A Word Of Exhortation- Hebrews

Open your Bibles to your favorite Epistle

What verses in your favorite letter
speak to you?

You probably didn’t pick Hebrews!

• A rather impersonal homily, not a personal letter
• Somewhat dry and technical, not inspirational
• Closely reasoned and labored, not easy reading
• Heavily “Jewish” in tone and terminology
• Many OT citations, some in strings (Jewish midrash)
• Refers to itself in 13:22 as “a word of exhortation” using
the same word that in Acts 13:15 is translated “message
of encouragement”
• If read out loud by a preacher, we would call it a sermon

Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and
an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was constructed, the first
one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread
of the Presence. This is called the Holy Place. Behind the
second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies. In it stood
the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant
overlaid on all sides with gold, in which there were a golden
urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the
tablets of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory
overshadowing the mercy seat.
Of these things we cannot speak now in detail. Such
preparations having been made, the priests go continually
into the first tent to carry out their ritual duties; but only the
high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and
not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and
for the sins committed unintentionally by the people......

 Since the earliest days of the Church, its authorship and
canonicity have been debated
 The text was for a short time attributed to Paul
 The theologian Origen and the historian Eusebius expressed
doubt about Pauline authorship in the 3-4th centuries already
 Biblical scholars now considers its authorship unknown
 The final chapter appears to be a deliberate addition of text
imitating Paul’s style in the closing of a letter.
 Some scholars say the author was a leader of a mostly Jewish
congregation to whom he/she was writing
 Some think the author was Priscilla, friend of Paul and wife of
Aquila (both mentioned 7 times in the New Testament), her
name being omitted to protect the letter from suppression.

 We will compare Hebrews to another book written at about
the same time – The Epistle of Barnabas
 Complete text found as part of the 4th century Codex
Sinaiticus Bible (in which Barnabas and The Shepherd of
Hermas follow the canonical books of the New Testament)

 Attributed to the Barnabas mentioned in Acts or to
Barnabas of Alexandria – the author is not known
 The author argues that Christians are the only true
covenant people, and that the Jewish people had never
been in a covenant with God
 It is a polemic directed against Judaizing Christians (as is
2Pe. probably) - no other early Christian writing promotes
separation from observant Jews so strongly.
 We will compare Hebrews to another book written at about
the same time – The Epistle of Barnabas
 Complete text found as part of the 4th century Codex
Sinaiticus Bible (in which Barnabas and The Shepherd of
Hermas follow the canonical books of the New Testament)

 Written in more polished and eloquent Koine (common)
Greek than any other book of the New Testament- it was not
“dashed off” like the less formal, personal letters of Paul
 Contains many references to the Old Testament—specifically
to its Septuagint text – resembles Clement in this respect
 It earned a reputation of being a masterpiece, but as you
know, masterpieces are sometimes difficult to read - it has
also been described as “intricate”
 Some scholars believe it was written for Jewish Christians who
lived in Jerusalem, to exhort them to persevere in the face of
persecution
 Doctrinal teaching concerns the person of Christ and his role
as mediator between God and humanity.

 The first Christians sought references to Jesus in the OT (we know
this from verses such as Lk. 24:25-27 and 24:44-45)
 Later Christians identified appearances of Jesus in the OT, for
example, Melchizedek but usually as an angel sent by God, for
example the figure with whom Abraham spoke in Gen. 18 and the
angel with whom Jacob wrestles; another example is the "Man" who
appears to Joshua, and identifies himself as "the commander of the
army of the LORD." (Josh. 5:13-15).
 The 2nd-3rd-4th councils worked to clarify Christological language and
condemn incorrect interpretations
 The Council of Chalcedon in 451 issued a formulation of the being of
Christ — that of two natures, one human and one divine, "united
with neither confusion nor division.“
 This doctrinal statement is still held among Eastern Orthodox, Roman
Catholic, and many Protestant Christians
The NT is not a theology textbook

