Hebrews 2:1-4

The Overall Theme of Hebrews is “Jesus is Better/Superior”

In the 1st Chapter, the Author of Hebrews Shows Us From 7 OT Scriptures…

How Jesus is Superior to the Angels

There’s a Commentary of Hebrews Titled “The Son’s Supremacy” By a Brother in Christ Named Michael Whitworth

As I Am Studying in Hebrews for This Class…

I Am Relying Heavily On His Study and Research in His Commentary

He is Very Unique in His Style of Writing in That:

He Uses a Lot of Humor and Relatable Illustrations to Help His Readers Understand the Text

And Something I Really Like About the Way He Wrote “The Son’s Supremacy” is That…

He Created a Fictional Character (Loosely Based On Himself) to Bring the Situation of the Hebrew Audience to Life

He Named the Fictional Character Judah

Before He Starts His Commentary On Hebrews, He Gives Us an Introduction into Judah’s Life

We Read This Introduction Before We Started Studying Chapter 1

Recap:

Judah is a Pretty Recent Convert From Judaism to Christianity

And Not Long After Becoming a Christian, Judah’s Son Daniel Died (Michael’s Son Daniel Died at 2 Years Old)

Judah is a Part of the Church in Antioch (the Church that Paul and Barnabas Were Members of)

Judah’s Family and Friends Have Forsaken Him

His Career is Taking a Hit Because of No One Wants to Give an Apostate Business

He Feels His Life Has Become Much Worse Since Becoming a Christian

But One Day, a Preacher Named Timothy Visits Antioch and Begins Preaching

And What He is Preaching are the Words We Read in the Book of Hebrews

By Following the Thoughts and Emotions of the Fictional Judah…

We Get an Example of the Thoughts and Emotions that Might Have Been Going Through the Heads of Many Hebrew Christians in the 1st Century

They Were Being Persecuted and Pressured into Forsaking Christ and Recommitting Themselves to Moses and the Old Covenant

Michael Starts Chapter 2 By Catching Us Up On Judah’s Thoughts as He Listens to Timothy Preach

I’ll Read it for Us to Set the Stage for Chapter 2

As Timothy continued to speak, Judah stole a glance around the room at the faces in the assembly. The number of Christians in Antioch had declined of late. When Judah and his wife had joined the Way, the disciples were many. But friction with both the Jewish community and the civic leaders had taken its toll. As he noted those who were there that night, Judah thought of who was not.

Nicolaus, a proselyte-turned-Christian, had been among the original seven servants in Jerusalem. Many years ago, he had returned to Antioch and played a pivotal role in the church’s rapid growth. More recently, however, he had been imprisoned on false charges fabricated by the local synagogue. The old man had been released after five months in chains, but only because he disavowed with strong oaths his confession of Jesus as Messiah.

Absent also was Simeon the African; he had been an influential teacher in the Antiochian assembly, one of Judah’s favorites. Yet something had happened. Judah never quite understood what the fuss was about, but it seemed Simeon began to teach some things that other leaders in the assembly did not endorse. He had been a strong advocate for the circumcision of Gentiles and full participation in the festivals of the Jews. Judah, for his part, had not understood why such practices were wrong. When asked not to advance these beliefs, Simeon had forsaken the Christians with bitterness and was soon afterward seen eating with the Jews in Antioch once again.

Then there was Manaen and his family. Manaen was well connected politically and had been quite wealthy. For many years the church had met in his home. Yet, when he began to suffer financial losses, Manaen and his household had turned their backs on the church and returned to the synagogue. The Christians were forced to find a new meeting place, this time in the home of Stephen, Judah’s neighbor. It seemed to Judah that Manaen’s return to Judaism had been a smart move; his business had quickly recovered, and his losses reversed soon after.

The attrition of former Christians in Antioch had been steady and demoralizing. Each departure had a different story but ultimately circled back to one reason: it had become too challenging to maintain allegiance to the Nazarene. Judah wondered how soon it would be before he joined them.

It isn’t worth it anymore.

He struggled to provide for his household. He struggled with the rift between himself and those friends who had remained loyal to Moses and the covenant. He struggled with being shunned by his father.

It isn’t worth it anymore.

Judah remembered the miracles he had witnessed years ago; they had been one of the reasons he and his wife had converted. He had been particularly impressed with eyewitness accounts of the dead being raised, and one story stood out: that of a woman named Dorcas in Joppa. A man called Cephas, one of the Twelve, had brought her back to life—a miracle!

