Hebrews
Introduction
Although the King James Version uses the title “The Epistle
of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews,” there is no early manuscript evidence to
support it. The oldest and most reliable title is simply Pro Ebraious,
“To Hebrews.” *
The letter to the Hebrews – though the title is not original
to the book – is written to Jewish believers to YESHUA of the first century, as
we can tell from the content. At one time the author, who is not named, was
thought to be Paul; but scholars today agree that the author is unknown.
Whoever he is, he is thoroughly skilled in his handling of the Greek language,
the Septuagint, and Jewish thought – particularly with reference to the Temple
service. The date, though not firmly known, appears to be before 70 CE. We can
conclude this from remarks that the Old Covenant is “close to vanishing” (8:13)
and the question “Would they not have ceased to be offered?” (10:2), which
suggests that the Temple sacrificial system was still operative. More important
than the author or date is the situation of the Jewish believers being
addressed. Despite their maturity and sophistication, some were on the road to
abandoning their faith altogether and returning to a Judaism minus YESHUA. They
were being treated as outsiders or even traitors to the Jewish people (13:13)
and undergoing trials and persecution (12:3, 7) – though apparently no one had
become a martyr (12:4). Others were following strange teachings (13:9) and had
even stopped meeting with other believers for worship (10:25). But returning to
traditional Judaism would also mean laying aside the faith that YESHUA had
opened a way into the Heavenly Sanctuary, allowing for direct access to GOD and
face-to-face prayer (10:19-22).
The author of Hebrews is quite concerned for the faith of
these Jewish followers of YESHUA. Much of the letter is given to showing that
YESHUA, The Incarnate GOD of Israel Himself, is Greater than anyone else –
greater than the angels, greater than Moses, the bringer of a Greater Covenant
with a Greater Priesthood than before and a Greater Sacrifice that fully Atones
for our sins. Since this is true, abandoning YESHUA is equivalent to turning
away from The GOD of Israel. Along with the emphasis on YESHUA come several
passages, illustrated from The TANAKH, warning that turning from trust in
YESHUA will bring consequences. But the author wants to encourage, not scold.
He points in chapter 11 to a “hall of faith” of Jewish heroes who followed GOD
in spite of obstacles and even persecution, setting an example for us today. To
those who persevere a Sabbath-rest with The LORD is promised (4:8-10). And how
does perseverance come? By “focusing on YESHUA, The Initiator and Perfecter of
faith” (12:2). Amen! **
TANAKH = The Hebrew Scriptures (Pentateuch, Prophets,
Writings), Christians call the Old Testament. **
YESHUA = JESUS The CHRIST, Son of GOD **
*Holy Bible New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers,
1994
**Holy Scriptures Tree of Life Version, Baker Books, 2015
Chapter 1
:1 GOD Who many times and in different ways (directly,
visions, and dreams) in the past spoke to the fathers (patriarchs, judges kings,
Apostles and others) by the prophets,
:2 now has spoken to us by His Son (Matthew 7:24-29, John 8:31-32),
Who He has appointed Heir of all things (spiritual, natural and time), through
Whom He made the worlds (the galaxy) (Genesis 1, John 1:1-4).
:3 Who Being The Express Image (2 Corinthians 4:4) of His
Person, and upholding (Colossians 1:17) all things by The Word of His Power (Matthew
22:29, 9:6, Luke 23:34, John 20:21-23), when JESUS had cleansed us of our sins
(Hebrews 7:26-27, 1 John 2:1-2), sat down at the right hand of The Majesty on
High (Luke 22:69),
:4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by
inheritance (Romans 8:16-17) obtained a more excellent Name than they
(Philippians 2:9-10).
:5 For to which of the angels did GOD ever say: “You are My
Son. Today I have begotten You.”? (Psalm 2:7) And again: “I will be to Him a
Father, and He shall be to Me a Son.”? (Luke 3:21-22)
:6 But when He brings The Firstborn into the world, He says:
“Let all the angels of GOD worship Him.” (Luke 2:8-14, Psalm 103:19-22,
148:1-5)
:7 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits
and His ministers a flame of fire.” (Psalm 104:1-4)
:8-9 But to The Son He says: “Your Throne, O GOD, is forever
and ever; a Scepter of Righteousness is The Scepter of Your Kingdom. You have
Loved Righteousness; therefore GOD, Your GOD has Anointed You with The Oil of
Gladness more than Your companions.” (Psalm 45:6-7, Proverbs 15:9, Zephaniah
3:17)
:10 And: “You LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of
the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” (Genesis 1, John 1:1-4,
Psalm 102:25, Proverbs 8:12,22-28)
:11-12 “They will perish, but you remain (Matthew 5:17-18);
and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up,
and they will be changed (Isaiah 34:4, Revelation 6:13-14, Isaiah 51:6). But
you are the same, and Your years will not fail.” (Revelation 1:8, Hebrews 13:8),
:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My
right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”? (Psalm 110:12, Matthew
22:44, 1 Corinthians 15:27-28)
:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to
minister for those who will inherit Salvation? (Psalm 91:11-12, 103:20-21,
Revelation 19:9-10)
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