Hebrews

Part One: Introduction to Hebrews

The General Epistles

With Hebrews, the New Testament turns from Paul's letters to the "General Epistles": Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, and Jude. Most were written to wider groups of believers rather than to a single church. Hebrews stands first, a bridge between Paul's letters and the others.

The Author

Hebrews does not name its author. The King James Version's heading, "The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews," reflects the long tradition, especially in the eastern church, that Paul wrote it. Several possibilities have been suggested:

The early scholar Origen concluded, "Who wrote the epistle, in truth, God knows." The inspiration and authority of Hebrews do not depend on knowing its human author. Its divine Author is clear: "God... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" (1:1-2).

The Recipients

The title "to the Hebrews" and the content show that the letter was written to Jewish Christians who knew the Old Testament, the priesthood and the sacrifices thoroughly. They had believed in Christ and suffered for it: "ye endured a great fight of afflictions... took joyfully the spoiling of your goods" (10:32-34). But they had not yet suffered martyrdom ("Ye have not yet resisted unto blood," 12:4). Under pressure, and perhaps drawn by the familiar ceremonies of the temple, some were tempted to drift back to Judaism and abandon their confession of Christ. They had also become spiritually sluggish and immature (5:11-14). They may have lived in Rome ("They of Italy salute you," 13:24), or in Judea.

Date

Hebrews was almost certainly written before the destruction of the temple in AD 70. The writer speaks of the priests and sacrifices as still continuing (8:4-5; 9:6-9; 10:1-3, 11; 13:10-11), and the destruction of the temple would have been the most powerful proof of his argument that the old system was "ready to vanish away" (8:13), had it already happened. Timothy had recently been released from prison (13:23). A date around AD 64-68 is likely.

Purpose and Theme

Hebrews was written to show that Jesus Christ is superior to everything in the old covenant, so that Jewish believers would hold fast to Him and not turn back. Its key word is "better," which appears thirteen times. Christ is better than the prophets, the angels, Moses, Joshua and Aaron; He brings a better hope, a better covenant, better promises, a better sanctuary, better sacrifices, a better country and a better resurrection. The letter is the New Testament's great explanation of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice, and of how the Old Testament ceremonies foreshadowed Him.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son

Hebrews 1:1-2

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

The "Better" Things of Hebrews

The Five Warnings

Woven through Hebrews are five solemn warning passages, interrupting the teaching to apply it urgently:

These warnings have been understood in different ways. Baptists, who hold the eternal security of every true believer (6:9; 7:25; 10:14; 13:5; John 10:28), generally understand them in one of two ways: as warnings to professing believers in the congregation, some of whom might prove by turning back that their faith was never genuine (3:6, 14; 1 John 2:19); or as warnings to true believers about God's discipline and the loss of reward, not the loss of salvation. Either way, they are meant to be taken seriously, and they drive readers to persevere in faith. The writer himself was confident of "better things" for his readers (6:9).

Outline of Hebrews

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: The Superior Person of Christ (1:1-4:13)

Chapter 1 — Better Than the Prophets and the Angels

God's final word (1:1-3).

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

Hebrews 1:1-3

The letter opens without a greeting, with one of the most majestic sentences in Scripture. God spoke in the past through many prophets, in many portions and ways. But now He has spoken His final and complete word in His Son. Seven truths describe the Son:

• "Heir of all things": everything belongs to Him (Psalm 2:8).
• "By whom also he made the worlds": He is the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
• "The brightness of his glory": the radiance of God's glory, as light shines from the sun; not a reflection, but the outshining of God Himself.
• "The express image of his person": the exact representation of God's nature, like the impression a seal makes in wax (John 14:9).
• "Upholding all things by the word of his power": He sustains the universe (Colossians 1:17).
• "When he had by himself purged our sins": He alone accomplished the cleansing of sin, by Himself.
• "Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high": His work finished, He took the place of highest honour and authority (Psalm 110:1).

Better than the angels (1:4-14). Many Jews held angels in very high regard; the law had been given through angels (2:2; Acts 7:53). The Son is "so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they" (1:4). The writer proves this with seven Old Testament quotations:

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (1:14). Angels are servants of God who serve believers; the Son is God enthroned.