Where were such wonders when I needed them? Judah thought resentfully. Four months ago, when the fever had struck his son at dusk, Judah had prayed fervently for healing. He did not consider his petition audacious; healing from disease was common among the Christians at Antioch. So Judah was confused when no one appeared to heal his son, nor was his prayer answered by the Most High.

When it was clear his son was dead, Judah had stood in stunned silence. Something in his mind prevented him from accepting the permanency of it all. No one had come forward to heal his son, true. But this was undoubtedly because resurrection from the dead was a more powerful witness to Messiah’s message than recovery from disease. Now that his son was dead, someone would surely step forth to raise him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that all might glorify the Most High.

It never happened.

Perhaps God intends to raise my son once he is already in the tomb just as he raised his own Son, Judah had thought. Thus, most every morning for four months, he would make his way to the tombs outside the city, daring to believe he would find his beloved Daniel perched on a boulder, waiting for him with outstretched arms and an enthusiastic shriek of “Abba!”

Yet every morning, Judah was crushed to discover God still silent and death still a tyrant.

It isn’t worth it anymore.

As Timothy proclaimed in his homily the eternal rule of God’s supreme Son, Judah wrestled with the dissonance of it all. Jesus? King? What proof is there? His recent experiences argued otherwise, and he knew for a fact he wasn’t the only Christian in Antioch who felt this way. The days of signs and wonders seemed too long ago; all the church had known of late was darkness and doubt.

He had confided in no one, but Judah was seriously considering withdrawal from the Christians. He would make no flashy exit; he wasn’t one to be a fly in the ointment. No, he would slip away quietly. Judah had told his plan to nary a soul. That’s why he was startled to find Timothy looking intently at him: “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away…”

That Leads Us to Chapter 2 of Hebrews

We are Only Going to Look at This Warning Section Tonight

Hebrews 2:1–4 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

Several Times Throughout Hebrews the Author Will Stop His Theological Discussion and Give a Warning

Verses 1-4 are the First Warning Passage We Find

Let’s Slow Down and Analyze the Passage

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

For What Reason? / Because of What?

In Chapter 1, We Learn that Jesus is Better/Superior to the Angels

“Because Jesus is Better than the Angels…”

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

The Word for “Pay Attention” is Used Many Times to Tell Christians to Beware of False Teachers

But it is Also Used On Several Occasions When People Heeded the Word of God Being Proclaimed

Acts 8:6 (NASB)

The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.

Acts 16:14 (NASB)

A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

2 Peter 1:19 (NASB)

So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

It Carries the Idea of Not Only Paying Attention to Something…

But Also to How You Respond Having Paid Attention to it

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

So the Hebrews Author Says “We” (Including Himself)…

Must Pay “Much” Closer Attention (An Extraordinary Amount)…

To What We Have Heard

The Word for Pay Attention is in the Present Tense

This Indicates a Continuous Action

There is Never a Time When We Should Not Be Paying Attention to/Heeding What We Have Heard

We Need to Always Be Paying Attention to, Listening to, Accepting, and Obeying What We Heard

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

What is it that We Heard?

What Does Our Previous Context Tell Us?

The Author Said Someone Has Spoken to Us

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NASB)

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Our Immediate Context Answers the Question of Who We are to Pay Attention to as Well

Hebrews 2:3 (NASB)

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,

Not Only Did We Hear it From Jesus…

But We Also Heard it From Those Who Heard Jesus:

His Apostles and Earliest Disciples

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

So We are to Pay Close Attention to What We Have Heard From Jesus and His Apostles

But What is it that We Have Heard From Jesus and His Apostles?

The Gospel

The Good News of Jesus’ Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, and Reign as King Over the World

We Must Always Be Paying Attention to, Accepting, and Obeying the Gospel

That is:

Humbly Submitting Ourselves to His Reign and Rule as Our King

But What Will Happen if We Don’t?

