BACKGROUND
Date and place: Written from Rome (Italy v13:24) about 68 AD
Author: Probably Paul
Possibly second half of Letter to the Galatians
Words: (approx. 7000 words)
Name: "Hebrews" - is appropriate if taken in its prophetic meaning - 'those that crossed over' - (to perfection)
Alternate name: "The Book of Perfection"
Alternate name: "The Teaching About Righteousness" (v.5:13)
Words found:
Perfect, Perfection, Perfecter 11 (51 in Bible)
Righteousness, Righteous 9
Holy 8
Better 11
(all these words indicating the central theme of Hebrews - perfection)
Therefore 16
(indicate a high degree of thematical connectivity - which is contrary to most (all) commentaries)
Words not found:
Jew 0 (218 in NT)
Judaism, Hebrew 0
Typical Commentaries themes of Hebrews:
Major Themes: (LBA)
Christ is superior - Reveals Jesus' true identity as God
High Priest - Jesus is our perfect representative to God
Sacrifice - Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate fulfillment of OT
Maturity - Through Christ we can live blameless lives
Faith - Confident trust in Jesus' promise of salvation
Endurance - To face trials, stay true, be victorious
Specific comments
"TYNDALE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARIES - HEBREWS" by Donald Guthrie:
""There is no difficulty in locating the major themes of this letter, but it is not easy to see how they all fit together."(pg 46)
"For various reasons this book poses more problems than any other New Testament book." (pg 15)
Notes on God:
Note the differences between God & Son
Note the non-eternal attributes and aspects of the Son (the becoming of Jesus)(and the becoming of the Father)
God:
The definition and concept of God used in this study
"The King of the universe"
"Father God"
"The ultimate authority"
Assuming the above definitions, virtually all commentaries notwithstanding, Jesus is not God and should not be confused with God. Jesus is the only begotten Son. Jesus is divine, he is a member of the Godhead, but calling him, or visualizing him as God goes totally counter to the written word of God, and is very counterproductive to a systematic view of Scripture. You will fail in all attempts to attain 'all truth' if you persist in thinking that Jesus is God. If that isn't bad enough, you should also be aware of this. Calling Jesus God, putting Jesus in the place of God is essentially idolatry. Christianity has made Jesus God and it is suffering for it. Jesus' role is one of a subservient male committed to doing the will of someone outside (above) himself. That is the Scriptural picture of Jesus. Jesus needed a God, he had one, it was not himself. We need a God who is not our self. To confuse these roles will only result in muddled thinking and muddled theology. Of course, for a small child, seeing the roles of king and the prince as one and the same would make very little difference. But for the mature, the difference is very important. Nowhere in Hebrews does it teach that Jesus is God, quite the contrary. "You (the Son) have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions. (v.1:9)
Timing:
Hebrews was written some time in the last half of the 1st century. It was certainly written to some particular group of people, but there is clear evidence that the subject transcends that chronological time. The obvious message in view by the author has it setting in the prophetic end-of-the-age. It is quite common for Biblical writers to speak and write in this prophetic mode. To speak and to project upon the current generation as if they were at, or entering, the prophetic period in question. .This was true from the beginning. God's prophetic writers have always had this ultimate end in view, the.finale of the human 'work week'. These phrases from various parts of Hebrews show evidence of that prophetic technique.
"last days" (1:2)
"like a garment they will be changed" (1:12)
"world to come" ("about which we are speaking") (2:5)
"till the end" (3:14)
"the powers of the coming age" (6:5)
"the new order" (9:10)
"the end of the ages" (9:26)
Note on Salvation: (v. 2:3)
When Christians hear the word salvation they immediately think of the 'born again' experience or something equivalent. That does not accurately reflect the biblical view of salvation. In general, biblical salvation is corporate and total in nature. It is the ultimate prophetic salvation of humanity and creation from the effects of 'fall' (sin). Hebrews in particular has this universal, ultimate salvation in view. It particularly is dealing with a subset of universal salvation - those who are going to be responsible for ultimate salvation coming into creation. That small group of humans who 'love righteousness', and are also 'set above their companions' (v. 1:9). That corporate salvation is the central theme of Hebrews. Here are some notes on salvation to keep in mind.
Ultimately, there is no such thing as individual salvation - there is no such thing as individual damnation
We individually chose to be part of a group which will be saved or lost.
That is why we see 'holding' areas in the hereafter - Abraham's bosom, paradise, under the alter, Hades, etc.
