HEBREWS
Crucial Opening Statement
This is not a works-oriented salvation, but a works-oriented confirmation. Faith is the evidence, not the mechanism (which is grace). Believers are not saved by works, but unto works. Works are not the means of salvation, but the result of salvation. Godly, faithful, daily Christ-likeness is not something we do, but who we are in Him. If there is no changed, and changing, life of faith there is no evidence, no security. Only God knows the heart and the circumstances. Assurance is meant to be a companion in a life of faith, not an initial theological assertion devoid of lifestyle evidence. My prayer is that we will allow this inspired New Testament author to clearly speak and not relegate Hebrews to a theological footnote in a systematic theological grid, be it Calvinistic or Arminian.
Opening Insights
A. This book uses Old Testament texts interpreted by rabbinical hermeneutics to communicate its message. In order to understand the original author’s intent, this book must be interpreted in light of first century rabbinical Judaism, not modern western thought.
B. This book begins like a sermon (no salutation or typical greeting) and ends like a letter (typical Pauline close of chapter 13). It is possibly a synagogue homily turned into a letter. The author calls his/her book “a word of exhortation” in 13:22..."But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly." (NASB). This same phrase is also used in Acts 13:15..."After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it." (NASB) of a sermon.
C. This is an insightful New covenant commentary on the Mosaic covenant:
1. a very authoritative view of the Old Testament
2. a comparison of the old and new covenants
3. the only New Testament book which calls Jesus our high priest
D. This book is filled with warnings against falling away (“shrinking back”...10:38), or returning to Judaism (chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 12)
E. Although it is an over-generalization, it is helpful to see Paul with his emphasis on salvation as a finished work of the sovereign God (justification by faith) assert security as an initial truth. Peter, James, and the letters of 1st and 2nd John emphasize the ongoing responsibilities of the New Covenant and assert that security is daily, confirmed by a changed and changing life. The author of Hebrews, emphasizing a life of faithfulness (chapter 11), asserts security from an end of life perspective. Assurance is never the goal, but the by-product of an active faith in the promises of God.
B. This book begins like a sermon (no salutation or typical greeting) and ends like a letter (typical Pauline close of chapter 13). It is possibly a synagogue homily turned into a letter. The author calls his/her book “a word of exhortation” in 13:22..."But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly." (NASB). This same phrase is also used in Acts 13:15..."After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, "Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it." (NASB) of a sermon.
C. This is an insightful New covenant commentary on the Mosaic covenant:
1. a very authoritative view of the Old Testament
2. a comparison of the old and new covenants
3. the only New Testament book which calls Jesus our high priest
D. This book is filled with warnings against falling away (“shrinking back”...10:38), or returning to Judaism (chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 12)
E. Although it is an over-generalization, it is helpful to see Paul with his emphasis on salvation as a finished work of the sovereign God (justification by faith) assert security as an initial truth. Peter, James, and the letters of 1st and 2nd John emphasize the ongoing responsibilities of the New Covenant and assert that security is daily, confirmed by a changed and changing life. The author of Hebrews, emphasizing a life of faithfulness (chapter 11), asserts security from an end of life perspective. Assurance is never the goal, but the by-product of an active faith in the promises of God.
The Authorship
Many names have been conjectured about the authorship of The Book of Hebrews. Unfortunately, the question still remains. Either...
1. Paul
2. Paul & Luke
3. Paul & Clement of Rome
4. Luke
5. Barnabas
6. Apollos
A. The Eastern Church (Alexandria, Egypt) accepted Paul’s authorship as is seen by its listing Hebrews in Paul’s writings in the early papyrus manuscript P46. This manuscript is called the Chester Beatty Papyri and was copied at the end of the second century. It places Hebrews after Romans. Some Alexandrian leaders recognized the literary problems related to Paul’s authorship.
1. Clement of Alexandria (150 – 215 A.D., quoted by Eusebius) says that Paul wrote it in Hebrew and Luke translated it into Greek.
2. Origen (185 – 253 A.D.) asserted that the thoughts are Paul’s but it was written by a later follower, such as Luke or Clement of Rome.
B. This book is omitted in the list of Paul’s letters adopted by the Western Church called the Muratorian fragment (a list of New Testament canonical books from Rome about 180 – 200 A.D.).
C. What we do know about the author
1. He was apparently a second generation Jewish Christian (2:3..."...how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard..." (NASB)).
