple, testifying to the atonement that would come later. Christ, however, was faithful as the Son over God's temple. That is, He alone was able to provide the final atonement, the sacrifice for our sins. He did that, even to suffer for a time, the removal of Himself from heaven to take on human form. We are His temple,[15] if we hold tightly to the confidence we have in His redemption, the hope that makes us rejoice!
3:7 For this reason the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." [Psa 95:7-8]. And He warns that we not become like those who were chosen before us, the Israelites He brought out of Egypt. They rebelled in their testing even though they saw the mighty hand of God. Because they refused to know God's ways, He condemned them and vowed they would never enter His rest (Psa 95:8-11).
3:12 Take a warning that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Encourage[16] each other to stay near to God. Do it daily as long as it is called Today.[17] We will have a share in the inheritance of Christ if we hold firmly to the end what we started out with; the confidence of our hope, the substance of the Gospel. This is why God warns us to hear His voice "Today" and not harden our hearts as we did in the rebellion[18] (Psa 95:7-8).
3:16 Was it not the chosen nation that rebelled? The same people who were led by Moses out of the slavery of Egypt? Who was it that died in the desert as they wandered for forty years? And wasn't it the disobedient whom God swore would never enter His rest? Therefore, we see that unbelief holds man back from entering God's rest.
Chapter Four: The Sabbath Rest; a warning to walk in obedience
4:1 Let us be careful that we do not come short of the promise of God's rest. For, like the Israelites in the desert, we also have had the Gospel preached to us. However, the message they heard was of no value to them because they did not receive it with faith. We who believe will enter that rest, just as God swore that those who disbelieve will never enter His rest. He is talking about His rest when He finished the work of creation.[19] For somewhere in Scripture He spoke about the seventh day saying that He rested from all His work (Gen 2:2). And elsewhere (quoted in the passage above) He says, "They shall never enter My rest."
4:6 A remnant will enter that rest. Those who formerly heard the Gospel did not enter because of disobedience. So God gave another opportunity when He spoke through His servant David, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." [Psa 95:7-8]. You see, if entering the Promised Land was the rest He promised, it would have been settled in Joshua's time and God would not have spoken later about another day. So there still left to be revealed a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For when we enter that rest, we will rest from our works,[20] just as God rested from His. Let us make every effort to enter that rest by living obedient lives, so that none will fall away by following the example of the disobedient.
4:12 Use the Word of God, for it is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates, even dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow.[21] It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing is hidden from God's eyes. Everything is open and naked before the One to Whom we must all give an account.
4:14 Since we have a great high priest, Jesus Christ the Son of God, Who is in heaven, let us hold fast to our confession of faith. For this high priest is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way like we are, yet He did not sin. Let us approach the Throne of Grace with confidence that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Chapter Five and Six: Jesus Christ our Great High Priest; a warning to go on to maturity
5:1 Every high priest is chosen from among men to represent them in matters before God; to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He has compassion upon the ignorant and fallen because he is also subject to human weaknesses. That is why he offers sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the people. No man takes this honor upon himself. He must be call by God just as Aaron was. Likewise, Christ did not glorify Himself by taking the office of High Priest but God said to Him, "You are My Son; today I have become Your Father."[22] [Psa 2:7]. In another place God says, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." [Psa 110:4][23]
5:7 During His life on earth, when He was subject to the weaknesses of the flesh, He offered up prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death,[24] and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Although He was the Son of God, He learned obedience by the sufferings of the flesh and because He was without sin (or, was made perfect) He became the author, or the source, of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Furthermore, He was designated, or called, by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
5:11 We have a lot more to say about this (which we will get to in chapter seven) but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. By now, you should be teachers but you are still needing instruction in the elementary truths of God's Word. You are still drinking milk and not ready for meat.[25] Anyone who lives on milk is still an infant and not able to understand, or unskilled in the study of, righteousness. Solid food is for the mature, who by constant chewing have trained themselves to discern what is good and what is evil.[26]
6:1 So let us move on from the basic teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Let us go past continually laying the foundation of repentance from works that don't save[27] and of faith in God, instructions about baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. God permitting, we will move on.
6:4 It is impossible for those who were once enlightened and tasted the blessings of the kingdom of God, who have shared in the Holy Spirit and tasted the goodness of the Word, to be restored to repentance if they should fall away because they crucify Christ all over again and subject Him to public disgrace.[28] Land that drinks in the rain, nourishes the seed and produces a crop useful to the farmer and is a blessing from God. But land that produces thorns and thistles will be cursed for it is worthless and all that it produces will be burned in the end.[29]
6:9 We tell you about this but we are confident of better things from you; fruit that gives evidence of salvation. God is not unjust. He will not forget the love you have shown Him as you work to help His people (see also Jam 2:14-26; 1Jo 3:16-20). Be diligent in this matter to the very end, making your hope sure. Don't be slothful but imitate those who have inherited what was promised through faith and patience.
