Introduction to the Epistle to the Hebrews; New Testament Nov 26th 2023

English Standard Version Chapter 13

51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Chapter 13 of Matthew is Jesus’ third discourse known as the Kingdom Parables. These parables give insight to the kingdom of heaven. The Jews had many preconceived notions regarding the kingdom and Messiah. Early in their beginnings as a nation the Israelits were misled because they were seeking a regime like that of the surrounding nations. When Jesus ministry began the Jews were under Roman occupation which promoted a slavish mindset. This perspective clouded their understanding throughout the history of God’s chosen people. We fall prey to the same captive mindset as the Jews when we try to make heaven on earth. If we believe we have immunity to the deficiencies of the Jewish people we need to think again. This above quote from the Kingdom Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew is its concluding statement. We need to look at ancient thoughts and themes to truly grasp the greater intent of the gospel.

Thus far we have indulged scriptures from many places besides the epistle to the Hebrews. What do these have to do with Hebrews?

The book of Hebrews is an excellent companion doctrinally to the Gospel of Matthew because it brings ancient insight to newer concepts. Legalism of the Jewish people had unique expressions however, self-righteousness is impartial. We can find this defect of the soul in rich as well as poor, the intelligent as well as the fool.

All this to say we will make reference to Matthew and Romans as well as many OT texts since these writings have macro visions of God’s redemption.

Let’s dive into our intro to Hebrews.

Read Hebrews 1:1-4

Hebrews 1:1–4 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The Epistle to the Hebrews is a book in the New Testament that is anonymous and with a crescendo of Christ’s superiority over subjects significant to the Jews. In contrast to the Pauline epistles which were directed to specific churches in certain regions. These epistles were oriented around topics important to the bodies of worship but not as in depth about God’s revelation regarding His elect the children of Abraham inclusive of the children of Israel.

For the Jews there was none other than the God of Israel. How can anything-anyone be in the same place as God?

The answer is within the preamble the first four verses in which we will return repeatedly to see how they resonate through each topic and subcategory of the epistle.

Hebrews is a Christological statement and particularly to the sufficiency of Christ. It could not be any other way. Consistent with Jewish theology there is nothing else besides God. Jesus could only express that which proves God’s holiness in a manner so unique that He is undoubtedly God in the flesh.

This theme of Christ’s sufficiency with expression in his overall superiority is the resonate matter. The revelation of Christ versus the Law and Prophets, kingdom of Israel, Moses, angels, a greater priesthood, of a greater covenant, as better than and fulfilling the Jewish tradition of its day. Jesus crucified, buried and resurrected was the sacrifice once and for all, perpetuates eternal life by the way of faith versus work.

Next, the contrast is that of the angels. Although as a man lower than the angels, His mission is the impetus of their purpose, and He is superior to them. Next contrast is that of Moses. The stark reality is Moses although faithful was only a servant, but Jesus is the only begotten of the Father, a son. The Sabbath was a holy recognition, although present in the creation codified by Moses. The author of our text proves Jesus as the very sabbath in which we have our rest. In succession he articulates the priesthood of Aaron and contrasts the superiority of Jesus the priest's order likened to the priesthood of Melchizedek.

A greater priesthood?

9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Heb 5:8–10). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

Even the priesthood supersedes all manner of priestly identity. If you are true Tolkien fan the analogy is that of Tom Bombadiel. Peter Jackson the creator of the LOTR trilogy in film did not know what to do with Bombadiel so he wrote the character out of the story line. This is what contemporary Judaism has done with Jesus. By relegating Jesus to a teacher or mere prophet they do not have to contend with His Lordship.

Jesus’s intercession was mediation to the Father on our behalf yet, ministration of salvation. This proves profound implications of Jesus divine expression of this role which He can only fulfill. The culmination of this priesthood speaks to the New Covenant in which Jesus expressed the superiority and fulfillment of all covenants between God and His people. Although, the writer of Hebrews renders the prior covenant obsolete it possessed holiness and order to point the way to fulfill this better covenant. The law testified of the need of the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. God gave The Israelites opportunity to maintain good favor with Him. Nonetheless, their ceremony and order of worship would never deliver total redemption. We will climb to this peak of Christ the priest not only superior in intercession and mediation, but in sacrifice. This is a cat out of the bag statement. However, the implications of this reality bring clearer into view God's greater plan. The Israelites, the Jews as His people but more importantly the faithful ones. The great hall of faith describes and demonstrates faith. This word of Hebrews continues with the note this writing is not for the light of heart. The writer of Hebrews comes to select interesting contrasts revealing things about Christ and other significant Biblical accounts that are simply icing on the cake of this wonderful Epistle.

