The Book of Hebrews Dr. Tod M. Kennedy 2009

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1 The Book of Hebrews Dr. Tod M. Kennedy 2009

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3 Table of Contents Introduction... 4 Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Chapter Hebrews Study Main Points to Emphasize Hebrews Study Doctrines from Hebrews Doctrine: High Priest ministry of Jesus according to Hebrews The Tabernacle... 60

4 The Book of Hebrews January through July 2009 Tod Kennedy Introduction We will cover the book of Hebrews in lessons. In this time I want to cover the themes, trace the argument of the author, develop select difficult passages, and summarize select doctrines. 1. Why Hebrews? Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were attacked through religion, through individual and national crises, and through spiritual failure. Doubt and serious questioning came to plague and sometimes engulf their confidence in Christ and God s revelation through Christ and God s word. The result was that Hebrew believers were unsure of the preeminence of Jesus, unsure of the place of use of the Old Testament in their day, unsure of the importance of the temple and Old Testament sacrificial system, unsure of the Levitical priesthood, and unsure of how to live day to day. They had a serious crisis of application of biblical knowledge, faith, and proper application because of rejection of biblical Christology, Soteriology, Bibliology, and Christian living. Today we are living in a crisis just like the readers of Hebrews. 2. Theme: Jesus Christ, the Father s Son, is superior to angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, the tabernacle, the Levitical sacrifices, and the Old Covenant, and is the leader of a better way of life. Therefore, each of us run our spiritual race by trusting him alone as sufficient for eternal life and day to day living by keeping the eyes of our life on him. 3. The book was most likely written in the late 60s There is no mention of the destruction of either the temple or Jerusalem. In a book dealing with the priesthood and the Levitical system the destruction of these would most assuredly been made a part of the author s argument Furthermore, Timothy is alive at the time of writing (Hebrews 13:23) Hebrews 2:3-4 indicates that the author was among those who heard and saw that group of people (apostles) who personally heard Jesus speak and minister. 4. Who wrote Hebrews is unstated in the letter. Paul and Barnabas are probably the most popular choices. Others include Apollos, Silas, and Clement of Rome. Hebrews 5:11-14 and 10:32-34 seem to indicate that the author was personally familiar with his audience. 5. Where did the recipients live? Again, numerous possibilities have been suggested: Italy, Cyrene, and Jerusalem and the surrounding area Wherever they lived, they are believers (Hebrews 3:1; 6:9-10), they heard God s word taught (Hebrews 2:3; 5:12), they heard basic doctrine (Hebrews 6:1-5), they are lazy listeners (Hebrews 5:11), they are in danger of drifting away from sound doctrine and Christian living (Hebrews 2:1), and they face criticism and pressures (Hebrews 6:11-12; 10:32-36; 13:22), and false doctrine (Hebrews 13:9). 6. Detailed argument of Hebrews Discouragement because of criticism, pressure, and a supposed lack of spiritual success wrongly led some Jewish believers to think that more is necessary for eternal salvation and living the Christian life more than God s revelation through Christ, more than Christ and his priestly substitutionary work, more than simple faith in Christ, more than believing God s promises and so they turned back to the Mosaic Law ritual and religious activity To correct these misconceptions the author of Hebrews teaches that God spoke to mankind through his son (Hebrews 1:2) who is higher than angels (Hebrews 1:6), who is God (Hebrews 1:8), who is our high priest and better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-3), who is the high priest like Melchizedek and better than the Levitical priests (Hebrews 5:5-10). He wrote that believers ought to learn about the son and mature in the faith (Hebrews 5:11-6:1). Another way to say this is to say Jesus is better than angels, Levitical priests, and animal sacrifices. The word better, κρείττων or κρείσσων (better, greater, superior), is a comparative adjective