Chapter 2 — The Son of Man, Our Brother and High Priest

Warning 1: Don't drift (2:1-4).

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Hebrews 2:1

"Let them slip" pictures a boat drifting past its harbour, or a ring slipping off a finger. The danger is not sudden rebellion but gradual neglect. If the word spoken through angels (the law) carried strict penalties, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost" (2:2-4). The gospel was spoken by the Lord Himself, confirmed by apostolic eyewitnesses, and attested by God through miracles.

Jesus, made lower than the angels (2:5-9). God did not subject the world to come to angels, but to man. Psalm 8 declares, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?... Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour... Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet" (2:6-8). Humanity was created to rule creation, but "now we see not yet all things put under him" because of the fall.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Hebrews 2:9

What humanity lost, Jesus, the true Man, has regained. He became a man to die, tasting death for every person, and is now crowned with glory.

Why Christ became man (2:10-18). "For it became him... in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings" (2:10). "Captain" means pioneer, the leader who goes first and opens the way. Through suffering He became fully qualified as Saviour. "He is not ashamed to call them brethren" (2:11-13; Psalm 22:22; Isaiah 8:17-18). Then the reasons for His incarnation:

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14-15

He became human:

• To die: only by taking flesh and blood could He die.
• To destroy the devil's power: by His death He rendered powerless the one who used death to terrify humanity (Genesis 3:15; 1 John 3:8).
• To set free those enslaved by the fear of death.

"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham" (2:16). He did not come to save fallen angels, but human beings.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 2:17-18

• To be our High Priest: merciful to us and faithful to God, making propitiation for our sins, and able to help us in temptation, because He has suffered temptation Himself. This introduces the letter's central theme.

Chapter 3 — Better Than Moses

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

Hebrews 3:1

Christ is the Apostle (sent from God to us) and the High Priest (representing us to God). Moses was the most revered figure in Judaism, and he was faithful. But "Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant... But Christ as a son over his own house" (3:5-6). Moses was a servant in God's house; Christ is the Son who built it and owns it (3:3-4). "Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (3:6). Holding fast is the evidence of belonging.

Warning 2: Don't harden your hearts (3:7-19). The writer quotes Psalm 95:7-11:

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

Hebrews 3:7-9

The Holy Ghost speaks through the Old Testament (3:7). Israel had seen God's mighty works, yet hardened their hearts at Kadesh-barnea and refused to enter the promised land (Numbers 14). God swore they would not enter His rest, and that generation died in the wilderness.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end

Hebrews 3:12-14

Unbelief is not a weakness but an evil; it leads to departing from God. Sin deceives and hardens. The remedy is mutual daily exhortation. Again, perseverance proves the reality of faith: "we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold." Israel "could not enter in because of unbelief" (3:19).

Chapter 4 — The Rest of God; Our Great High Priest

The promised rest (4:1-11). "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it" (4:1). Israel heard the good news of the promised land, "but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it" (4:2). "For we which have believed do enter into rest" (4:3). God's rest goes back to creation, when He rested on the seventh day (4:4; Genesis 2:2). Joshua (called "Jesus" in 4:8, the Greek form of Joshua) led Israel into Canaan, but that was not the final rest, for David, long afterward, still spoke of "To day" (4:7-8).

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest

Hebrews 4:9-11

The word for "rest" here means a Sabbath-rest. It is the rest of salvation, ceasing from our own works to trust in Christ's finished work, now, and its completion in eternal rest with God. "Labour" (be diligent) to enter it by faith.

The living Word (4:12-13).

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:12-13

God's Word is living ("quick"), active and penetrating. Like a surgeon's blade, it cuts to the deepest part of a person, exposing motives and attitudes. It distinguishes the soul (the natural life) from the spirit (the part that relates to God). Nothing is hidden from God.

Our great High Priest (4:14-16).