Who wrote this epistle?

This introduces the controversial topic of authorship. This epistle has been deemed Pauline by style and mention of Timothy. Calvin gives the explanation Paul remained anonymous since there was animosity towards him by the Jews. The mention of Timothy in the final salutation Hebrews 13:23

More recently this has come into question with textual criticism. OT quotations are in the LXX translation where Paul in his OT citations used Hebrew texts as a practice.

The epistle is anonymous and for some reason the Spirit deemed this fit. Scholars have analyzed the language, the style of the discourse and traditional appropriations to determine true authorship. Some have said it was Luke, Barnabas, Clement, (an apostolic father) even Apollos. It does have Pauline tendencies in the intricacy of its trajectory. I myself would rather not deliberate this. It does seem Pauline, however it gives no opening salutation it was Paul. I would sum this matter of authorship by stating the content is indisputably gospel oriented as well as theological sound. Moreover it is incumbent upon us to reap its riches in wisdom and assurance and recognize our faith although mighty in the accomplished work of Christ, it is likewise on a precipice of our individual frivolity.

Should we even have an opinion on who wrote this epistle?

There is quite a bit covered in this epistle that brings perspective to Christ we would normally take for granted. The author unearths these concepts but doesn't simply leave us on the hilltop of amazement and awe. He brings to the ground level the practical need for a whole person response to God. The compelling argument of the faithful as encouragement as well as exemplary demonstrates how important we maintain personal and sacrificial faith. Hebrews 12 as a whole segues into the reality of discipline which invites, suffering, affliction and overflowing peace having its fullest manifestation in the heavenlies;

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Heb 12:22–24). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

An underlying thought.

This brings to mind the theme of Hebrews. I am convinced this writing is in accordance with Matthew 5:17-20. Jesus, brought to fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets and the Jewish community was unable to wrap their minds or hearts around the phenomenon. Although the in-viability of the Old Covenant is communicated the writer spends so much time proving its congruence by way of theme and expression.

13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.(Heb 8:13). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

The tendency is to perceive this as total abandonment of the law. Why would this writer take so much effort and pains to elaborate on iconic and emblematic nature of the former pointing to Christ?

The quote below deals directly with this problem which puts the ball back in the Jewish court.

It should be a working principle of our interpretation of Scripture that it does not set law and grace over against each other in absolute terms. When John says that “the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ,” the relationship he sees between grace and law is not antithetical but complementary. Christ’s ministry (grace and truth/reality) fulfills Moses’s ministry (law/shadow/type). This is further elaborated by the verbs John employs: law was given, but Christ came. John 1:17

Ferguson, Sinclair B.. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters (p. 147). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Ferguson in this quotes Hebrews 1:1-2 makes better sense when considered in light of John 1:17. John proves the law is crystalized through the lens of the gospel. (LRR paraphrase) I would state again Jesus proclamation in Matthew 5:17-20 makes more sense.

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ

Typically this verse is rendered a contrast between the law and the gospel. Jesus came to fulfill the law. The contrast is Moses brought the law while Jesus bringing grace and truth fulfilled the law an essential of the gospel. Saving grace responded to the law revealing the character of God, not just command and precepts. A contrast as well as an intentional compliment. LRR Notes Jn 1:17

The Hebrews writer proves later how the Law with its ceremony and types were a shadow and could not redeem but pointed to the greater reality in Christ. We will indulge these and other profundities that Hebrews affords us. This epistles reveals the sufficiency within the gospel message as well as its practical value. This is not simply 'pie in the sky' theology.

Prayer

Let's look at some emblematic verses that provide thematic understanding. To begin with, Hebrews 1:1-4; 4:16-18; 5:6, 10; 7:17; 7:21; 10:19-23; 11; 12:1-2. We can read through and pray over them. Choose a verse or passage and we can pray over it.