2. He quotes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament called the Septuagint.
3. He uses ancient tabernacle procedures and not current temple ritual.
4. He writes using classical Greek grammar and syntax (this book is not platonic. Its orientation is the Old Testament, not Philo).
D. This book is anonymous, but the author was well known to the recipients.
Hebrews 6:9 – 10..."But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints." (NASB)
Hebrews 10:34..."For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one." (NASB)
Hebrews 13:7, 9..."Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."...and..."Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited." (NASB)
E. Why there are doubts about Paul’s authorship...
1. The style is so different (except chapter 13) from Paul’s other writings.
2. The vocabulary is different.
3. There are subtle differences in word and phrase usage and emphasis
4. When Paul calls his friends and co-workers “brother” the person’s name always comes first...
Romans 16:23..."Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 1:1..."Paul, called {as} an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother..." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 16:12..."But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all {his} desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 1:1..."Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy {our} brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia..." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 2:13..."I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia." (NASB)
Philippians 2:25..."But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need..." (NASB)
...but 13:23 has “our brother Timothy.”
F. Theories of Authorship
1. Clement of Alexandria’s in his book believed Luke translated into Greek Paul’s original writing in Hebrew.
2. Origen said either Luke or Clement of Rome wrote it but followed Paul’s teaching.
3. Jerome and Augustine accepted Paul’s authorship only to facilitate the book’s acceptance into the Canon by the Western Church.
4. Tertullian believed Barnabas wrote it.
5. Martin Luther said Apollos, (Acts 18:24..."Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures." (NASB)), wrote it.
6. Calvin said Clement of Rome or Luke was the author.
7. Adolph von Harnack said Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26..."...and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (NASB)) wrote it.
8. Sir William Ramsey said Philip wrote it.
9. Others have asserted Philip or Silas (Silvanus).
G. “IF” Barnabas wrote this epistle, one of the requirements that fits is the ancient City of Cyrene in Libya, North Africa. It was founded by The Greeks around 630 B.C. and during The Roman Period had a sizable Jewish community. The church at Antioch in Syria was established by missionaries from Cyprus and Cyrene (Acts 11:20..."But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and {began} speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus." (NASB)). This connection remains an interesting point, Barnabas was of Cypriot background.
Now Barnabas ministered in the Antioch church to two men, Simeon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1..."Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was {there,} prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." (NASB)). Since Niger means “black”, Simeon may have been from North Africa as was Lucius. Whether this Simeon was the same Simon that bore Jesus’ Cross (Luke 23:26..."When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus." (NASB)), this is unknown. What is known is that this Simon in The Book of Luke was from Cyrene as well. Simon had 2 sons named Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21..."They *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross." (NASB)) and may have been known in The Roman Church . In any case, the contact between Christians of Cyrene and those of Rome, as well as Italy, remains probable. This would simply explain Hebrews 13:24..."Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you." (NASB).
1. Paul
2. Paul & Luke
3. Paul & Clement of Rome
4. Luke
5. Barnabas
6. Apollos
A. The Eastern Church (Alexandria, Egypt) accepted Paul’s authorship as is seen by its listing Hebrews in Paul’s writings in the early papyrus manuscript P46. This manuscript is called the Chester Beatty Papyri and was copied at the end of the second century. It places Hebrews after Romans. Some Alexandrian leaders recognized the literary problems related to Paul’s authorship.
1. Clement of Alexandria (150 – 215 A.D., quoted by Eusebius) says that Paul wrote it in Hebrew and Luke translated it into Greek.
2. Origen (185 – 253 A.D.) asserted that the thoughts are Paul’s but it was written by a later follower, such as Luke or Clement of Rome.
B. This book is omitted in the list of Paul’s letters adopted by the Western Church called the Muratorian fragment (a list of New Testament canonical books from Rome about 180 – 200 A.D.).
C. What we do know about the author
1. He was apparently a second generation Jewish Christian (2:3..."...how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard..." (NASB)).
2. He quotes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament called the Septuagint.
3. He uses ancient tabernacle procedures and not current temple ritual.
4. He writes using classical Greek grammar and syntax (this book is not platonic. Its orientation is the Old Testament, not Philo).