6:13 Since there was no one greater than Himself, God swore by Himself when He made His promise to Abraham, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." [Gen 22:17] After much patience and waiting, Abraham received the promise.
6:16 To validate what is said and settle any argument, men will swear by someone greater than themselves. So. too, God confirmed what He promised with an oath so that the heirs of the promise would understand the unchangeable nature of His purpose.
6:18 It is impossible for God to lie. Therefore we have two anchors, the unchangeable promise and the unchangeability of His oath, so that those of us who have fled for the refuge of the hope of the promise may be greatly encouraged knowing that this hope enters the inner sanctuary where Jesus, who went before us, is ministering on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Chapter Seven: The order of Melchizedek
7:1 Melchizedek was king of Salem (Gen 14:18). He met Abraham after he defeated the kings. He blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder. Melchizedek means "king of righteousness." King of Salem means "king of peace." He was without father or mother-no genealogy: he had no beginning of days nor end of life. Like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
7:4 Consider how great he was that even Abraham, the Patriarch, would give him a tenth of the plunder. The [Hebrew] law requires the sons of Levy to collect a tenth from the people, their own brothers, even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. Melchizedek cannot trace his descent from Levy, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham, himself and blessed him who already had the promise, or blessing from God. It is undisputed the lesser person is blessed by the greater. In Abraham's case, the tenth is collected by his sons who die; in Melchizedek's case, the tenth was collected by him who is declared to be living. "One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor."
7:11 The law was given to the people on the basis of the priesthood [who would carry out the ceremonial requirements]. If perfection could be attained by the Levitical priesthood, why was there a need for another priest to come in the order of Melchizedek rather than the order of Aaron? When there is a change in the priesthood [the order, not the succession], there must be a change of the law.[30] You see, Christ did not come through the Levitical line, he was [by family (paternal) and blood (maternal)] from the line of Judah and no one from Judah has ever served as priest, nor did Moses say anything to allow this. Let's say it in another way that might be clearer: Another priest like Melchizedek has appeared. Not one who has attained the priesthood based upon a law regarding lineage but on the basis of an indestructible life [He will live forever]. For God said, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." [Psa 110:4]
7:18 The previous regulation of the lineage of the priesthood is set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law made nothing perfect (because we could not live by it) but now a better hope is here, by Whom we draw near to God. In the past, others became priests without an oath but Christ became a priest by oath when God said to Him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: 'You are a priest forever.'" [Psa 110:4] The oath (that cannot be repealed) signifies that Jesus has become a the guarantee of a better covenant (God is the guarantor).
7:23 Additionally, in the past, there have been many priest because death kept them from continuing in the work but Christ lives forever and has a permanent priesthood. Because of this He is able to save forever those who come to God through Him because He is always alive to intercede for them. This is the high priest that meets our needs-He is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the priests of the past, He doesn't need to offer continual sacrifices, first for His own sins (because He never sins) and then for the sins of the people. For He sacrificed for their sins once when He offered Himself to be the final sacrifice. The law appointed imperfect men to be priests but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who is complete and perfect forever.
Chapters Eight through Ten: Comparing the Old and New Covenants
8:1 Here is what we are saying: We have a high priest Who sat down at the right hand of the throne of God and Who serves in the sanctuary of the true tabernacle in heaven. The one built by God not by man. Every high priest offers gifts and sacrifices, so it is necessary for Christ to have something to offer. If He was on the earth it would not be necessary for Him to be a priest for we already have men who offer the gifts required by law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy of the one in heaven. That is why Moses warned the people to build the tabernacle exactly like the pattern (Exo 25:40). But the ministry of Christ is as superior to the Levitical priests as the covenant He mediates is greater than the old one. It is founded on better promises.
8:7 If nothing was wrong with the old covenant there would be no reason for a new one. But God found fault with the people. He said (Jer 31:31-34) He would make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah that would not be like the old one made with their forefathers when God brought them out of Egypt; because they did not remain faithful to Him, so He turned away from them. The covenant He made will be to put His laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. He will be their God and they will be His people. Then it won't be necessary for a man to teach his neighbor because they will all know Him. God will forgive their sins and forget their wickedness.
8:13 By calling this covenant "new," the old one becomes obsolete. What is obsolete will soon disappear, or vanish.[31]
9:1 The first, or old, covenant had laws for worship and an earthly sanctuary,[32] the tabernacle. In the first, or outside room, were the lampstand, table and consecrated bread. This was the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain, in the inner room, was the Most Holy Place. In here was the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, which was overlaid in gold. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron's staff that budded and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover, or mercy seat. However, we cannot go into detail about this now.
