Week 3
(Heb 2:1-18)
In the first four verses of chapter 2, the writer (let’s call him Apollos) issues the first in a series of five warnings. If punishment followed rejection of the Law (given by angels – see Gal. 3:19), it will certainly follow rejection of the word of salvation given by the Son of God, which was confirmed by the Apostles, and by God the Father through signs, wonders, and miracles. The readers could not suppose there would be no penalties for infractions against the New Covenant (e.g, Lev 10:1-3; Num 16:1-50).
In verses 5-9, he explains why the exalted Son became human. He offers partial quotations from Psalm 8, which originally describes humanity’s dominion over creation (except angels), but is also a typological reference to Christ. Humanity, in its original state (Gen 1:26), anticipates Jesus in His incarnate state. It describes the way things were meant to be; the way things are not; and the way things will become when Christ comes into His Kingdom a second time. “At present we do not see everything subject to him … ” (v. 8) “But we see Jesus … now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, that by the grace of God, he might taste death for everyone” (v. 9). This is an example of the “already – not yet” paradigm, i.e., the subjugation of all things is an accomplished fact that has yet to be consummated. God’s kingdom and his redemptive promises are presently active in the world, but not yet fully complete.
Verses 10-18 outlines the purpose of Christ’s incarnation and suffering. The writer quotes from Psalm 22:22 and Isaiah 8:17-18, which indicate that, through our faith in the Son of God, we have become a part of God’s family. Paul writes that “we are co-heirs of Christ, if we indeed share in his sufferings” (Rom 8:17). “For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest … and make atonement for the sins of the people” (vv. 16-17). For clarification of this reference to Abraham’s descendants see Gal 3:29.
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. —Heb 2:18
Jesus took on flesh and blood in order that he could share in our humanity, “… so that by his death, he might destroy him who holds the power of death —the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (vv. 14-15). Satan didn’t cease to exist when Jesus was raised from the dead—but he no longer has power over those whom Christ has redeemed, i.e., we are no longer slaves to the fear of death. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). This is another example of “already – not yet.” Satan has already lost the fight but he’s still roaming around seeking who he might devour. So “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph 6:11).
Christ, by his death that destroyed the work of the devil, has delivered those of the New Covenant from the paralyzing fear of death. His death provides forgiveness of sins and removes the threat of punishment. Believers in the saving work of Christ have been declared “Not guilty!” in the courtroom of God!
Homework
Read Heb 3:1-19
Jesus Greater than Moses / Warnings Against Unbelief
Week 2
(Heb 1:1-14)
The preamble to Hebrews (Heb 1:1-4) is one of the most powerful texts in the Bible on the divinity of Jesus. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is the very God who spoke in O.T. times. He is not merely another exalted messenger or angelic being — he is the unique Son of God (see Eph 1:18-23; Col 1:15-20; 2:6-11). He is the fulfillment and culmination of God’s revelation through the centuries. When we know Him, we have all we need to be saved from our sin and to have a perfect relationship with God.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. —Heb 1:3
In the rest of the first chapter 1, the writer (let’s call him Apollos) contrasts Jesus (the Son) with angels, primarily to establish His absolute supremacy and deity, showing that He is categorically greater than even the highest created heavenly beings. This serves the letter’s larger purpose of demonstrating Christ’s superiority over every element of the old covenant system and urging Jewish Christians not to drift from Him (see Heb 2:1). The writer quotes from the O.T. repeatedly in demonstrating Christ’s greatness in comparison to the angels (Psa 2:7; 2 Sam 7:14; Deut 32:43; Psa 104:4; Psa 45:6-78; Psa 102:23-27; Psa 110:1).
This audience of first-century Jewish Christians had developed an imbalanced belief in angels and their role. Christ’s lordship is affirmed without disrespect to God’s valued angelic messengers. Angels are God’s messengers – spiritual beings created by God and under His authority (Col 1:16).
Homework
Read Heb 2:1-18
Warning to Pay Attention
Week 1
Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Throughout the years, biblical scholars and historians have suggested many potential authors, including Barnabas, Apollos, Priscilla, Clement, and Timothy. Whether by close connection with Paul or knowledge of both Jewish tradition and the Greek language, many of these suggestions are at least possible, though some are more likely than others. Apollos gets my vote (see Acts 18:24-28; 19:1; 1 Cor 1:12-13; Titus 3:13).
“In truth, only God knows.” —Origen (185 – 254 AD)
Hebrews speaks of perseverance in the Christian life as opposed to falling away from God. In the mid-60s, during Nero’s reign, the Christian Jews in Rome were undergoing terrible persecutions. And some in this community seem to have abandoned the Christian faith and, perhaps, returned to Judaism proper, and others are struggling with the temptation to do so. Today, thousands every year are abandoning the faith. Churches are closing at an alarming rate. An estimated 4,000 Protestant churches in the U.S. close each year, representing roughly 1.4% of all Protestant congregations. We see it in our own community. Many church buildings are either vacant and in disrepair or they’re being used for something other than the worship of God.
The Book of Hebrews challenges Christians to choose a path of drawing near to God and to the Christian Community as the relational basis of endurance. Christianity is at heart a relational religion. We are the body of Christ (see 1 Cor 12:27). If, as a Christian community, we can see Jesus more clearly (Heb 3:1; 12:1-2), draw near to God more consistently (Heb 4:14-16; 10:19-23), and encourage one another more readily (Heb 3:13; 10:24-25), Hebrews will have served us well.
Following are two overviews of the Book of Hebrews that will help you understand what it’s all about:
WEEKLY HOMEWORK
Read the next chapter of Hebrews and note any questions that occur to you.
We quickly forget what we read once. We remember what we ponder.