D. This book is anonymous, but the author was well known to the recipients.
Hebrews 6:9 – 10..."But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints." (NASB)
Hebrews 10:34..."For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one." (NASB)
Hebrews 13:7, 9..."Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."...and..."Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited." (NASB)
E. Why there are doubts about Paul’s authorship...
1. The style is so different (except chapter 13) from Paul’s other writings.
2. The vocabulary is different.
3. There are subtle differences in word and phrase usage and emphasis
4. When Paul calls his friends and co-workers “brother” the person’s name always comes first...
Romans 16:23..."Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus, the brother." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 1:1..."Paul, called {as} an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother..." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 16:12..."But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all {his} desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 1:1..."Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy {our} brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia..." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 2:13..."I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia." (NASB)
Philippians 2:25..."But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need..." (NASB)
...but 13:23 has “our brother Timothy.”
F. Theories of Authorship
1. Clement of Alexandria’s in his book believed Luke translated into Greek Paul’s original writing in Hebrew.
2. Origen said either Luke or Clement of Rome wrote it but followed Paul’s teaching.
3. Jerome and Augustine accepted Paul’s authorship only to facilitate the book’s acceptance into the Canon by the Western Church.
4. Tertullian believed Barnabas wrote it.
5. Martin Luther said Apollos, (Acts 18:24..."Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures." (NASB)), wrote it.
6. Calvin said Clement of Rome or Luke was the author.
7. Adolph von Harnack said Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26..."...and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (NASB)) wrote it.
8. Sir William Ramsey said Philip wrote it.
9. Others have asserted Philip or Silas (Silvanus).
G. “IF” Barnabas wrote this epistle, one of the requirements that fits is the ancient City of Cyrene in Libya, North Africa. It was founded by The Greeks around 630 B.C. and during The Roman Period had a sizable Jewish community. The church at Antioch in Syria was established by missionaries from Cyprus and Cyrene (Acts 11:20..."But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and {began} speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus." (NASB)). This connection remains an interesting point, Barnabas was of Cypriot background.
Now Barnabas ministered in the Antioch church to two men, Simeon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1..."Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was {there,} prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." (NASB)). Since Niger means “black”, Simeon may have been from North Africa as was Lucius. Whether this Simeon was the same Simon that bore Jesus’ Cross (Luke 23:26..."When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus." (NASB)), this is unknown. What is known is that this Simon in The Book of Luke was from Cyrene as well. Simon had 2 sons named Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21..."They *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross." (NASB)) and may have been known in The Roman Church . In any case, the contact between Christians of Cyrene and those of Rome, as well as Italy, remains probable. This would simply explain Hebrews 13:24..."Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you." (NASB).
The Recipients
A. The title “to the Hebrews” addresses the Hebrew people, therefore, the book was written to all Jews.
B. The internal evidence asserts that a specific group of believing Jews or a synagogue is being addressed (Hebrews 6:10; 10:32 – 34; 12:4; 13:7,19,23).
1. They seem to be Jewish believers (Hebrews 3:1; 4:14 – 16; 6:9; 10:34; 13:1 – 25).
2. They had experienced some persecution (10:32; 12:4).
3. They had been believers for a long time, but were still immature (5:11 – 14).
4. They were afraid to break completely with Judaism (6:1 – 2).
C. The ambiguous text of 13:24 could imply it was written (1) from Italy or (2) to Italy, probably Rome.
D. The location of the recipients is linked to the different theories concerning authorship.
1. Alexandria - Apollos
2. Antioch - Barnabas
3. Caesarea - Luke or Philip
4. Rome - Clement of Rome (13:24).
5. Spain - Nicolas of Lyra (1270 – 1340 A.D.)
B. The internal evidence asserts that a specific group of believing Jews or a synagogue is being addressed (Hebrews 6:10; 10:32 – 34; 12:4; 13:7,19,23).
1. They seem to be Jewish believers (Hebrews 3:1; 4:14 – 16; 6:9; 10:34; 13:1 – 25).
2. They had experienced some persecution (10:32; 12:4).
3. They had been believers for a long time, but were still immature (5:11 – 14).
4. They were afraid to break completely with Judaism (6:1 – 2).
C. The ambiguous text of 13:24 could imply it was written (1) from Italy or (2) to Italy, probably Rome.
D. The location of the recipients is linked to the different theories concerning authorship.
1. Alexandria - Apollos
2. Antioch - Barnabas
3. Caesarea - Luke or Philip
4. Rome - Clement of Rome (13:24).
5. Spain - Nicolas of Lyra (1270 – 1340 A.D.)
The Date
A. Just before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman General (later Emperor) Titus, in 70 A.D.
1. the author mentions Paul’s companion Timothy by name (Hebrews 13:23..."Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you." (NASB))
2. the author refers to sacrifices continuing (Hebrews 8:13..."When He said, "A new {covenant,}" He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear." and...Hebrews 10:1 – 2..."For the Law, since it has {only} a shadow of the good things to come {and} not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?" (NASB)) in the Temple.