5 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 5/62 and is used 13 times in 12 verses and indicates better than angels, better things, better hope, better sacrifice, better covenant, better country, and better resurrection Jesus, the son of God and high priest successfully offered himself once and for all as the substitute sacrifice for mankind s sins (Hebrews 7:25-27; 9:14, 28; 10:12). He accomplished the old covenant and was the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15) Therefore, we ought to have confidence to enter the presence of God by the blood sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19). Furthermore, the author tells us to draw near (Hebrews 10:22), to hold fast (Hebrews 10:23), and to consider (Hebrews 10:24), not forsaking assembling together (Hebrews 10:25) but encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25). Old Testament people believed God and so were approved and we can do the same (Hebrews 11:39-12:1). Since the preceding chapters of Hebrews are true we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and run our spiritual race (Hebrews 12:1-2) which includes, among other things, day to day expressions of faith in our relationship to sin (Hebrews 12:4), people (Hebrews 13:1), to leaders (Hebrews 13:7), and to prayer (Hebrews 13:18). 7. Chapter titles of Hebrews. Christ the Son, Chapters The Father speaks through the Son 2. The Father honors the Son 3. Christ, the Faithful Son. 4. Faith in the Son produces rest Christ the High Priest, Chapters Jesus Christ is our high priest 6. Trust Christ alone 7. Melchizedek priesthood of Jesus Christ 8. Jesus Christ is the high priest mediator 9. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant by death 10. Jesus Christ, the high priest, benefits believers Therefore Live the Faith Life, Chapters Approved by faith 12. Keep your eyes on Jesus 13. Selected instructions 8. Some of the passages of special note include the following 8.1. Revelation and Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4), 8.2. The deity of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:5-13), 8.3. Warning against drifting and neglecting our salvation blessings (Hebrews 2:1-3), 8.4. Supernatural sign gifts (Hebrews 2:3-4), 8.5. Jesus our high priest (Hebrews 3:1), 8.6. Faith and rest (Hebrews 4:1-3), 8.7. Our great high priest and the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16), 8.8. Christ the Melchizedek type priest (Hebrews 5:10), 8.9. Lazy learners (Hebrews 5:11-14), Those who have fallen away (Hebrews 6:4-6), Our hope anchor (Hebrews 6:18-19), Jesus the eternal Melchizedek priest (Hebrews 7:22-8:1), Mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15), Christ offered himself once for all (Hebrews 9:28), Limitations of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:1, 9-10, 18),

6 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 6/ Therefore and since, let us (Hebrews 10:19-25), People who believed God (Hebrews 11), Run the race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2), Divine discipline (Hebrews 12:4-11), Not to Mt Sinai, but to Jesus (Hebrews 12:18-24), Strangers (Hebrews 13:1-3), marriage (Hebrews 13:4), money (Hebrews 13:5-6), Jesus is immutable (Hebrews 13:8), Leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17), and A pleas for God to equip believers (Hebrews 13:20-21). Hebrews Chapter 1 The Father speaks through the Son 1. Main points to emphasize in Hebrews 1, Jesus Christ superior to angels Revelation and Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4) The deity, humanity, and work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:5-13) Ministry of angels (Hebrews 1:14). 2. Revelation and Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4) 2.1. God who spoke indicates divine revelation. Revelation has two uses in this section The first use of revelation is that God revealed himself and his will to mankind through prophets who spoke and wrote the Scripture. Writing prophets include Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10), Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve. David and Daniel did not hold the office of prophet, nevertheless they wrote prophetic messages. Non writing prophets include Elijah and Elisha The second use of revelation refers to God revealing his own character in the person of his Son, Jesus See Revelation, inspiration, illumination, communication and Doctrine: Revelation of God to Mankind PowerPoint slide God s Son is by existence, nature, work, and name better than angels (Hebrews 1:2-4). The glory shows in the radiance; the substance or nature is in Christ, the person Heir of all things κληρονόμος, ου, ὁ the beneficiary. Jesus will inherit all creation from God the father and rule as owner The Father created the world through the Son. The world is τοὺς αἰῶνας, all the segments of time, historical ages past and future. Probably also refers to the visible creation, since the same word is used in Hebrews 11:3. John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 say Jesus Christ is the creator and sustainer Radiance of God s glory ἀπαύγασμα, ατος, τό reflection, radiance or brightness from a source; objective genitive. This could be either. In context it is best to take this to mean a shining out of God s glory. Jesus shows God s glory. See John 1: Exact representation of God s nature. χαρακτήρ, ῆρος, ὁ. Reproduction, representation. Nature is ὑπόστασις, εως, ἡ; substance, nature, essence; objective genitive. The Son is God by substance and nature Upholds all things, all the workings of the universe. See Colossians 1:17 συνίστημι, perfect active indicative; bring together, hold together, put together, continue, exist Made purification of sins refers to his death for sins. He was and is the better priest. The doctrine of reconciliation; what he did as our priest. He did this by substituting himself for us in payment for our sins Seated at right hand of the Father. The place of highest honor. Jesus as resurrected God and man has been accepted in heaven. Jesus is supreme. See Philippians 2:9 where God highly exalted him. Second Chronicles 9:18 and Psalm 132:7 illustrate the footstool in the temple. Isaiah 66:1, the earth is God s footstool; Psalm 110:1;