9:6 When everything was in order and ready for service, the priests would regularly conduct their ministry in the outer room, or Holy Place. Only the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, or inner room and then, only once a year and never without blood. This he offered for himself first and then for the sins of the people (or sins of ignorance, not willful). By this, as long as the first tabernacle was standing, the Holy Spirit was demonstrating the way into the holiest place, where God is, had not been revealed. This is an illustration for the present[33] time, showing the offerings were not able to clear mans' conscience because they are only a matter of food, drink and ceremonial washings. These were nothing more than external regulations (acts done in the flesh, or by mere flesh) that applied only until the time of the new order, or new covenant (or the Messiah's restoration or resurrection).
9:11 When Christ appeared, or became, high priest of the good things to come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that was not made by human hands and is not even part of this creation. He didn't enter by means of the blood of animals but He entered the Holy Place by His own blood, the final sacrifice; obtaining for us eternal redemption. If the blood of animals and the ashes from the sacrifices sprinkled on the unclean could sanctify man outwardly; then how much more will the blood of Christ, Who through the Holy Spirit offered Himself unblemished to the Father, cleanse our consciences from dead works (inward uncleanness), freeing us up to serve the living God![34]
9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of the new covenant to insure that those who are called will receive the promised eternal inheritance. He died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
9:16 It is necessary to prove the death of the one who made the will in order for it to take effect, because it is only in force when the person has died, not while they are living. This is the reason that blood was necessary even for the first covenant. When Moses had proclaimed all the commandments to the people, he took the blood of calves together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop and sprinkled the scroll (book) and the people saying, "This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep." He also sprinkled the tabernacle and all the items used in its ceremonies (vessels of ministry). "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [pardon]."[35]
9:23 In this regard, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things (tabernacle and articles of worship) to be purified with these sacrifices but the heavenly things (the original tabernacle and vessels) need a better sacrifice. For, Christ did not enter a copy of the tabernacle, which was man-made. He entered heaven itself to appear in God's presence on our behalf. He did not enter heaven to offer Himself over and over in the same fashion that the High Priest enters the Most Holy Place every year to offer the blood of animals. If so, He would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. Instead, He appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away (frustrate, cancel, neutralize) sin by sacrificing Himself. Just as man is destined to die once and face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to remove (take away, bear, reverse) the sins of many; and He will appear a second time to those who are waiting for Him, not to bear sin but to bring His salvation.
10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things to come; not the real sacrifice that removes sin. This is why the animal sacrifices repeated year after year could not make perfect those who worshipped God according to the ceremonial requirements. If this were possible, wouldn't the sacrifices ended? For, those who worshipped would have been cleansed once for all and their consciences would have been free. You see, the purpose of the animal sacrifices was not to take away sin because it is impossible; rather, it was an annual reminder of their sins. This is why Christ, when He came into the world, said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body you prepared for Me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am-it is written about Me in the scroll-I have come to do Your will, O God.'"
10:8 First, He said God did not desire, nor was He pleased with, the sacrifices and offerings (even though the law required them). Then He said He is come to do the Father's will. By this, He set aside the first to establish the second. In other words, He removed, or fulfilled, the requirement of sacrifices and ceremonies by becoming the final sacrifice, which was God's will. It is by God's will we are sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Christ, which was made once for all.
10:11 Daily the priest stands presenting the same sacrifices with the same ceremonies but they can never take away sin. On the other hand, when Christ, as a man in human flesh, offered the one, final sacrifice, He sat down at the right hand of God. From that time, He has been waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool, because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are sanctified (or, being sanctified, being made holy).[36]
10:15 The Holy Spirit testifies to us about this. He says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then He adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Where there is pardon, or forgiveness, there is no more need for sacrifices.
10:19 In view of this pardon, which gives us confidence to enter the Most Holy Place[37] through the blood of Christ; we do this directly-not through priests behind a curtain (He tore the curtain at His death)[38] which was a symbol of His body that was slain; and since we have a great High Priest over the house of God, 1) let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance by faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water; 2) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess, for we know He is faithful Who gave us the promise; 3) let us keep each other in mind to spur each other on to show love an do good deeds; and 4) let us not forsake our meetings together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage each other to stay close to God[39] and all the more as we see the Day approaching.
10:26 No sacrifice is left if we deliberately continue to sin after we have received the knowledge of the truth.[40] The only hope for the enemies of God is a fearful expectation of judgment, then of raging fire that will consume them. The man who despised, or rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?" For we know it was this same God Who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay." [Deu 32:35] and "The LORD will judge his people." [Deu 32:36] "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."[41][42]
10:32 Remember what you endured amidst great suffering when you first received the Gospel (and came out of Judaism). You were subjected to public humiliation through insult and persecution and you stood by those who were tormented as you were. You had sympathy for me, and those in prison for the cause of Christ. You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property because you were convinced that you had better and more permanent possessions in heaven. So don't slide back by losing your confidence, or faith. For, in this you have a great reward. You need to endure so that after you have accomplished the will of God you will receive what He has promised. For it will not be long now; "He Who is coming will come and not delay. The righteous will live by faith and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." [Hab 2:3-4] We are not of those who turn back to their old ways, or cower under pressure, and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved.