3. the author mentions persecution which may fit Nero’s day (54 – 68 A.D.)
4. the author encourages the readers not to return to Judaism and its rituals
B. After 70 A.D.
1. the author uses the rituals of the tabernacle, not Herod’s temple.
2. the author mentions persecution.
a. possibly under Nero (Hebrews 10:32 – 34..."But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one." (NASB))
b. later possibly under Domitian (Hebrews 12:4 – 13..."You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom {his} father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He {disciplines us} for {our} good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that {the limb} which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." (NASB))
3. the book may relate to the revival of rabbinical Judaism (writings from Jamnia) late in the 1st century
C. Before 96 A.D. because the book is quoted by Clement of Rome
1. the author mentions Paul’s companion Timothy by name (Hebrews 13:23..."Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you." (NASB))
2. the author refers to sacrifices continuing (Hebrews 8:13..."When He said, "A new {covenant,}" He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear." and...Hebrews 10:1 – 2..."For the Law, since it has {only} a shadow of the good things to come {and} not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?" (NASB)) in the Temple.
3. the author mentions persecution which may fit Nero’s day (54 – 68 A.D.)
4. the author encourages the readers not to return to Judaism and its rituals
B. After 70 A.D.
1. the author uses the rituals of the tabernacle, not Herod’s temple.
2. the author mentions persecution.
a. possibly under Nero (Hebrews 10:32 – 34..."But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one." (NASB))
b. later possibly under Domitian (Hebrews 12:4 – 13..."You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom {his} father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He {disciplines us} for {our} good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that {the limb} which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." (NASB))
3. the book may relate to the revival of rabbinical Judaism (writings from Jamnia) late in the 1st century
C. Before 96 A.D. because the book is quoted by Clement of Rome
The Purpose
A. The Jewish Christians are encouraged to leave the synagogue and identify publicly (fully) with the church (13:13).
B. The Jewish Christians are encouraged to take up the missionary mandate of the gospel.
Matthew 28:19 – 20..."Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)
Acts 1:8..."...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (NASB)
C. The Jewish unbelievers in fellowship with these Jewish Christians are the focus of chapters 6 and 10. Notice the presence of three groups, “we,” “you,” and “they.” They are warned to personally respond to the abundant and clear evidence in the lives of their Christian friends and co-worshipers.
D. This supposed historical reconstruction is taken from the "Introduction to Hebrews" by Bob Utley..."The problem was not that of tension between the Christian majority and the non-Christian minority. The very opposite was true. The Jewish Christians of this congregation had so compromised their faith and sense of stewardship that the two groups could worship together as one congregation. Neither group seriously troubled the conscience of the other. No longer did the preaching of the Christian group result in conviction and decision on the part of the unsaved members of the synagogue. The Christians were in a state of stagnation because of their unwillingness to accept the full demands of courageous Christian living. The unbelievers had become hardened by continual rejection to the point of utter indifference. These groups had now become compatible bedfellows. The reluctance of the Christian group to ‘press on unto perfection’ (6:1) was motivated by two phenomena: high regard for the traditions of Judaism and unwillingness to pay the price of full identification with Christianity, which was becoming more and more a Gentile movement.”
B. The Jewish Christians are encouraged to take up the missionary mandate of the gospel.
Matthew 28:19 – 20..."Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)
Acts 1:8..."...but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (NASB)
C. The Jewish unbelievers in fellowship with these Jewish Christians are the focus of chapters 6 and 10. Notice the presence of three groups, “we,” “you,” and “they.” They are warned to personally respond to the abundant and clear evidence in the lives of their Christian friends and co-worshipers.
D. This supposed historical reconstruction is taken from the "Introduction to Hebrews" by Bob Utley..."The problem was not that of tension between the Christian majority and the non-Christian minority. The very opposite was true. The Jewish Christians of this congregation had so compromised their faith and sense of stewardship that the two groups could worship together as one congregation. Neither group seriously troubled the conscience of the other. No longer did the preaching of the Christian group result in conviction and decision on the part of the unsaved members of the synagogue. The Christians were in a state of stagnation because of their unwillingness to accept the full demands of courageous Christian living. The unbelievers had become hardened by continual rejection to the point of utter indifference. These groups had now become compatible bedfellows. The reluctance of the Christian group to ‘press on unto perfection’ (6:1) was motivated by two phenomena: high regard for the traditions of Judaism and unwillingness to pay the price of full identification with Christianity, which was becoming more and more a Gentile movement.”