 Apparently, the people this letter addressed began to doubt that
Jesus could really be the Messiah for whom they were waiting...
 ...because they believed the Messiah of Scripture was to come as
a militant king and destroy the enemies of God’s people
 Jesus, in contrast, was a human being (if amazing prophet and
healer) who was arrested by Jewish leaders and who died
shamefully at the hands of the hated Romans
 Though he rose from the dead and appeared to many, he then
vanished (“ascended”) leaving his followers to face uncertainty
and persecution rather than victory: a serious problem!
 Hebrews solves this problem by arguing that Scripture also
foretold that the Messiah would be a priest although of a different
sort than the traditional Levitical priests
 Jesus came to fulfill this role, as a sacrificial offering to God, to
atone for sins and his role of a king is yet to come

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors
in many and various ways by the
prophets but in these last days he
has spoken to us by a Son, whom he
appointed heir of all things, through
whom he also created the worlds.
He is the reflection of God’s glory
and the exact imprint of God’s very
being and he sustains all things by
his powerful word.
When he had made purification for
sins, he sat down at the right hand
of the Majesty on high, having
become as superior to angels as the
name he has inherited is more
excellent than theirs. - Heb. 1:1-4

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors
in many and various ways by the
prophets but in these last days he
has spoken to us by a Son, whom he
appointed heir of all things, through
whom he also created the worlds.
He is the reflection of God’s glory
and the exact imprint of God’s very
being and he sustains all things by
his powerful word.
When he had made purification for
sins, he sat down at the right hand
of the Majesty on high, having
become as superior to angels as the
name he has inherited is more
excellent than theirs. - Heb. 1:1-4
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ
Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus
who are in Philippi, with the
overseers and deacons: grace to you
and peace from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God every time I
remember you, constantly praying
with joy in every one of my prayers
for all of you, because of your
sharing in the gospel from the first
day until now.
I am confident of this, that the one
who began a good work among you
will bring it to completion by the day
of Jesus Christ. -Phil. 1:1-6

1. Jesus is “a Son” (not a servant)
2. God appointed Jesus “heir of all things”
3. God created the world through Jesus (!?)
4. Jesus is the “reflection of God’s glory”
5. Jesus is “the exact imprint of God’s very being”
6. Jesus sustains all things by his powerful word
7. Jesus “made purification for sins”
8. Jesus sat at the right hand of the Majesty on high
9. Jesus become far superior to the angels
10. Yet Jesus was “fully human in every way” (2:17)
Next time: Christology
in the opening verses of Hebrews
End of part 1

 Not a personal letter, not really a sermon- but mean to be
heard by others (not read by others)
 Somewhat like an apology
 Heavily “Jewish” in tone, references, and terminology
 Many OT citations, version is the Greek Septuagint, not the
Hebrew
 Audience not known but likely Jewish Christians but Gentiles
are not excluded
 Not a polemic
 PURPOSE is to argue for the superiority and finality of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ as contrasted with the incomplete,
inadequate and partial revelation of God’ will in Judaism

Hebrews could be said to be a treatise
on Christology
This term refers to the study within
Christian theology concerned with the
nature and person of Jesus –
Who/what was Jesus?
What does it mean…
… to call him “Son of God”?
… to call him “Lord”?
What is his “nature” (human-divine, or
does he have two)?
What is his role in soteriology (theology
of salvation)?

As related in Mark 8:27-30
“Who do people say I am?”
John
Elijah
Prophet
Teacher
Blasphemer
“But what about you?”
Christ
There was fierce and often
politicized debate in the early
church on Christology which was
addressed at every one of the first
seven ecumenical councils.

Christology in the opening verses

Christology in the opening verses
These are statements – made without reason or proof or
explanation. But the author goes on at some length, using
seven citations from the OT, to “prove” the last point.

…there is a place where someone has testified:
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
a son of man that you care for him?
You made them a little lower than the angels;
you crowned them with glory and honor
and put everything under their feet.” [citing Ps. 8:4-6]
… we see Jesus, who was made {by God?} lower than the
angels, {as a human being?} for a little while {until he died?}
now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered
death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for
everyone (anticipating a priestly role?).
– Heb. 2:6-9
Jesus is our angel?