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

After the searching Word comes the sympathetic Priest. Jesus is "great": He has passed through the heavens and is the Son of God. He fully understands our weaknesses, because He was tempted in every way we are, yet never sinned. His sinlessness does not make Him less sympathetic; He felt temptation's full force because He never yielded. Therefore we may come boldly, with confidence, to God's throne, which has become for us a throne of grace, to receive mercy for our failures and grace for our needs.

Section II: The Superior Priesthood of Christ (4:14-10:18)

Chapter 5 — A Priest After the Order of Melchizedek

Qualifications of a high priest (5:1-4). Every high priest is taken from among men, appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, able to deal gently with the ignorant and erring because he too is weak, and called by God, as Aaron was (5:1-4).

Christ's qualifications (5:5-10). Christ did not appoint Himself. God said, "Thou art my Son" (Psalm 2:7) and "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Psalm 110:4) (5:5-6). His humanity and suffering qualified Him to sympathise:

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him

Hebrews 5:7-9

This describes Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-44). Christ "learned obedience," not because He was ever disobedient, but because He experienced obedience through suffering. "Made perfect" means fully qualified and completed as Saviour, not morally improved. He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, that is, who obey the gospel by believing (Romans 1:5; 10:16).

Warning 3 begins: Spiritual immaturity (5:11-14). The writer had much to say about Melchizedek, "seeing ye are dull of hearing" (5:11).

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

Hebrews 5:12

By now they should have been teaching others, but they needed to relearn the basics. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (5:14). Maturity comes through practice in applying God's Word.

Chapter 6 — Go On to Maturity; the Anchor of Hope

Leaving the foundations (6:1-3).

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:1-2

The six foundational truths listed (repentance and faith, washings, laying on of hands, resurrection, judgment) were basic teachings shared by Judaism and the gospel. "Leaving" them does not mean abandoning them, but building on them rather than endlessly relaying the foundation. They must go on to maturity in Christ.

The impossibility of renewal (6:4-8).

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6:4-6

This is one of the most debated passages in the Bible. The people described had remarkable experiences: they were enlightened by the truth, tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit's work among them, tasted the goodness of God's Word, and saw miraculous powers. If they fall away, renouncing Christ, it is impossible to bring them back to repentance, because they have rejected the only sacrifice for sin, in effect siding with those who crucified Him.

Baptist interpreters, holding that true believers cannot lose their salvation, generally take one of two views:

• Professing but unregenerate: these were people who came very close, experiencing the convicting and illuminating work of the Spirit within the believing community, "tasting" without truly feeding, like Judas or those in John 6:66, but never truly saved. If they turned back to Judaism, rejecting Christ with full knowledge, there would be no other way of salvation and no further renewal.
• A hypothetical warning: the writer argues that if a believer could fall away, it would be impossible to renew him, since Christ cannot be crucified again; so there is no point relaying the foundation; go on to maturity. The writer then makes clear that he does not believe this applies to his readers.

The illustration of the land supports this: land that drinks in the rain and produces good crops is blessed, while land that produces only thorns and briers is rejected; fruit reveals the nature of the soil (6:7-8; Matthew 13:3-23).

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 6:9-10

The writer was confident that his readers were genuinely saved, as their ongoing love and ministry showed. He urged them to be diligent "to the full assurance of hope unto the end," not sluggish, "but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (6:11-12).

The anchor of the soul (6:13-20). God promised to bless Abraham, and "because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself" (6:13; Genesis 22:16-17). Abraham patiently endured and obtained the promise (6:15).

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 6:18-20

God's promise and His oath are two unchangeable things. Believers have fled to Christ for refuge, like a fugitive running to a city of refuge (Numbers 35). Their hope is an anchor, fixed not in the shifting sands of this world but in heaven itself, "within the veil," where Jesus has entered as our forerunner, the One who goes ahead to prepare the way. An anchor holds a ship steady in a storm; this hope holds the believer secure.

Chapter 7 — Melchizedek and the Priesthood of Christ

Who was Melchizedek? (7:1-3). Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14:18-20 and is mentioned again in Psalm 110:4. He was "king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all" (7:1-2). His name and title are significant: Melchizedek means "King of righteousness," and Salem means "peace," so he is "King of peace" (7:2).