Notes on Hebrews by Tim Headley
Hebrews 1-13
Chapter 1: Jesus is the Son of God, much greater than the angels
1-5...Jesus, the ____ of everything, purged our sins, and sits at the Father’s right hand.
6-7...Angels worship Jesus
8-9...Jesus is a ____ forever
10-12...Jesus is the eternal Creator of the universe
13...Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand
14...The purpose of the angels is to _____ the believers
Chapter 2
1-4...WARNING: We must ____ what we have heard, or else we will __________…
5-9...In the future, the world will be subject to _____, not to the angels.
10-18...Jesus, by dying, released us from our bondage to our fear of _____, and is now our High Priest, to make propitiation for our ____, and to help us conquer our temptations
Chapter 3
1-6...Be faithful like Jesus was
7-19...WARNING: Exhort each other daily to ____ God’s voice, or else your heart will harden into an unbelieving heart
Chapter 4
1-11...WARNING: Diligently ____ God’s voice, or else you will not enter into His rest
12-16...God’s Word is powerful, discerning our __________, and God sees everything we do, but Jesus, our High Priest, will help us to obey.
Chapter 5
1-10...Just as God appoints human high priests from among men, so He appointed Jesus as our High Priest, so that Jesus can have compassion on us, in our tendency to go astray, and He is the author of eternal salvation to all who ____ Him.
11-14...You don’t hear well, because you have not been ___________ between good & evil, and thus you need to hear again the first principles of God’s Word
Chapter 6
1-3...Let’s go forward, past the __________ principles of Christ.
4-8...WARNING: It’s impossible to renew again to repentance a ____________ who has fallen away.
9-12...We are confident that you will inherit God’s promises.
13-20...Our hope in God’s promises is a sure and steadfast anchor, because Jesus is our eternal ___________.
Chapter 7
1-8...Abraham, the lesser, gave a tenth part of all to Melchizedek, the _______, who blessed Abraham.
9-13...Therefore, the Levitical priesthood, born of Abraham’s descendants, tithed to Melchizedek, and thus is ______ than the Melchizedek priesthood.
14-28...Jesus, sworn as an eternal ______ of the order of Melchizedek, is thus a guarantee of a better promise for our ___ problem, than what the Levitical priesthood offered for sins.
Chapter 8
1-6...We have a perfect High Priest in ______.
7-13...He is the mediator of a better ________ than the one that the Levitical priesthood mediated.
Chapter 9
1-10...The first covenant had an earthly sanctuary, and earthly services of __________.
11-15...Christ is the mediator of a new covenant with a heavenly sanctuary, and with His _____ as the service of sacrifice.
16-28...Christ died as both (1) the ________ of the new covenant, and as (2) the one-time _________ for the sins of all.
Chapter 10
1-18...In contrast to the priests who daily, repeatedly offer the same sacrifices for sins, Jesus offered _____________ for sins forever, and in so doing, _________ forever those who are being sanctified.
19-25...Encouragement to draw near, hold fast, assemble together, & encourage each other to love and good works
26-31...WARNING: If we sin _________, we can expect great __________ - It is a fearful thing to fall into the _____ of the living God.
32-39...Remember your past endurance, and keep enduring in your _________.
Chapter 11
1-40...By faith we understand that God created __________, and by faith these obeyed God, and died, without having received His ________: ____, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea, Rahab the prostitute, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, & the ________.
Chapter 12
1-11...Because we are surrounded by so great a cloud of _________, let us put aside the sin, which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fighting against ___, and not despising God’s ____________ of us.
12-17...Be ______, walk ________, don’t become _______.
18-24...You are not standing in front of the untouchable mountain where the ___ was given, but rather you are standing at the __________________, in front of Jesus and all the believers.
25-28...WARNING: ____ God with reverence and godly fear, because our God is a _________ fire.
Chapter 13
1-7...______ well toward others.
8-17...Jesus Christ has not _______, so don’t go back to animal __________, but rather, offer sacrifices of: giving ______ to God, doing ____, _______, and _______ the elders and __________ to them.