Chapter Eleven: A record of faith
11:1 [It is by faith that we keep from shrinking back, or falling away. But what is faith?] Faith is the essence (substance or assurance) of what we hope for, or trust in; it is the proof, or conviction, of things we cannot see. By faith the prophets and the patriarchs of the Scriptures obtained a good testimony. By faith we know that all creation (the earth, the planets and the galaxies) was formed by God's spoken word and that nothing we see was made from matter [there was none before God made it].
11:4 Abel: by faith offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he received the testimony he was a righteous man when God approved his offerings. By faith his life still speaks even though he is dead. [Gen 4:2-12; Mat 23:35; Luk 11:51]
11:5 Enoch: by faith was taken to God without seeing death. He could not be found because God had taken him. Even before he was taken, he had the testimony as a man who pleased God. [Gen 4:17f; Gen 5:24; Jud 14]
11:6 Key Verse: Without faith it is impossible to please God. Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He is (Exo 3:14) and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.[43]
11:7 Noah: by faith built an ark to save his family. He acted out of holy fear when warned of the coming destruction. By his action[44] he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is by faith.
11:8 Abraham: when called, obeyed. He left his homeland in search of a place, a promised inheritance, even though he had no idea where he was going. By faith he made his home in the land of promise, living like a strange in a foreign country; living in tents as well as his son, Isaac and his grandson, Jacob. For he was looking forward to a greater city with foundations whose architect and builder is God.
11:11 Sarah:[45] though she was past the child-bearing age and had been barren was enabled to conceive because she considered God faithful to keep His promise. Even though Abraham was as good as dead, his descendants became as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
11:13 These all died in their faith, or lived by faith unto death, though they never received the things promised; they believed and took hold of things they saw in the distance admitting they were only foreigners and strangers on the earth. Men who say such things show clearly they are looking for a country of their own. If they were talking about the country they came from, they had plenty of opportunity to return but they were looking for a better land-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
11:17 Abraham (continued): offered Isaac as an offering when tested by God even though he was his only son and the son of the promise. God had promised his descendants would come through Isaac (Gen 21:12). Abraham believed that God could raise the dead and, figuratively, he did receive Isaac back from death.
11:20 Isaac: by faith blessed Jacob and Esau according to God's will for their future.
11:21 Jacob: blessed each of Joseph's sons as he was dying, worshipping God as he leaned on his staff.
11:22 Joseph: at the end of his life, spoke of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions to carry his bones [to the Promised Land].
11:23 Moses' parents: by faith disobeyed the law of the king, hiding their son for three months after he was born, for they saw that he was an exceptional child.
11:24 Moses: when he was grown, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time. He considered disgrace for the sake of Christ to be more valuable than the riches of Egypt, for he was looking to a future reward. By faith, he left Egypt behind, not fearing Pharaoh's anger[46] but he kept his eyes on the One who is not seen.[47] By faith, he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel.
11:29 Israel: by faith crossed the Red Sea on dry land but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them for seven days.
11:31 Rahab: though she was a prostitute, did not perish with the unbelievers and disobedient, after she had welcomed the Israelite spies in peace.
11:32 What else should I say? I don't have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith overcame kingdoms, ministered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of the flames and escaped the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength and they became powerful in battle, routing foreign armies. Their women received back their dead, raised to life again (resurrected). Others refused to be released, suffering torture and death, so they might obtain a better resurrection. Some faced cruel mockings and floggings, chains and imprisonment. Some were stoned, some were sawed apart, they were tested and others put to death by the sword. They went around in the skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-the world was not worthy of these men, who wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground. These received approval for their faith, yet none of them received what was promised. God had a better idea, that they would be made perfect together with us.
Chapter Twelve: It all comes down to the personal application (or, why he wrote this book)
12:1 Considering the sacrifice of those who have gone before us, who surround us like a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that slows us down and the sin that so easily traps us and let us run with perseverance, or endurance, the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author (originator) and perfecter (finisher) of our faith. He could see the future joy, so He endured the cross, despising its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider that Christ (who is God) endured such persecution from sinful men (who are dirt) so that you will not grow weary or be discouraged.
12:4 You have not yet resisted, in your struggle against sin,[48] to the point of shedding your blood and you have forgotten the word of encouragement that speaks to you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son." [Pro 3:11-12] So endure hardship as discipline, knowing that God is treating you as sons; for what kind of son is not disciplined by his father. If you are not disciplined (and we all are disciplined) then you would be bastards and not true sons.