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God
…. should make the pioneer (or leader, pathfinder) of their salvation
perfect through what he suffered.
 Question: was Jesus not perfect already?
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy
are of the same family.
Jesus is our brother?
So Jesus is not
ashamed to call them
“brothers” and
“sisters.”
– Heb. 2:10-11

… so that by his death he might break the power of him who
holds the power of death - that is, the devil –
… and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their
fear of death.
(this refers to a then-current idea long since lapsed, that “the power
of death” was held by the devil).
– Heb. 2:14-15
Jesus is a man?
* Holding the belief that Jesus had the appearance of a human
being but was really God is a heresy called “Docetism”
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in
their humanity....
{Is there some equivocation here? Jesus not actually human?*}

For surely it is not angels he helps, but
Abraham’s descendants.
For this reason he had to be made like
them, fully human 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.
– Heb. 2:16-17
Jesus is a high priest?

After giving Jesus many exalted God-like titles, our author
emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, wording is suggesting:
(1) Jesus is God-like (not human) (& no Jew would think
there were two Gods)
(2) But God “made” him human (for a little while)…
(3) …so that he could die for our benefit, after which…
(4) …God raised him back to the honored place at His right hand
Jesus is a god?

Because he himself suffered
when he was tempted, he is
able to help those who are
being tempted.
Therefore, holy brothers and
sisters, who share in the
heavenly calling...
...fix your thoughts on Jesus,
whom we acknowledge as our
apostle and high priest.
– Heb. 2:18-3:1
Jesus is our apostle?

It was for this reason that the Lord endured the deliverance of
his flesh to corruption, so that we might be cleansed by the
forgiveness of sins, that is, by the sprinkled blood….
If the Lord submitted to suffer for our souls, even though he is
Lord of the whole world, how is it that he submitted to suffer at
the hands of human beings?
He himself submitted in order that he might destroy death and
demonstrate the reality of the resurrection of the dead, because
it was necessary that he be manifested in the flesh.
Therefore, the Son of God came in the flesh for this reason –
that he might complete the full measure of the sins of those
who persecuted the prophets to death.
– Barnabas 5:1-7, excerpts
Similar theme in Barnabas

He {Jesus} was faithful to the one
who appointed him {God} just as
Moses was faithful in all God’s house
{does he mean Israel?}.
Jesus has been found worthy of
greater honor than Moses just as
the builder of a house has greater
honor than the house itself.
Jesus is like Moses?

He {Jesus} was faithful to the one
who appointed him {God} just as
Moses was faithful in all God’s house
{does he mean Israel?}.
Jesus has been found worthy of
greater honor than Moses just as
the builder of a house has greater
honor than the house itself.
Moses was faithful as a servant in
God’s house, bearing witness what
God would speak in the future.
Jesus is like Moses?
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. We are his house,
if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
- Heb. 3:2-6

Our author quotes the OT, implying that the life of the Christians of
his day is like the life of the people of Israel in the day of Moses; all
live in a wilderness and all are subject to
temptations all around.
TODAY is a day in the wilderness

Our author quotes the OT, implying that the life of the Christians of
his day is like the life of the people of Israel in the day of Moses; all
live in a wilderness and all are subject to
temptations all around.
TODAY is a day in the wilderness
As the Holy Spirit says {taken from Ps. 95:7-9}:
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you
did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness,
where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty
years they saw what I did.” – Heb. 3:7-9

End Part 2
Next time – give it a rest

God’s Son and Heir
Co-creator
Reflection of God’s glory
Imprint of God’s very being
Sustainer of all things
Purifier of sins
God’s right hand man
Superior to the angels
Last Time: Who is Jesus? (according to Hebrews)

As the Holy Spirit says {Ps. 95:7-9}
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in
the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where
your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw
what I did.”
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful,
unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God {how?}.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,”
so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original
conviction firmly to the very end. – Heb. 3:7-17
Encourage! No hard hearts
A Theme of Hebrews