18-21...Pray for us, and may God make you complete in doing His ____.
22-25...Greetings.
Chapter 1: Jesus is the Son of God, much greater than the angels
1-5...Jesus, the ____ of everything, purged our sins, and sits at the Father’s right hand.
6-7...Angels worship Jesus
8-9...Jesus is a ____ forever
10-12...Jesus is the eternal Creator of the universe
13...Jesus sits at the Father’s right hand
14...The purpose of the angels is to _____ the believers
Chapter 2
1-4...WARNING: We must ____ what we have heard, or else we will __________…
5-9...In the future, the world will be subject to _____, not to the angels.
10-18...Jesus, by dying, released us from our bondage to our fear of _____, and is now our High Priest, to make propitiation for our ____, and to help us conquer our temptations
Chapter 3
1-6...Be faithful like Jesus was
7-19...WARNING: Exhort each other daily to ____ God’s voice, or else your heart will harden into an unbelieving heart
Chapter 4
1-11...WARNING: Diligently ____ God’s voice, or else you will not enter into His rest
12-16...God’s Word is powerful, discerning our __________, and God sees everything we do, but Jesus, our High Priest, will help us to obey.
Chapter 5
1-10...Just as God appoints human high priests from among men, so He appointed Jesus as our High Priest, so that Jesus can have compassion on us, in our tendency to go astray, and He is the author of eternal salvation to all who ____ Him.
11-14...You don’t hear well, because you have not been ___________ between good & evil, and thus you need to hear again the first principles of God’s Word
Chapter 6
1-3...Let’s go forward, past the __________ principles of Christ.
4-8...WARNING: It’s impossible to renew again to repentance a ____________ who has fallen away.
9-12...We are confident that you will inherit God’s promises.
13-20...Our hope in God’s promises is a sure and steadfast anchor, because Jesus is our eternal ___________.
Chapter 7
1-8...Abraham, the lesser, gave a tenth part of all to Melchizedek, the _______, who blessed Abraham.
9-13...Therefore, the Levitical priesthood, born of Abraham’s descendants, tithed to Melchizedek, and thus is ______ than the Melchizedek priesthood.
14-28...Jesus, sworn as an eternal ______ of the order of Melchizedek, is thus a guarantee of a better promise for our ___ problem, than what the Levitical priesthood offered for sins.
Chapter 8
1-6...We have a perfect High Priest in ______.
7-13...He is the mediator of a better ________ than the one that the Levitical priesthood mediated.
Chapter 9
1-10...The first covenant had an earthly sanctuary, and earthly services of __________.
11-15...Christ is the mediator of a new covenant with a heavenly sanctuary, and with His _____ as the service of sacrifice.
16-28...Christ died as both (1) the ________ of the new covenant, and as (2) the one-time _________ for the sins of all.
Chapter 10
1-18...In contrast to the priests who daily, repeatedly offer the same sacrifices for sins, Jesus offered _____________ for sins forever, and in so doing, _________ forever those who are being sanctified.
19-25...Encouragement to draw near, hold fast, assemble together, & encourage each other to love and good works
26-31...WARNING: If we sin _________, we can expect great __________ - It is a fearful thing to fall into the _____ of the living God.
32-39...Remember your past endurance, and keep enduring in your _________.
Chapter 11
1-40...By faith we understand that God created __________, and by faith these obeyed God, and died, without having received His ________: ____, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea, Rahab the prostitute, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, & the ________.
Chapter 12
1-11...Because we are surrounded by so great a cloud of _________, let us put aside the sin, which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fighting against ___, and not despising God’s ____________ of us.
12-17...Be ______, walk ________, don’t become _______.
18-24...You are not standing in front of the untouchable mountain where the ___ was given, but rather you are standing at the __________________, in front of Jesus and all the believers.
25-28...WARNING: ____ God with reverence and godly fear, because our God is a _________ fire.
Chapter 13
1-7...______ well toward others.
8-17...Jesus Christ has not _______, so don’t go back to animal __________, but rather, offer sacrifices of: giving ______ to God, doing ____, _______, and _______ the elders and __________ to them.
18-21...Pray for us, and may God make you complete in doing His ____.
22-25...Greetings.