12:9 Furthermore, we have all had human fathers and have respected them for disciplining us. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live? For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best but God disciplines us for a more lasting benefit; that we might share in His holiness. Discipline is painful and is never pleasant at the time. However, if we have been shaped by it, it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace later on.[49]
12:12 So strengthen the hands that are weak and knees that are feeble. "Make level paths for your feet,"[50] [Pro 4:26] so that the lame will not be hindered but healed.
12:14 Be at peace with all men but be holy. Without holiness, no man will see the Lord:[51] be careful that no man misses the grace of God [through compromise with the world];[52] that no root of bitterness spring up and defile many; that no one be sexually immoral or base and wicked like Esau, who sold his birthright for the instant gratification of a single meal (Gen 25:29-34). As you know, when it was time to inherit the blessing, he was rejected and could not bring a change of mind though he cried his heart out (Gen 27:38).
12:18 Mountain of fear v mountain of promise: You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that burns with fire; to darkness, shadows and storm; to a trumpet blast and a voice that scared the life of the hearers, because they could not bear what was commanded that even if an animal should touch the mountain, it must be stoned (Exo 19:12-13). The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said he was trembling with fear (Deu 9:19). On the contrary, you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the New Jerusalem. You have come to uncountable multitudes of angels, to a mass assembly of the church of the Firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, to God, the judge of all men and the spirits of those made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant and the sprinkled blood that speaks of better things than the blood of Abel.
12:25 Be careful that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If those did not escape when they rejected him [Moses] who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we ignore Him [Christ] who warns us from heaven? During Moses' time, His voice shook the earth. Now He has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." [Hag 2:6] "Once more" means the destruction of all that can be shaken, or all things polluted by sin, so that what cannot be shaken will remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." [Deu 4:24]
Chapter Thirteen: Final comments and encouragements
13:1 Keep loving each other as brothers.
13:2 Do not neglect entertaining strangers. Some have entertained angels unaware.
13:3 Remember those in prison [for the Gospel] as fellow prisoners and those who are persecuted as if you were suffering with them.
13:4 Marriage should be held sacred and the marriage bed kept pure for God will judge adulterers and the sexually immoral.
13:5 Keep yourselves free from greed and be content with what you have, for God has said, "Never will I leave you or forsake you." [Deu 31:6] So we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" [Psa 118:6-7]
13:7 Follow the examples of your leaders who spoke the Gospel to you. Consider the example of their lives and imitate their faith.[53]
13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."[54]
13:9 Don't be carried away by strange teachings.[55] Strengthen your hearts (or confirm your faith) by grace not ceremonial foods, which have no value. Remember, we have an altar from which those who minister in the earthly tabernacle have no right to eat.[56]
13:11 The bodies of the sacrificial animals are burned outside the camp (the animals whose blood the high priest carried into the Most Holy Place for a sin offering). In the same way, so that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, Jesus suffered outside the city gate. So, let us got to Him outside the camp, bearing His disgrace. For we have no city here. We are looking for the city that is to come.[57]
13:15 Two Sacrifices: First) Because of the hope (our inheritance in heaven) we have in Jesus, let us offer to God a continual sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name.[58] Second) Invest yourselves in the lives of your fellow believers.[59] With these sacrifices, God is pleased.
13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority, for they keep watch over you as men who must give an account of your lives to God. Abide by their teachings (see verse seven) so their work will be a joy and not a burden, which is no advantage to you.
13:18 Pray for us (evangelists and missionaries), we want to have a clear conscience and a desire to live honestly in all things.[60] Pray that we may come to you soon.[61]
13:20 Benediction: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
13:22 Brothers, bear with this exhortation for it is not cumbersome (the letter is short).
13:23 [personal salutations]
13:25 "Grace be with you all."
ENDNOTES:
[1]There is no introduction or greeting to this book.
[2]See also Heb 2:8. "In putting everything under Him, God left nothing that is not subject to Him."
[3]The final sacrifice, fulfilling the Law. No more would the blood of animals be the substitute for man. Christ was the final substitute and His work is final. He died once that we might live forever. (Joh 6:53-58).
[4]In this chapter, Paul appears to be arguing against the worship of angels; demonstrating why Christ is superior. That may have been a problem with this church. See Php 2:9-11: God exalted Christ to the highest position and gave Him a name above all names. That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
[5]2Sa 7:14 and 2Ch 17:13, speaking of Solomon who is a type of Christ, the builder of the Temple. God promised his throne would be forever. See also 1Ki 11:38; 1Ch 22:10; 28:6-7.
[6]Deu 32:43 Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint, "Rejoice, O nations, with His people and let all the angels worship Him."
[7]Mal 3:6; Heb 13:8
[8]At God's right hand is where Christ is right now, as we saw in verse three!
[9]Jam 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
[10]See also Act 7:53 and Gal 3:19. Both passages refer to prophecy, or promise, and affirm the law was "put into effect through angels."