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Hebrews 7:3

Genesis records no genealogy, birth or death for Melchizedek. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose right to serve depended entirely on proven descent from Aaron, his priesthood did not depend on ancestry. Scripture's silence makes him a type, "made like unto the Son of God," whose priesthood is eternal. (Some believe Melchizedek was an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ, but most understand him as a real historical king-priest whom Scripture presents as a picture of Christ.)

Melchizedek greater than Levi (7:4-10). "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils" (7:4). The Levitical priests received tithes from their brethren; but Abraham, the ancestor of Levi, paid tithes to Melchizedek and was blessed by him. "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better" (7:7). In a sense, Levi himself, still "in the loins of his father," paid tithes to Melchizedek (7:9-10). So Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to Aaron's.

A new and better priesthood (7:11-22). "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood... what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" (7:11). The prediction of a new priesthood in Psalm 110 proves the old one was inadequate. "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (7:12). Jesus came from Judah, not Levi (7:14); His priesthood rests not on physical descent "but after the power of an endless life" (7:16). "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God" (7:19). His priesthood was confirmed by God's oath, "The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever" (7:20-21), making Jesus "a surety of a better testament" (7:22), the guarantee of the new covenant.

The permanent, perfect Priest (7:23-28). The Levitical priests were many, because death kept removing them, "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood" (7:23-24).

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Because Christ lives for ever and never stops interceding, He saves completely and for ever all who come to God through Him. The believer's security rests on Christ's endless life and constant intercession (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1).

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 7:26-27

Christ is the perfect Priest: holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He had no sins of His own to atone for, and He offered one sacrifice, Himself, once for all. The law appointed weak men as priests; God's oath appointed the Son, "who is consecrated for evermore" (7:28).

Chapter 8 — The Better Covenant

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Hebrews 8:1-2

Here is the main point: our High Priest is seated (His work is finished) at God's right hand, serving in the true, heavenly sanctuary. The earthly priests "serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount" (8:5; Exodus 25:40). The tabernacle was a copy and shadow of heavenly realities.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 8:6

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second (8:7). God found fault with the people and promised a new covenant. The writer quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34, the longest Old Testament quotation in the New Testament (8:8-12):

• An inward law: "I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts."
• A personal relationship: "I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."
• Universal knowledge of God: "All shall know me, from the least to the greatest."
• Complete forgiveness: "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."

Christ established this new covenant by His blood (Luke 22:20).

In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 8:13

The old covenant system was about to disappear. Within a few years, in AD 70, the temple was destroyed and its sacrifices ended for ever.

Chapter 9 — The Better Sanctuary and the Better Sacrifice

The earthly tabernacle (9:1-10). The first covenant had an earthly sanctuary with two rooms. The first (the holy place) contained the candlestick, the table and the shewbread. Behind the second veil was the holiest of all, with the golden censer and the ark of the covenant, containing the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded and the tables of the covenant, with the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat (9:2-5). The priests ministered daily in the first room, but only the high priest entered the second, "once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people" (9:7), on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing

Hebrews 9:8

The very arrangement showed that access to God was not yet open. The sacrifices "could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience" (9:9). They were external regulations "imposed on them until the time of reformation" (9:10).

Christ's better sacrifice (9:11-14).

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:11-12

Christ entered the true holy place, heaven, with His own blood, once for all, and obtained eternal redemption.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:13-14

The old sacrifices gave outward ceremonial cleansing (Numbers 19). Christ's blood cleanses the conscience. Here the whole Trinity is involved: Christ offered Himself, through the eternal Spirit, to God.

The Mediator and the testament (9:15-22). Christ is "the mediator of the new testament," whose death redeems even those who sinned under the first covenant (9:15). A "testament" (a will) takes effect only when the one who made it dies (9:16-17). The first covenant was inaugurated with blood: Moses sprinkled the book and the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you" (9:18-20; Exodus 24:8).

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 9:22

Forgiveness requires the shedding of blood, a death in the place of the sinner (Leviticus 17:11).

Three appearings of Christ (9:23-28). The heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices (9:23).