Hebrews 2:1 (NASB)

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

“Drift Away” Carries the Idea of a Boat Being Carried Downstream Past Where it was Supposed to Dock

In Greek Literature, the Word for “Pay Attention” Also Had Nautical Connotations

It was Sometimes Used to Describe Bringing a Ship to Port

So in This One Verse, the Author is Using Language that Paints a Seafaring Picture for Us

When We Aren’t Paying Close Attention to/Heeding the Gospel…

We Will Drift Away From it

Just Like When the Sailors Aren’t Paying Close Attention in Bringing the Ship to Port…

It Can Begin to Drift Away Downstream to Their Destruction

To Go Right Along With This Illustration…

The Hebrews Author Will Use Another Nautical Metaphor in Hebrews 6:19-20

Hebrews 6:19–20 (NASB)

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Since Jesus, the Son of God, is Better Than the Angels…

We Must Pay Close Attention and Heed the Good News We Heard From Him…

Or We Will Drift Away From it

But What Would That Mean for Us

What Would Happen if We Drifted Away From the Gospel?

That’s What the Author is About to Tell Us

Hebrews 2:2 (NASB)

For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,

What was the Word Spoken Through Angels?

From the Context, We Know the Author is Talking About the Old Law Given to Moses On Mount Sinai

It was a Commonly Accepted Belief in Jewish Tradition that the Old Covenant Had Been Delivered/Mediated By Angels

Some Jewish Texts as Well as the Jewish Historian Josephus Prove This to Be the Case

And There are a Few NT Texts that Seem to Convey that Same Idea

Some Believe the Author of Hebrews is Saying, “For if the Word Spoken Through Messengers”

But Based On the Context of Chapter 1, Where Heavenly Beings are Being Referred to…

It Seems that the Hebrews Writer is Referring to this Belief that Angels Were Involved in the Giving of the Old Law

Hebrews 2:2 (NASB)

For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,

The Old Law Proved Unalterable

It was Reliable, Steadfast, Binding, in Force, Valid, Verified, Firmly Established

The Hebrews Writer Doesn’t Want to Diminish the Importance and the Validity of the OT

It was a Law Given By God

Hebrews 2:2 (NASB)

For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,

Under the Old Law, Every Transgression and Disobedience was Punished

Transgression = Going Outside the Boundary of What God Has Said to Do

Disobedience = Unwillingness to Hear and Submit to God’s Law

One Commentator Described it Like This:

Transgression Represents the Character of Sin

Stepping Out of the Boundary God Has Set

Disobedience Represents the Cause of Sin

Refusing to Listen to God

Another Commentator Described:

Transgression as Sins of Commission

Doing What is Wrong

Disobedience as Sins of Omission

Not Doing What is Right

Doing Either Resulted in a Just, Fair, Appropriate Reward

What was the Reward?

Punishment

Hebrews 2:3 (NASB)

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,

This Type of Argument is Called a fortiori

“If the Lesser Thing is True, Then the Greater Thing is Even More True”

If Transgressing and Disobeying the Law Spoken By Angels Brought About Just Punishment…

Then Neglecting the Great Salvation that Comes Through the Gospel of Christ…

Is Even More Inescapable

He Already Made the Point that Jesus is Better Than the Angels

Now He’s Helping Us Apply that Point

If Neglecting What the Angels Spoke Deserves Punishment…

Then Neglecting What Jesus Spoke Definitely Deserves Punishment

“Neglect” = To Disregard, Ignore, Be Unconcerned With, To Not Care About

Those Who Disregard Such a Wonderful Salvation Made Possible By the Son of God…

Will Have No Way of Escaping Punishment

This was a Powerful Warning to Those Hebrew Christians On the Verge of Forsaking the Christian Life

Hebrews 2:3 (NASB)

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,

The Gospel of Christ that Brings Such a Great Salvation was First Spoken By Jesus…

Then it was Confirmed By the Apostles and Earliest Disciples

Hebrews 2:4 (NASB)

God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

God was Also a Witness to the Validity of the Gospel

How?

By the Signs, Wonders, and Miracles that Were Performed By the Power of His Spirit

All of the Signs, Wonders, Miracles, and Gifts Were Meant to Validate/Confirm the Gospel Message to Be True

It Proved to the Listeners of the Message that it is Truly a Message From God Himself

Application

Jesus and His Gospel are Superior to the Angels and the OT

So We Need to Pay Much Closer Attention to/Heed the Message of the Gospel

So That We Do Not Drift Away and Eventually Neglect it Altogether

To Do so Would Be to Lose Out On Such a Great Salvation

And to Have an Inescapable Punishment Waiting for Us