[11]Demonstrating Christ's complete reliance upon God the Father while He was on the earth, in the flesh. Also demonstrating that He was equal with man, or limited by the flesh as we are.
[12]See also 1Jo 3:8, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." Joh 12:31, "... now the prince of this world will be driven out." Luk 10:18, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Joh 16:11, "... the prince of this world now stands condemned." Rom 16:20, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." And 1Co 15:24-26, "[Christ will hand the kingdom over to the Father] after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power."
[13]Php 2:5-11, "Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing. . . being made in human likeness. . ." also Mat 6:19, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. . . You cannot serve both God and money." also Col 3:2-3, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
[14]Psa 127:1 "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
[15]1Co 3:16; 6:19.
[16]This is not a fluffy, esteem-focused encouragement. The word means to exhort, call or warn.
[17]"Today" is capitalized because it is the critical day. It is the day we turn to God or fall away. We do not live in an "age," such that we are rescued by the grace of the times, or age. For instance, many claim we live in the "Age of Grace." The implication is that God is blind to what we do because He loves us so much and has covered us with unlimited grace. Here, in this New Testament writing, we are warned that we live in Today and we must be cautious lest we become hardened and fall away through disbelief and disobedience. You see, if grace was all we needed, God would not be concerned about our rebellious nature. Grace is not a license, it is applied toward those who keep their eyes on Christ: "We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first." [v 14].
[18]Neither we, nor the people Paul wrote to were physically present in the rebellion at Meribah (Exo 17:7), which cost Moses and Aaron the opportunity to go into the Promised Land (Num 20:12-13). Yet each of us were there, the elect and the wicked, because the heart of man is in constant rebellion to God. When God accuses us of rebellion, we cannot exempt ourselves because we were not physically present, because we were steeped in rebellion at birth (Psa 51:5). We stand condemned just as Christ condemned the Pharisees for the actions of their forefathers (Luk 11:45-52). Christ said their generation would be held accountable for the blood of all the prophets that had been shed from the beginning of the world. The reason is not that they were more corrupt than us but that they killed the Christ, the Son of God (Mat 21:33-41; Luk 20:9-16). The implication is not that they are responsible for the sin of their fathers but that they are no different. It is mans' habit to kill God's messengers. Now that the Christ has come and offered the final atonement for sin, what will we do with the Christ (Mat 27:22)?
[19]"And yet His work has been finished since the creation of the world." Tyndale renders it, "And that spake he verily long after that the works were made from the foundation of the world laid." (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database, 1997, Biblesoft)
[20]Or, the works God has given us to do (the future age); or, the works of the law (the present age).
[21]The operation of the bone and the life of the bone.
[22]Or, "have begotten You."
[23]Psa 110:4 "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
[24]Psa 16:9-11 "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
[25]1Pe 2:2-3 "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."
[26]Psa 119:11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."
[27]"dead works," or "acts that lead to death," or "useless rituals."
[28]2Pe 2:20-21 "If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them."
[29]Compare this with Christ's parables of the seed in Matthew chapter 13. Not all who receive the Word are saved. the ground must produce fruit, not that works will save but our works are evidence we are saved (Mat 3:8; Jam 2:14-26). Christ said you will know the saved and the false by their fruit (Mat 7:15-20). Paul is not speaking of losing one's salvation, nor would this apply to those who are slow to take root. He is speaking of those who had the benefit of hearing the message and experiencing the blessings of the kingdom but they fall away, or become entangled in false beliefs such as the worship of angels, before the seed has an opportunity to take root. See also Heb 10:39, stand firm.
[30]First) The death of Christ satisfied the religious requirements of the law; Second) Now we come before the throne of God through Jesus Christ (Heb 4:16), no longer through a priest. Both changes have eliminated the need for a priestly line. The law is also changed in that the lineage of the priesthood is no longer vested in the lineage of Aaron (Exo 29:8), who are mortal men and live imperfect lives. It is now vested in Christ who lived a blameless life and is now high priest forever (Heb 7:16-25) and we who believe are priests to serve Christ and God (1Pe 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
[31]The sacrifices of the old covenant were still practiced by the Jews in the days of the apostles, even after the curtain of the temple was torn in two during the crucifixion of Christ (they ignored the significance). However, they disappeared, or the practice ended when Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. After that time, the Israelites were scattered among the nations and the sacrifices of the old covenant were never offered again. So, even though the Jews rejected Christ, the final sacrifice, and continued to offer sacrifices according to the old regulations, God put an end to the religious ceremonies, or laws, by removing the Israelites from the land and scattering them abroad. This judgment signified that God had provided a better sacrifice but it, too, was lost on the Jews.
[32]In this passage, Paul makes it clear what are obsolete are the religious laws that were fulfilled by Christ.