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:27-28

Each person dies once and then faces judgment; there is no reincarnation, no second chance after death. Christ died once, bearing the sins of many, and will come again, not to deal with sin, but to complete the salvation of those who wait for Him.

Chapter 10:1-18 — Once for All

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect" (10:1). If the sacrifices had truly cleansed, they would have stopped; instead, "in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins" (10:3-4).

The writer quotes Psalm 40:6-8 as Christ's words on entering the world: "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me... Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God" (10:5-7). God took away the old sacrifices to establish the new (10:9).

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:10

Believers are set apart to God, made holy in their standing, once for all, by Christ's single offering.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:11-14

There was no chair in the tabernacle: the priests' work was never done. Christ sat down, because His work was finished. One offering has "perfected for ever" those who are sanctified, a powerful statement of the completeness of Christ's work and the eternal security of the believer. The Holy Spirit witnesses through Jeremiah's promise: "their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin" (10:17-18). No further sacrifice, whether of the Mass or of human works, can be added to the finished work of Christ.

Section III: The Superior Life of Faith (10:19-13:25)

Chapter 10:19-39 — Draw Near, Hold Fast; Don't Draw Back

Three exhortations (10:19-25).

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God

Hebrews 10:19-21

When Christ died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). His torn flesh opened the way into God's presence. Every believer now has boldness to enter. Therefore:

• "Let us draw near" (faith): "with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (10:22). Like the priests who were sprinkled and washed for service, believers are cleansed inwardly and outwardly.
• "Let us hold fast" (hope): "the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" (10:23).
• "Let us consider one another" (love): "to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (10:24-25). Faithful attendance at church gatherings is essential, especially as Christ's return draws near.

Warning 4: Wilful sin (10:26-31).

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Hebrews 10:26-27

"Sin wilfully" here does not refer to ordinary sins of believers, but to deliberate, persistent rejection of Christ after receiving full knowledge of the truth, the sin of apostasy. For those who turn from Christ's sacrifice, there is no other sacrifice; the old temple offerings could not save. Those who rejected Moses' law died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6); how much worse for one who "hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (10:28-29). ("Sanctified" here may refer to the outward setting apart of one who had associated with God's people.) "Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord... It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (10:30-31; Deuteronomy 32:35-36).

Confidence and endurance (10:32-39). The writer reminded them of their early courage, when they endured suffering, stood with the persecuted, and "took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (10:32-34).

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 10:35-39

Quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4, the writer applies it to Christ's coming. The righteous live by faith, persevering. Then the confident conclusion: "we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." True believers persevere.

Chapter 11 — The Heroes of Faith

Having said "the just shall live by faith," the writer illustrates what faith looks like through the lives of Old Testament believers.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith gives present reality ("substance," assurance) to future promises and proof ("evidence," conviction) of unseen realities. It is not wishful thinking but confident trust in what God has said. By it "the elders obtained a good report" (11:2).

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Hebrews 11:3

Creation from nothing, by God's word, is understood by faith (Genesis 1).

Faith before the flood (11:4-7).

• Abel offered "a more excellent sacrifice than Cain," and "being dead yet speaketh" (11:4).
• Enoch "was translated that he should not see death... for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God" (11:5).

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

• Noah, "warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith" (11:7).

Faith of the patriarchs (11:8-22).

• Abraham obeyed God's call, "and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (11:8). He lived in tents in the promised land, "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (11:9-10).
• Sara received strength to conceive in old age, "because she judged him faithful who had promised" (11:11-12).

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth... But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 11:13, 16

• Abraham offering Isaac (11:17-19): he offered his only son, "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure" (Genesis 22).
• Isaac, Jacob and Joseph looked forward to God's future promises (11:20-22), Joseph even giving instructions about his bones.

Faith of Moses and Israel (11:23-31).

• Moses' parents hid him, unafraid of the king (11:23).

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Hebrews 11:24-26

Moses gave up position, pleasure and wealth because he valued the eternal reward more. "He endured, as seeing him who is invisible" (11:27). He kept the Passover (11:28). Israel passed through the Red Sea (11:29); the walls of Jericho fell (11:30); and Rahab the harlot was spared, "when she had received the spies with peace" (11:31).