Consequently, let us be on guard in the last days for
the whole time of our faith will do us no good unless
now, in the age of lawlessness, we also resist, as
benefits God’s children, the coming stumbling blocks -
lest the “black one” find an
opportunity to sneak in.
Let us flee from every kind of
vanity; let us hate completely
the works of the evil way.
Gather together and seek out
together the common good.
– Barnabas 4:9-10
Again, a similar note in Barnabas

I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts
are always going astray, and they have not known my
ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall
never enter my rest.’ .
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a
sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the
living God.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is
called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened
by sin’s deceitfulness.
We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold
our original conviction firmly to the very end.
– Heb. 3:10-17
Exhorturgeencouragecall-onenjoinchargepress
Hebrews continued...

Therefore, since the promise of entering {God’s} rest
{ i.e. living in the Presence of God} still stands, let us be
careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just
as they did.
But the message they heard was of no value to them,
because they did not share the faith of those
who obeyed.
We who have believed enter that rest.
– Heb. 4:1-3
You should take a REST (in God)

Why would the author of Hebrews fear that some in his
pastoral care would abandon the Gospel?
• This implies they can (anyone can turn from Christ)
• Highlights the importance of fellowship
• And of sharing spiritual encouragement
• Faith is not a “thing” we possess but a life we live
(dynamic not static)
• …and actions are “defensive” (resist temptation) as well
as offensive (acts of compassion, mercy, etc)
• The text tone is severe but alternates with hope and
assurance.
Exhorturgeencouragecall-onenjoinchargepress

Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest,
and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed
to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God
again set a certain day, calling it “Today.”
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,
just as God did from his (after creation). – Heb. 4:6-10
Christ is our Sabbath “rest”

Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest,
and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed
to them did not go in because of their disobedience, God
again set a certain day, calling it “Today.”
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;
for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,
just as God did from his (after creation). – Heb. 4:6-10
Christ is our Sabbath “rest”
Our goal is to “rest” in God – recalling the seventh day
of Genesis – we too will “rest” in God but this does not
mean inaction; rather it means “smooth functioning as
God wills”, as actions are on a Sabbath day.
We might say that our goal is to put on lives on cruise
control! In Christ, we are humming!

Let us, therefore, make every effort
to enter that rest, so that no one
will perish by following their
example of disobedience.
– Heb. 4:11

For the word {logos} of God is alive and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and
spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes
of the heart.

For the word {logos} of God is alive and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and
spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes
of the heart.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him
to whom we must give account. – Heb. 4:12-13
There is no indication in Hebrews that by “logos” here is meant
Jesus (as in the Gospel of John) – most likely it is referring to the
OT texts the author has cited so far, or, possibly, the gospel.

Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into
heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the
faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empa-
thize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was
tempted in every way, just as we are, yet did not sin.
– Heb. 4:14-15
Cut to a new theme: Jesus as “high priest”

Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into
heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the
faith we profess.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empa-
thize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was
tempted in every way, just as we are, yet did not sin.
– Heb. 4:14-15
Cut to a new theme: Jesus as “high priest”
The term “high priest” occurs 13 times in the NT after the
Gospels and Acts – all of them in Hebrews. Twice already,
10 times in chapters 4-9.
Jesus is given his title as if this was a formal introduction.
Our author will now argue that God meant Jesus to die as a
sacrifice for sins, acting as a non-traditional priest, not as a
conquering king, as he will at the 2nd Coming.

 …selected from among the people {called by God}
 …represents the people in matters related to God
 …offers gifts and sacrifices for sins.
 …deals gently with those who are ignorant and are going
astray (since he himself is subject to weakness)
 …has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the
sins of the people
Every high priest…
And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it
when called by God.
In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of
becoming a high priest {implied – God appointed him} –
Author then quotes Ps. 2 and Ps. 110.
– Heb. 5:1-5

We have a great high priest who
ascended into heaven, Jesus the
Son of God…
– Heb. 4:14-15
The central point of the homily

We have a great high priest who
ascended into heaven, Jesus the
Son of God…
– Heb. 4:14-15
Jesus is our High Priest
The central thesis of Hebrews:
God sent Jesus from heaven to
earth on a mission, appointed him
to be both an unconventional
priest and a perfect offering, to
sacrifice himself to atone for the
sins of the world.