[33]KJV: "the time then present" indicating a past present, or a present time in the past. However, the Schofield's interpretation for "then" was the Greek word for "the," indicating the proper interpretation was not a past present but a current present. In fact, the Greek word for "the" and "then" within the phrase "the time then present" were the exact same Greek words.
[34]See Eph 2:10. Save by grace so we are able to accomplish the works God has prepared for us to do.
[35]Lev 17:11 "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."
[36]1Pe 3:19 Christ announced His victory to the fallen demons in prison; those who worked to block the coming Christ by perverting the blood of the human race through intermarrying with man before the Flood. The Flood purged the demonic blood from the gene pool, while demonstrating God's superiority over the principalities and re-establishing His title to the earth. Christ further demonstrated His superiority over the powers of the air and His authority to rule through His death and resurrection. In Hebrews 2:14, we are told that Christ, by His death, destroyed the one who holds the power of death, the devil. In 1John 3:8, John says Christ appeared to destroy the devil's work. 1Corinthians 15:24-26, Paul says Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet and that He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power (principalities and powers of the air). The last enemy is death and, implicitly, if He destroys death, He must also destroy the one who holds the power of death, which is the devil.
[37]Heb 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
[38]Mat 27:51; Mar 15:38; Luk 23:45
[39]Heb 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
[40]This passage discusses the consequence of willful sinning. However, when examining this verse in light of the context of the book of Hebrews up to this point, which begins with the superiority of Christ to the angels and Moses, then compares the sacrifice, atonement and priesthood of Christ with the Old Testament law, it appears the specific sin is the keeping of the religious ceremonies of the Old Covenant and not accepting the fulfilling work of Christ and not accepting His blood as the final sacrifice. This is further emphasized in the following verses where Paul compares the consequence of rejecting Christ's atonement with the old consequence of rejecting the law of Moses, that is the religious requirements.
[41]Heb 2:3 "How shall we escape if we ignore [or despise] such a great salvation?" God has made the way clear: the sacrifices of the old covenant pointed ahead to a perfect sacrifice; and Christ affirmed He had come to fulfill the requirements of the law (Mat 5:17). To cling to the tradition of the old sacrifices, or even to cling to works, is to trample the Son of God underfoot (Heb 10:29). He is the final sacrifice and there is nothing that we can add or detract from that; we can receive it unto life or despise it to our death.
[42]Regarding "falling into the hands of the living God": In 2Sa 24:14, David makes reference to falling into the hands of the Lord being better than falling into the hands of men. Though it was a fearful thing to go through God's judgment, David knew the Lord's mercy is great for those who fear Him. Nonetheless, for those who do not fear the Lord and despise His salvation, nothing is left but judgment and raging fire (Heb 10:27).
[43]This verse is not talking to the unsaved, though there is an application. Isaiah says in chapter fifty-three, verse six that we have all turned to our own ways and 64:7 that no one calls on His name. Psalms 14:1-3 (and 53:1-3) says that no one is righteous and no one seeks after God. Therefore, it must be assumed that "those who earnestly seek Him" are those who are His. After all, Paul is writing to Hebrew Christians, exhorting them to hold fast to their faith and not slip back into their old beliefs.
[44]James 2:14-26 says that faith without works, or action, is dead. Not that our works saves us: they do not. James point is that faith always leads to action, or obedience. In the previous verse, he makes the point that mere belief is not enough; the demons also believe but their belief does not lead to obedience, therefore, mere belief is not faith. We are saved through faith and not "head knowledge." True faith always leads to action, as is evidenced in this eleventh chapter of Hebrews. By faith, Abel acted according to God's command by offering a proper sacrifice. Enoch acted by proclaiming the word of God to a perverse generation (Jud 14). Noah acted by building an ark. Abraham acted by moving from his family property to search for a land God promised to give his children, et cetera. For everyone listed in this chapter, their faith caused them to act. Our faith always results in action, or obedience (Jam 2:18; Eph 2:10). This is not the object of our faith, that is, salvation by works; it is the evidence of our faith, or the completion of our faith (Jam 2:22).
[45]Sarah's faith was a difficult one indeed. However, it is a tremendous display of God's grace. For, she doubted the promise of God that Abraham would have a son (Gen 15) and she tried to remedy their childlessness by giving her handmaid to her husband to bear children through her (Gen 16). This created problems and misery in the household. This further served to weaken her faith (as is the case for anyone who tries to bring about the desired ends through their own efforts without waiting upon the Lord and following His leading). So much so, when confronted with the promise by Christ and His angelic travelers, she laughed (frustrated by her own failures, it was over thirteen years later and her husband was ninety-nine years old (Gen 17:25)). Then, when confronted with her doubting, she lied (Gen 18:12-15). But God prevailed, she finally believed and God gave them a son, Isaac (Gen 21:1-2). Not that God waited for her belief before He could act: First) God is sovereign, and Second) we have no faith but what He gives us. Gen 21:1 says God was gracious to her and did for her what He promised. The implication in the verse is that He did not force the promise upon her unwillingly but at the right time, God caused her to believe so that she could receive the blessing from the promise. Elsewise, the verse could have just as easily read that God sent them a child at the appointed time regardless of her unbelief.