Faith of the judges, kings and prophets (11:32-38). "And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets" (11:32). Through faith some "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong" (11:33-34). But faith does not always bring deliverance. Others "were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection," were mocked, scourged, imprisoned, stoned, "sawn asunder" (tradition says this happened to Isaiah), slain, or wandered destitute in sheepskins and goatskins, "(Of whom the world was not worthy:)" (11:35-38). Faith is proven both in triumph and in suffering.

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40

The Old Testament believers did not see the fulfilment of the promise of Christ; their final perfection awaits the completion of God's plan, together with New Testament believers.

Chapter 12 — Running the Race; Mount Sion

Looking unto Jesus (12:1-4).

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

The heroes of chapter 11 are "witnesses," those who testify by their lives that faith is worth it. The Christian life is a long-distance race. Runners must strip off every unnecessary weight (things not necessarily sinful, but hindering) and especially "the sin which doth so easily beset us," entangling like a long robe. They must run with endurance, fixing their eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith. He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him, and now reigns. "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (12:3-4).

The Father's discipline (12:5-13). Quoting Proverbs 3:11-12:

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:5-6

Hardships are not signs of God's rejection but of His fatherly love. "If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons" (12:8). Earthly fathers disciplined us imperfectly for a short time; God disciplines us "for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness" (12:10).

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Hebrews 12:11

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet" (12:12-13).

Warning 5: Don't refuse Him who speaks (12:14-29).

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

Hebrews 12:14

Holiness is not optional; it is the evidence of genuine salvation. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (12:15). Bitterness, like a poisonous root, spreads and defiles others. Beware of being like Esau, a "profane person, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright," valuing immediate pleasure over spiritual blessing; afterward he "found no place of repentance" (no way to change Isaac's decision), "though he sought it carefully with tears" (12:16-17; Genesis 27:34-38).

The writer then contrasts two mountains:

Abel's blood cried out for vengeance (Genesis 4:10); Christ's blood speaks forgiveness. Believers have come not to the terrors of the law but to the grace of the new covenant.

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven

Hebrews 12:25

God will once more shake heaven and earth (12:26; Haggai 2:6), removing everything that can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken will remain.

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28-29

(Deuteronomy 4:24.)

Chapter 13 — Christian Living and Benediction

Love and purity (13:1-6).

• "Let brotherly love continue" (13:1).
• "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (13:2), as Abraham and Lot did (Genesis 18-19).
• "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them" (13:3).

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Hebrews 13:4

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:5-6

Contentment rests on God's promise of His presence (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 118:6). In the Greek, the promise uses a strong, repeated negative: "I will never, no never, leave thee."

Faithful leaders and the unchanging Christ (13:7-9). "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (13:7).

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8

Leaders come and go, but Christ never changes. Therefore, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established with grace; not with meats" (13:9).

Outside the camp (13:10-16). "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle" (13:10). The Christian's altar is Christ's cross and sacrifice (not the Lord's Supper as a sacrifice), from which those clinging to the old system cannot benefit. On the Day of Atonement, the bodies of the sin offerings were burned outside the camp (Leviticus 16:27). "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come" (13:12-14). Jewish believers were called to leave the security of the old religious system and identify fully with the rejected Christ.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16

The Christian's sacrifices are not animals but praise, good works and sharing with others.

Leaders and prayer (13:17-19).

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

Church leaders are accountable to God for the souls in their care; believers should make their work a joy. "Pray for us" (13:18).

Benediction (13:20-21).

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

This is one of the richest blessings in Scripture. Christ is the "great shepherd," raised from the dead through the blood of the everlasting covenant; God equips His people and works in them what pleases Him.

Closing (13:22-25). "Suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words" (13:22). "Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty" (13:23). "They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen" (13:24-25).

Part Three: Christ in Hebrews

Christ Better Than All

Aaron, Melchizedek and Christ

The Tabernacle Fulfilled in Christ

Titles of Christ in Hebrews

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Hebrews quotes the Old Testament about thirty-five times, showing that Christ fulfils it:

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

Hebrews 1:1-3 — God's Final Word

God has spoken finally and fully in His Son, the Heir, Creator, radiance of God's glory, exact image of His being, Sustainer of all things, Purifier of sins, and enthroned King.