 People are sinful (Torah-breakers) and so they can’t enter
God’s Presence (His “rest”)
 There is, then, a need is for a man (or woman?) who is
called by God and, preferably, PERFECT to…
 …represent people before God to offers gifts & sacrifices,
preferably PERFECT ones, for people’s sins, thus acting...
 ... acting as a kind of “bridge-builder” (pontifex)
 The reality is that ALL human priests are sinful- they them-
selves need someone to offer sacrifices for their own sins
Problem: (1) how could killing imperfect offerings like birds,
lambs and bulls make up for people behaving badly and...
(2) Godly prophets, speaking for God, condemned such sacrifices
as disgusting to God. – Heb. 5:1-5
The idea behind an OT priest…

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth he offered up prayers and
petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save
him from death; he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal
salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be
high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
– Heb. 5:7-10
Not an easy passage

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth he offered up prayers and
petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save
him from death; he was heard because of his reverent submission.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal
salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be
high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
– Heb. 5:7-10
Not an easy passage
These verses raise questions/problems. Do we really think that
Jesus needed to learn humility and obedience through suffer-
ing to be “made perfect”?
How exactly would his death be a “source of eternal salvation”
for others? What is this “order” of/ connection to Melchizedek?

The Lord has sworn,
and will not change
His mind
“You are a priest
forever, in the order
of Melchizedek.”
Next Time: The Key is Psalm 110

Not to mention that at
the time of the writing
of Hebrews, there was
no Temple any more in
Jerusalem, therefore
no priestly offerings.

The Lord has sworn,
and will not change
His mind
“You are a priest
forever, in the order
of Melchizedek.”
Mel who?
The key is Psalm 110

Did you say “Mel is on deck”?

 Must be talking about Mel Ott, the power-hitting right-fielder
for the New York Giants from
‘26 to ‘49
Did you say “Mel is on deck”?
 Career BA of 0.304 with 511
HRs, 1,860 RBIs, 2,876 hits, 89
stolen bases, a 0.414 on-base %
and a 0.533 slugging average
 6-time NL home run leader
 Youngest to hit 100 HRs and 1st
NL player to hit 500 homers.
 Passed Rogers Hornsby as the
all-time NL HR leader in 1937 -
held that title until Willie Mays
passed him in 1966.

 Melchizedek appeared in the OT briefly (Gen. 14) and
marginally - became in time a mythical example of righteousness
 His name means "king of righteousness" and his title “King of
Salem” means "king of peace.“
 He was not Jewish and therefore not of the priestly Aaronic (or
Levitical) line yet the OT states he worshiped the “Most High
God” (El Elyon – not further identified)
 He brought out bread and wine for Abram and blessed him after
he rescued his nephew Lot from enemy captivity
 Abram honored Melchizedek in return with 1/10th of the spoils
of the recent fighting
 His (legendary) holiness and lack of a (recorded) genealogy
allowed early Christians to see him as a type of Christ
 Some say he was Christ (appearing was then a Christophany).
Seriously, Mel Who?