[46]The fact is that he left Egypt because he was afraid for his life. However, this fear was not a despondent fear, or one of hopelessness as is evidenced that he settled in Midian, which was not far away. If he had despaired, he would have settled far beyond Babylon, or roamed the world without end. The fact of the matter is that, despite his personal failure by trying to accomplish God's ends through his own efforts, he kept his eyes on the Lord and looked to Him for direction, even though God made him wait for forty years.
[47]1Pe 1:8 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy."
[48]This single admonition appears to be the primary reason Paul, the presumed author, wrote this letter to the Hebrew Christians. He begins with the superiority of Christ over the ceremonies and priests, then compares the old and new covenants, then demonstrates the faith of the patriarchs and prophets (and their looking forward to the new covenant), then warns them against slipping back into the ceremonies required by the old covenant, which, if practiced now, make a mockery of Christ's sacrifice and trample on His blood. It would be easy, with pressure from other "believing" Jews to mix the practices of the old covenant with their new faith, just to keep the peace. They might even justify this as not being a stumbling block but Paul reminds them that this compromise will hinder the lame, the weak believers (v 13). Whereas, a strong faith, which is a strong resistance to the conventional wisdom, in the face of trials will bring healing to the lame. Our faith is not for our own benefit; we are an example to others and we help carry the weak brother.
[49]God is gracious and does not discipline forever; see Isa 28:23-29; Psa 103:8-10.
[50]I think by quoting this portion of the verse, Paul is assuming the reader knows the rest of the verse and maybe the verse following, which are an admonishment to live holy lives. "Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." [Pro 4:26-27 (NIV)] Furthermore, this is the how to do: How do you strengthen the weak arms and feeble knees? By walking in the fear of the Lord, taking the "firm path," or "narrow way," revealed by Christ, not distracted by new philosophies or old Jewish ceremonies.
[51]Jesus said He did not come to bring peace but a sword (Mat 10:34). The Gospel is naturally hostile to the world. In this passage, Paul is saying to live at peace as much as possible-don't create additional tension for the sake of it. However, he warns against compromise for the sake of peace by reminding the reader that holiness is the most important matter. If we lose holiness to win peace, we lost everything.
[52]This verse and the next verse are a continuation of the sentence of the last verse.
[53]The implication here is that leaders in the church must set a Godly example with their lives and their conduct, demonstrating a strong faith in Christ.
[54]Mal 3:6 "I the LORD do not change."
[55]Col 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
[56]Paul is affirming once again that we are saved by grace and that the religious, or ceremonial, requirements of the law are no longer effective. The law was powerful in Hebrew culture and Hebrew Christians had to be careful not to trample on the blood of Christ (Heb 10:26) by falling back into the old system.
[57]In these verses, Paul wraps up his arguments. He has already compared Christ's sacrifice and priesthood to the old covenant and described the faith of the patriarchs and prophets, in that they were not looking for a city on earth. Now he brings the two concepts together and gives us a personal application; that we should be wholly dependant on Christ's blood to atone for our sin. If so, we should not be swayed by the doctrines of man but willing to face disgrace for the sake of Christ because we know our inheritance is not on earth but in heaven. Going outside the camp is also figurative of leaving the world system and the approval of the world. As Christians who are willing to stand up for the truth of the Gospel, we can expect to lose a lot of networking ability.
[58]KJV: "lips giving thanks to His name." The Strong's definition of "giving thanks" is to acknowledge or give confession. What good is it for us to praise God but deny Him, whether overtly or negligently, to the world? What better praise can we give to God than to publicly acknowledge Him to the world in our everyday conversations? That is the sacrifice of praise: to give glory to God in all things instead of giving glory to ourselves; to be willing to give God credit at the risk of suffering personal rejection because of our views.
[59]KJV: "do good and to communicate." The Greek word for "communicate" is koinonia which is more than "communicating" (as per the KJV) and more than "do good and share with others" (as per the NIV). The word means a participation in the lives of others; it is a fellowship that leads to support or benefaction. This is a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. See also Mat 25:31-46 for Christ's teaching on this subject.
[60]Evangelists and missionaries are no more holy than the rest of us. We need to pray for them that they keep their eyes on Christ and His promise of an inheritance and that they do not get caught up in the trappings of the world. Every believer who gets distracted is a bad testimony to the Gospel but even more so are those who have committed their lives to preaching. They need our prayers.
[61]Evangelists and missionaries have a need to fellowship with those who love them and are praying for them.
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