Hebrews 2:14-18 — Why Christ Became Man

Christ took on flesh and blood to die, to destroy the devil's power, to free us from the fear of death, and to become a merciful and faithful High Priest able to help the tempted.

Hebrews 3:7-4:13 — Today, Hear His Voice

Israel's unbelief in the wilderness is a warning. Today is the day to respond to God's voice, enter His rest by faith, and let His living Word search the heart.

Hebrews 4:14-16 — The Throne of Grace

Because our High Priest understands our weakness and was tempted without sin, we may come boldly to God for mercy and grace in every time of need.

Hebrews 6:4-9 — The Warning and the Confidence

Those who reject Christ after full exposure to the truth have no other sacrifice. Yet the writer was persuaded of "better things" for genuine believers, whose fruit shows the reality of their salvation.

Hebrews 6:17-20 — The Anchor of the Soul

God's promise and oath give believers a hope anchored in heaven, where Jesus has entered as our Forerunner.

Hebrews 7:25-27 — Saved to the Uttermost

Because Christ lives for ever to intercede, He saves completely. He is holy and sinless and offered Himself once for all.

Hebrews 8:6-13 — The New Covenant

Christ mediates a better covenant: God's law written on the heart, a personal knowledge of God, and sins remembered no more.

Hebrews 9:11-14, 22 — The Blood of Christ

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission. Christ's blood, offered through the eternal Spirit, obtains eternal redemption and cleanses the conscience.

Hebrews 9:27-28 — Death, Judgment and the Second Coming

Every person dies once and then faces judgment. Christ died once to bear sins, and will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who wait for Him.

Hebrews 10:10-14 — Perfected for Ever

Christ's one sacrifice has sanctified and perfected believers for ever. His sitting down shows His work is complete. Nothing can be added to it.

Hebrews 10:19-25 — Draw Near, Hold Fast, Consider One Another

Believers have bold access to God through Christ. They must draw near in faith, hold fast their hope, encourage one another to love and good works, and not neglect the gathering of the church.

Hebrews 11 — The Life of Faith

Faith is assurance of the unseen and hoped-for. Without it, no one can please God. The heroes of faith trusted God's promises, obeyed, endured, and looked for a heavenly city, whether they experienced deliverance or martyrdom.

Hebrews 12:1-3 — Looking unto Jesus

Believers run their race by laying aside hindrances and sin, enduring patiently, and fixing their eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

Hebrews 12:5-11 — The Father's Discipline

God disciplines His children because He loves them, for their good, that they may share His holiness.

Hebrews 13:5-8 — Contentment and the Unchanging Christ

Believers can be content because God has promised never to leave them, and because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and for ever.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of Hebrews

1. The Deity of Christ

The Son is called God, Creator and Lord, the radiance and exact image of God (1:2-3, 8-12).

2. The Humanity of Christ

He shared flesh and blood, was tempted, suffered and learned obedience (2:14-18; 4:15; 5:7-8).

3. The Finality of God's Revelation in Christ

God's last word has been spoken in His Son (1:1-2).

4. The High Priesthood of Christ

He is the eternal Priest after the order of Melchizedek, interceding for His people (5-7).

5. The New Covenant

Better promises, the law written on the heart, and complete forgiveness (8; 10:15-18).

6. The Sufficiency of Christ's Sacrifice

One offering, once for all, never to be repeated (9:12, 25-28; 10:10-14, 18).

7. The Necessity of Blood Atonement

Without shedding of blood is no remission (9:22).

8. Access to God

Believers may come boldly into God's presence through Christ (4:16; 10:19-22).

9. The Security of the Believer

Christ saves to the uttermost and has perfected for ever those who are sanctified (7:25; 10:14; 13:5).

10. The Necessity of Perseverance

Genuine faith endures; the warnings call for perseverance (3:6, 14; 10:23, 36-39).