To learn how our author’s addresses these questions
we have to skip over to Chap. 7
[Heb. 6 is an extended exhortation]
Kun Hak Ri, "Rope Skipping" Korean Painting, 2003

The name Melchizedek means “king of
righteousness.” And “king of Salem”
means “king of peace.”
Without father or mother, without
genealogy, without beginning of days or
end of life, resembling the Son of
God, he remains a priest forever.
Just think how great he was! Even the
patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of
the plunder!
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High.
He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the
kings and blessed him and Abraham gave him a tenth
of everything.
Immortal, eternal, king and priest
– Heb. 7:1-4

The law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to
collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow
Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.
{Melchizedek} did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected
a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
Without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater…
One might 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. – Heb. 7:5-10
Priestly collection

The law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to
collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow
Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.
{Melchizedek} did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected
a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
Without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater…
One might 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. – Heb. 7:5-10
Priestly collection
Our author is arguing that Melchizedek must have been a very
great priest indeed! Look at his titles – that he existed from
eternity and is immortal - that he blessed all Israel (hidden as
yet in Abram)! Surely he and Jesus are of the same “order”.

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
The Lord will stretch forth your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”….
The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
The Lord is at your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country….
Psalm 110 (in full)

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
The Lord will stretch forth your strong scepter from Zion, saying,
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”….
The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
The Lord is at your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country….
Psalm 110 (in full)
The “surface” (obvious) meaning of Psalm 110 is God’s close
relationship to the king of Israel, but our author is convinced
the real meaning is found by seeing Jesus as the “You” in it.

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical
priesthood… why was there still need for another priest to come,
one in the order of Melchizedek?
…He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,
…Our Lord descended from Judah; no one from that tribe has ever
served at the altar and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing
about priests.
…{This} is more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one
who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his
ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
- Heb. 7:11-16
Priests by ancestry are not enough

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical
priesthood… why was there still need for another priest to come,
one in the order of Melchizedek?
…He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,
…Our Lord descended from Judah; no one from that tribe has ever
served at the altar and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing
about priests.
…{This} is more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one
who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his
ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
- Heb. 7:11-16
Priests by ancestry are not enough
(akatalytos, from katalūein, to dissolve, where kata- is an intensive
prefix and “a” is the negative – origin of chemical term “catalysis”)

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
for the law made nothing perfect –
A better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God..
And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without
any oath but he became a priest with an oath when God said to
him: “The Lord has sworn
and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever”
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor {or surety}
of a better covenant.
– Heb. 7:18-22
Priest by God’s own oath are better

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
for the law made nothing perfect –
A better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God..
And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without
any oath but he became a priest with an oath when God said to
him: “The Lord has sworn
and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever”
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor {or surety}
of a better covenant.
– Heb. 7:18-22
Priest by God’s own oath are better
Note the continued comments about perfection – seems our
author sees that as the obvious goal God set for all people

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented
them from continuing in office but because Jesus lives forever, he
has a permanent priesthood…. he is able to save completely those
who come to God through him….
Such a high priest truly meets our need for one who is holy, blame-
less, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
Unlike other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day
after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people.
He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but
the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has
been made perfect forever. – Heb. 7:11-28
Once for all for all time

Next time: the exciting conclusion to Hebrews

Hebrews contends that “perfection” was not attained through:
(1) the Law (Torah)… and/or… (2) the Levitical priesthood
Last week: Hebrews says Law and Levites
could not get the job done
So, God set aside the “former regulations” regarding the Torah and
the priests because they were “weak and useless”.

Hebrews contends that “perfection” was not attained through:
(1) the Law (Torah)… and/or… (2) the Levitical priesthood
Last week: Hebrews says Law and Levites
could not get the job done
So, God set aside the “former regulations” regarding the Torah and
the priests because they were “weak and useless”.
There was, then, a need for a
priest, one in the order of
Melchizedek, one made a
priest on the basis of “the
power of his indestructible
life” not on the basis of
mere ancestry.
God sent Jesus to be the “guarantee of a better covenant”.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are
they than gold... sweeter
are they than honey...
...by them is your servant
warned; In keeping them
there is great reward.
- Ps. 19:7-11
B
But the OT Hebrews didn’t think so

Moses told the people all the... ordinances;
and all the people answered ... “All the
words that the LORD has spoken we will do.”
He sent young men... to offer burnt offerings
and sacrifice oxen as offerings of well-being..
Moses took half of the blood and put it in
basins. The other half of the blood he
dashed against the altar. Then he took the
book of the covenant and read it...
And “Torah-Keeping” was serious business