And nothing impure shall enter the presence of God.
Child version: We are saved, die and go to heaven
Adult version: make choices that assign us to a group - whose character will fully mature in the end-of-the-age, will be tested (perfected, tested and overcome) to determine the groups final outcome and position.
Hebrews is Paul's adult version of the gospel - the corporate gospel
There are three corporate groups. humanity is the base group - some will become super-human (glorified), and some will become sub-human
Justification by faith is an individual experience - it has no counterpart in the corporate sense.
Corporately we are justified by works/actions.
(Heb 1:14 NIV) Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(Heb 2:3 NIV) how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
(Heb 2:10 NIV) In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
(Heb 5:9 NIV) and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
(Heb 6:9 NIV) Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation.
(Heb 9:28 NIV) so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
CHAPTER 1
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, {2} but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
{3} 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. {4} So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. {5} For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father " ? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? {6} And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." {7} In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire." {8} But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. {9} You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." {10} He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. {11} They will
1. The overriding topic of Hebrews. The division (citizens of heaven vs. citizens of earth) and the reason for the division (loving righteousness). Jesus ' life demonstrates the process, we follow in his footsteps, sharing in the 'setting above' (heavenly) calling. (3:1)
2. We have not been fully aware of this 'division' (high calling). We are desensitized by the 'apparent' grandeur of this age, it will wear out. The answer is subtly found in what we have heard (and read).
3. You must understand that you may share in Jesus' heavenly calling. Those who will heed this call are of the 'same family'. Where Jesus sits we will sit, what Jesus does we will do.
4. The heavenly calling is realized in a very specific process, and requires total obedience (sinless perfection / Sabbath rest). The 'apostle' (Jesus) and the 'prophet' (Moses/Elijah) were/will be faithful in building this house. The first phase of that process is the 'time of testing' (Exodus/wilderness).
5. This is a uniquely dangerous time. The invitation to be 'born again' (born into the heavenly calling) is congealed, being represented by this prophetic term 'Today' - the prophetic Exodus. This 'day' is the time of decision (division), luke-warmness is fatal now .
6. These repeated warnings should not go unheeded. The hearers must now do. The warnings are to Christians not the world. Sin's deceitfulness (grace) may have given us a false sense of security. 'Today' will end. Perfection (rest) is the only destination permitted. Those that have no eyes (faith) to see it will not enter it.
1. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." (v. 1:9)
2. We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
(v. 2:1)
3. Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. (v. 3:1)
4. Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (v. 4:1)
5. Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." (v. 4:7)
6. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (v. 4:11)
7. Our example, Jesus, has traveled this road 'through the heavens' before us - we are right behind. Like him, we become, and then we help others to become. That is the intercessory role of the high priest. First the Exodus/wilderness than the promised land (ministry).
8. Going on to maturity, the 'teaching about righteousness' (perfection). The author now pauses in frustration as he tries to lead the reader into even higher glories. The difference between the earthly mind and the heavenly mind becomes very clear. For this transition there is a new gospel for a new mind, quite distinct from the elementary gospel we were used to as a child. Out of perfection (rest) now comes an even more complex subject - ministry (the Melchizedek High Priestly ministry).
9. Through 'things that accompany salvation' - faith and patience - he is able to 'save completely' (perfect) those who come to God through the 'one who went before us' - Jesus the high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
7. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (v. 4:14)
8. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, (v. 6:1)
9. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (v. 7:25)
10. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he 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.'" (v. 10:5-7)
11. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
(v. 10:19)
12. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (v. 11:16)
13. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (v. 12:1)
14. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. {13} "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. {14} Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (v. 12:12-14)
15. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, (v. 12:28)
16. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. (v. 13:15)
perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. {12} You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end." {13} To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? {14} Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(Heb 2 NIV) We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. {2} For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, {3} how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. {4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. {5} It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. {6} But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? {7} You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor {8} and put everything under his feet." In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. {9} But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. {10} In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. {11} Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. {12} He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." {13} And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." {14} Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- {15} and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. {16} For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. {17} 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 in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. {18} Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(Heb 3 NIV) Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. {2} He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house. {3} Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. {4} For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. {5} Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. {6} But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. {7} So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, {8} do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, {9} where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did. {10} That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.' {11} So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'" {12} See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. {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. {14} We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. {15} As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." {16} Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? {17} And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the desert? {18} And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed ? {19} So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
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Date and place: Written from Rome (Italy v13:24) about 68 AD
Author: Probably Paul for these reasons
The thoughts and reasoning's are Paul