11. The Danger of Apostasy

Those who reject Christ after full knowledge have no other sacrifice (6:4-8; 10:26-31).

12. Faith

The substance of things hoped for; without it, it is impossible to please God (11).

13. The Discipline of God

Proof of sonship and means of holiness (12:5-11).

14. Holiness

Without holiness no man shall see the Lord (12:14).

15. Death and Judgment

Appointed once to die, then the judgment (9:27).

16. The Second Coming

Christ will appear the second time unto salvation (9:28; 10:37).

17. The Church and Its Leaders

Believers must assemble, encourage one another, and obey faithful leaders (10:25; 13:7, 17).

Part Seven: Connections — How Hebrews Links to the Rest of the Bible

Hebrews and the Old Testament

Hebrews and the New Testament

Themes That Run from Hebrews Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Listen to God's final word, spoken in His Son (1:1-2).
• Worship Christ as God (1:6, 8).
• Don't drift; pay careful attention to the gospel (2:1).
• Don't neglect so great salvation (2:3).
• Take comfort that Christ understands your temptations (2:18; 4:15).
• Consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest (3:1).
• Respond to God's voice today; don't harden your heart (3:7-8, 15).
• Exhort one another daily (3:13).
• Enter God's rest by faith (4:3, 11).
• Let God's Word search your heart (4:12).
• Come boldly to the throne of grace (4:16).
• Grow up; move from milk to meat (5:12-14).
• Go on to maturity (6:1).
• Persevere with diligence to the end (6:11).
• Hold the anchor of hope (6:19).
• Trust Christ to save you to the uttermost (7:25).
• Rejoice that God remembers your sins no more (8:12).
• Let Christ's blood cleanse your conscience (9:14).
• Prepare for death and judgment (9:27).
• Look for His second appearing (9:28).
• Rest in the finished work of Christ (10:12-14).
• Draw near to God with a true heart (10:22).
• Hold fast your profession without wavering (10:23).
• Stir others up to love and good works (10:24).
• Don't forsake the assembling of believers (10:25).
• Don't throw away your confidence (10:35).
• Live by faith (10:38; 11:6).
• Seek God diligently; He rewards (11:6).
• Live as a stranger and pilgrim (11:13).
• Choose God's people over sin's pleasures (11:25).
• Lay aside every weight and besetting sin (12:1).
• Run with patience, looking unto Jesus (12:1-2).
• Accept God's discipline as love (12:5-11).
• Follow peace and holiness (12:14).
• Uproot bitterness (12:15).
• Don't trade eternal blessings for momentary pleasure (12:16).
• Serve God with reverence and godly fear (12:28).
• Show brotherly love and hospitality (13:1-2).
• Keep marriage pure (13:4).
• Be content; God will never leave you (13:5).
• Follow the faith of godly leaders (13:7).
• Stand firm against strange doctrines (13:9).
• Bear Christ's reproach outside the camp (13:13).
• Offer the sacrifice of praise continually (13:15).
• Do good and share (13:16).
• Obey and support your spiritual leaders (13:17).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were tempted, under persecution and spiritual weariness, to drift back from Christ to the familiar rituals of the old covenant. The writer's answer is that Christ is better in every way. He is God's final word, the Son, the radiance of God's glory and the Creator of all, enthroned above the angels, who worship Him. He became truly man to die, to destroy the devil's power and to become a merciful and faithful High Priest. He is greater than Moses as a son is greater than a servant, and He gives the true rest that Joshua could not. He is a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek, holy and sinless, living for ever to intercede, able to save to the uttermost. He mediates a better covenant, with God's law on the heart and sins remembered no more. He entered the true sanctuary in heaven, not with the blood of animals but with His own blood, once for all, obtaining eternal redemption and perfecting for ever those who are sanctified. Therefore believers have boldness to draw near to God, and they must hold fast, encourage one another, not forsake the assembly, and not draw back. Like the heroes of faith who looked for a heavenly city, they run their race with patience, looking unto Jesus, accepting the Father's loving discipline, pursuing holiness, and serving God with reverence, because they have come not to Sinai but to Mount Sion, and have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Through it all, the anchor holds: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25