Moses told the people all the... ordinances;
and all the people answered ... “All the
words that the LORD has spoken we will do.”
He sent young men... to offer burnt offerings
and sacrifice oxen as offerings of well-being..
Moses took half of the blood and put it in
basins. The other half of the blood he
dashed against the altar. Then he took the
book of the covenant and read it...
The people said, “All that the LORD has
spoken we will do. We will be obedient.”
He took the blood and dashed it on the
people, and said, “See the blood of the
covenant that the LORD has made with you
in accordance with all these words.”
- Ex. 24:3-8
And “Torah-Keeping” was serious business

What do you think?
Did God really “set
aside the former
regulations” regarding
the Law (Torah,
including the Ten
Commandments!)
because they were
“weak and useless”?
What do you think?

…Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood….
Such a high priest truly meets our need for one who is holy, blame-
less, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
Unlike other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day
after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people.
He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
{God’s} oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who
has been made perfect forever.
The main point is this: we have such a high priest, one who is
seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens.
- Heb. 7:23-28, 8:1
Jesus: once for all for all time

 7:19 - The law made nothing perfect.
 7:28 - The law appoints priests who are subject to weakness
 9:22 - Under the law almost everything is purified with blood
(without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.)
 10:1a - The law has only a shadow of the good things to come
and not the true form of these realities.
 10:1b - {The law} can never, by the same sacrifices that are
continually offered year after year, make perfect those who
come to worship.
 10:8 - {Christ} said…, “{God} has neither desired nor taken
pleasure in sacrifices and offerings…” that were offered
according to the law.
Dissing the Torah (Law) (11 uses in 3 chapters)

But Jesus has now obtained a
more excellent ministry;
to that degree he is the
mediator of a better covenant,
which has been enacted
through better promises.
For if that first covenant had been faultless (perfect) there
would have been no need to look for a second one..
In speaking of “a new covenant,” he has made the first
one obsolete. {then quote from Jer. 31:31-34}
And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear.
– Heb. 8:1-7, 13
Dissing the Covenant (17 uses in 7 chapters)

Old v. New(9:1-14)
? Old/Earthly New/Heavenly
Where Tabernacle, Holy of
Holies, Ark
“greater more perfect
Tabernacle” (heaven, v.24)
Who One sinful priest
enters H. H. once/yr.
One sinless Savior entered
most holy place
What Blood (animal),
actually
Blood (his own), real but
spiritually
Why Mere external
washings, sanctify
outwardly
“purify our consciences from
dead works so we may
worship the living God”

SO when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have
come, then through the greater and perfect tent not made with
hands...he entered once for all into the Holy Place…
…not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood,
thus obtaining eternal redemption.
If the blood of goats and bulls… sanctifies those
who have been defiled so that their flesh is
purified, how much more will the blood
of Christ…
…who through the eternal Spirit offered
himself without blemish to God, purify our
conscience from dead works to worship
the living God!
– Heb. 9:11-14

Chapter 10 is reprise
 10:1 – Torah is only a shadow of good things to come; it can
never make anyone perfect
 10:4 – The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins;
these sacrifices are just a reminder of sin year after year.
 10:10 – By God’s will we have been sanctified through the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
 10:12 – When Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice
for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,”
 10:14 – For by a single offering he has perfected for all time
those who are sanctified

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the
sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that
he opened for us through the curtain - that is, through his flesh
Confidence
And since we have a great
priest over the house of God,
let us approach with a true
heart in full assurance of
faith, with our hearts
sprinkled clean from an evil
conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water.
- Heb. 10:19-22

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who has promised is faithful.
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and
good deeds, not neglecting to meet together (as is the habit
of some)...
Hold fast to hope

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who has promised is faithful.
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and
good deeds, not neglecting to meet together (as is the habit
of some)...
But encouraging
one another, and all the
more as you see the
Day approaching.
- Heb. 10:23-25
Hold fast to hope