The Outline
I. The culminating revelation of God chs. 1—2
A. The agent of God's final revelation 1:1-4
B. The superiority of the Son 1:5-14
C. The danger of negligence (the first warning) 2:1-4
D. The humiliation and glory of God's Son 2:5-9
E. The Son's solidarity with humanity 2:10-18
II. The high priestly character of the Son 3:1—5:10
A. The faithfulness of the Son 3:1-6
B. The danger of disbelief (the second warning) 3:7-19
C. The possibility of rest for God's people 4:1-14
D. The compassion of the Son 4:15—5:10
III. The high priestly office of the Son 5:11—10:39
A. The danger of immaturity (the third warning) 5:11—6:12
1. The readers' condition 5:11-14
2. The needed remedy 6:1-3
3. The dreadful alternative 6:4-8
4. The encouraging prospect 6:9-12
B. The basis for confidence and steadfastness 6:13-20
C. The Son's high priestly ministry 7:1—10:18
1. The person of our high priest ch. 7
2. The work of our high priest chs. 8—9
3. The accomplishment of our high priest 10:1-18
D. The danger of willful sinning (the fourth warning) 10:19-39
1. The threefold admonition 10:19-25
2. The warning of judgment 10:26-31
3. The encouragement to persevere 10:32-39
IV. The proper response 11:1—12:13
A. Perseverance in faith ch. 11
1. Faith in the antediluvian era 11:1-7
2. Faith in the patriarchal era 11:8-22
3. Faith in the Mosaic era 11:23-31
4. Faith in subsequent eras 11:32-40
B. Demonstrating necessary endurance 12:1-13
1. The example of Jesus 12:1-3
2. The proper view of trials 12:4-11
3. The need for greater strength 12:12-13
V. Life in a hostile world 12:14—13:25
A. The danger of unresponsiveness (the fifth warning) 12:14-29
1. The goal of peace 12:14-17
2. The superiority of the New Covenant 12:18-24
3. The consequences of apostasy 12:25-29
B. Life within the church ch. 13
1. Pastoral reminders 13:1-21
2. Personal explanations 13:22-25
A. The agent of God's final revelation 1:1-4
B. The superiority of the Son 1:5-14
C. The danger of negligence (the first warning) 2:1-4
D. The humiliation and glory of God's Son 2:5-9
E. The Son's solidarity with humanity 2:10-18
II. The high priestly character of the Son 3:1—5:10
A. The faithfulness of the Son 3:1-6
B. The danger of disbelief (the second warning) 3:7-19
C. The possibility of rest for God's people 4:1-14
D. The compassion of the Son 4:15—5:10
III. The high priestly office of the Son 5:11—10:39
A. The danger of immaturity (the third warning) 5:11—6:12
1. The readers' condition 5:11-14
2. The needed remedy 6:1-3
3. The dreadful alternative 6:4-8
4. The encouraging prospect 6:9-12
B. The basis for confidence and steadfastness 6:13-20
C. The Son's high priestly ministry 7:1—10:18
1. The person of our high priest ch. 7
2. The work of our high priest chs. 8—9
3. The accomplishment of our high priest 10:1-18
D. The danger of willful sinning (the fourth warning) 10:19-39
1. The threefold admonition 10:19-25
2. The warning of judgment 10:26-31
3. The encouragement to persevere 10:32-39
IV. The proper response 11:1—12:13
A. Perseverance in faith ch. 11
1. Faith in the antediluvian era 11:1-7
2. Faith in the patriarchal era 11:8-22
3. Faith in the Mosaic era 11:23-31
4. Faith in subsequent eras 11:32-40
B. Demonstrating necessary endurance 12:1-13
1. The example of Jesus 12:1-3
2. The proper view of trials 12:4-11
3. The need for greater strength 12:12-13
V. Life in a hostile world 12:14—13:25
A. The danger of unresponsiveness (the fifth warning) 12:14-29
1. The goal of peace 12:14-17
2. The superiority of the New Covenant 12:18-24
3. The consequences of apostasy 12:25-29
B. Life within the church ch. 13
1. Pastoral reminders 13:1-21
2. Personal explanations 13:22-25
Map Locations to Plot
1. Salem, 7:1..."For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him..." (NASB)
2. Jericho, 11:30..."By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days." (NASB)
3. Mount Zion, 12:22..."But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels..." (NASB)
4. Italy, 13:24..."Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you." (NASB)
2. Jericho, 11:30..."By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days." (NASB)
3. Mount Zion, 12:22..."But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels..." (NASB)
4. Italy, 13:24..."Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you." (NASB)