Remember those earlier days after you had
received the light, when you endured great
conflict full of suffering.
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to
insult and persecution; at other times you
stood side by side with those who were so
treated.
You must persevere so that when you have
done the will of God, you will receive what
he has promised.
We do not belong to those who shrink back
and are destroyed, but to those who have
faith and are saved.
- Heb. 10:32-39
Persevere in Faith

Remember those earlier days after you had
received the light, when you endured great
conflict full of suffering.
Sometimes you were publicly exposed to
insult and persecution; at other times you
stood side by side with those who were so
treated.
You must persevere so that when you have
done the will of God, you will receive what
he has promised.
We do not belong to those who shrink back
and are destroyed, but to those who have
faith and are saved.
Persevere in Faith
The author of Hebrews
is presenting a stark
contrast between two
kinds of persons – those
who endure/shrink;
those of faith/sinners;
those saved/destroyed.
But is the world really
divided into 2 such
groups? Why write this
unless some are in
between/falling away?
What do you think?

Faith is…
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance
about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were
commended for.
By faith… Abel / Enoch / Noah / Abraham / Isaac / Jacob /
Joseph / Moses’ parent / Moses / Israelites / Rahab / Gideon,
Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them
received what had been promised -
God planned something better for us so that only together
with us would they be made perfect. - Heb. 11:1-40

Witnesses
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses {OT people of faith}, let us throw off everything
that hinders and sin that so easily entangles... let us run with
perseverance
the race
marked out for
us, fixing our
eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer (or
author) and
perfecter of
faith.
- Heb. 12:1-2a

Do not lose heart
For the joy set before {Jesus}, he endured the cross…
…scorning its shame, and…
…sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that
you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Endure hardship as discipline;
God is treating you as his children. For what children are not
disciplined by their father? God disciplines us for our good, in
order that we may share in his holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for
those who have been trained by it.
- Heb. 12:2b-11

Exhortation
 Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees (Is.35:3-4).
 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and
 …to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God...
 … and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and
defile many.
 See that no one is sexually
immoral or…
 …is godless like Esau (who
for a single meal sold his
inheritance rights).
- Heb. 12:12-17

The desert will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom...
It will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy....
They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear;
God will come... with divine retribution He will come to save you.”
Then will eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness;
It will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it... only the redeemed will walk
there and those the LORD has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy crowning their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, sorrow and sighing will flee away.
from Isaiah 35

Pastoral Advice
 Continue to remember those in prison and those who
are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering
 Marriage should be honored by all
 Keep your lives free from the love of money
 Be content with what you have…
- Heb. 13:1-6
 Keep on loving one
another as brothers
and sisters
 Do not forget to show
hospitality to strangers

Pastoral Advice
 Continue to remember those in prison and those who
are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering
 Marriage should be honored by all
 Keep your lives free from the love of money
 Be content with what you have…
- Heb. 13:1-6
 Keep on loving one
another as brothers
and sisters
 Do not forget to show
hospitality to strangers
Our author is (my opinion) a good
preacher, especially blessed with
the gift of encouragement as he
challenges his flock and us to live
the Christian life to the full extent
of our own abilities and gifts.

More advice
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to
you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate
their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
{see Ps. 102:23-28}
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.
{what might these be?}
It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not
by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those
who do so.
- Heb. 13:7-10

Do Good
• Through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of
praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
• And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for
with such sacrifices God is pleased.
• Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their
authority {not the strange teachings of itinerants?}, because
they keep watch over you as those who must give an
account.
• Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that
would be of no benefit to you. {the writings of other early
church Fathers such as Clement emphasized the authority of the
local bishop}
- Heb. 13:15-17

Closing Prayer
Pray for us.
We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to
live honorably in every way.
I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to
you soon.
- Heb. 13:18-21

Closing Prayer
Pray for us.
We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to
live honorably in every way.
I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to
you soon.
Now 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.
- Heb. 13:18-21

A Word Of Exhortation- Hebrews

A Word Of Exhortation- Hebrews

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