7 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 7/62 Luke 20:43; Acts 2:35; and Hebrews 1:13 and 10:13, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool at the Second Advent. Also see Philippians 2: Doctrine of footstool Better than angels. Angels are superior to mankind in ability and they are messengers from God to man. Jesus is superior to angels More excellent name. His name is different and of more value than the angels. He is Son of God, Messiah, Christ, Jesus. 3. God s Son is better than angels by nature, status, action, and proclamation (Hebrews 1:5-14) The word better, κρείττων or κρείσσων (better, greater, superior), is a comparative adjective and is used 13 times in 12 verses and indicates better than angels, better things for believers, better hope, better sacrifice, better covenant, better country, and better resurrection. See the short doctrine of angels The writer quotes or alludes to 9 Old Testament passages in verses I have only referred to those passages that are clear in the author s mind. The author is not necessarily interpreting each of the referred to passages. He, under inspiration, now applies them to the Son. These are used to support his contention that Jesus is better than angels and therefore is the only Messiah Jesus is the begotten Son. Begotten γεννάω (perfect active indicative) literal and figurative. Here it is figurative and marks the announcement of the Son s entrance into the office of king and the affirmation of Jesus Sonship. Jesus was installed as God s eternal king. Psalm 2:7 (Messianic king). In Acts 4:27 Jesus is God s anointed one. This does not mean he was a created being. Jesus has all the rights of Sonship Father son relationship goes back to 2 Samuel 7:14 where Solomon is said to have that relationship with God. Jesus is the actual and ultimate son of God Firstborn πρωτότοκος, ον refers to his unique position in the plan of God. Here it refers to the unique status, the honored Son of God, not the first human born or the first being created. He is the one that is Heir, Savior, King, Priest, and coming Ruler (Colossians ; Hebrews 1.6). See the parallels: Israel (Exodus 4.22; Jeremiah 31.9) and note especially David (Psalm 89.27). Neither was the first created. Both had a unique relationship to God the Father The Father brought εἰσάγω (aorist active subjunctive) his firstborn into the world. He was already the Father s firstborn. Now he came into the world at the incarnation Jesus is worshipped by angels (Hebrews 1:6). These words are taken from the LXX at Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 96:7. Under inspiration the author of Hebrews uses that wording to teach about the son The Son is said to be God (Hebrews 1:8). The author takes Psalm 45:6-7 which speaks first of God s throne (I think over Israel) and then God s historic king of Israel The Son is the eternal ruler (Hebrews 1:8), again from Psalm 45: The Son is the righteous ruler (Hebrews 1:9). See Psalm 45: The Son is anointed by God (Hebrews 1:9). See Psalm 45: The Son created the earth and heavens (Hebrews 1:10). This comes from Psalm 102:25. The subject there is God and LORD The son is eternal and does not change (Hebrews 1:11-12). See Psalm 102:26-27 where the Psalmist is speaking about God The son sits at the Father s right hand until the defeat of his enemies (Hebrews 1:13). Psalm 110:1 has the Father saying to David s Lord (Messiah), sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. The writer of Hebrews demonstrates the ruling authority of Messiah, the Son, Jesus Angels stand ready to serve believers (Hebrews 1:14). Psalm 103:20-21 teaches that angels are under God s authority, are strong, obey God, and serve God.

8 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 8/ In this context the author of Hebrews made an application from the doctrine of angels to the readers. Angels are ministering spirits. Ministering is λειτουργικός, ή, όν (an adjective; service of a religious nature; here of service to God). This word is used only here in the New Testament. The noun indicates one who performs public service and religious service. These angels are sent to render service διακονία, ας, ἡ (service, ministry), for those who will inherit salvation (σωτηρία, ας, ἡ deliverance, preservation, salvation). Those refers to believers who will come into physical possession of eternal life and its benefits in the future. Comparing this to Hebrews 2:1-3 and other Hebrews passages, these appear to be believers who have not drifted and neglected, and therefore this inheritance seems to be an added inheritance, including yet over and above entrance into heaven If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you have great opportunities for service and great potential for rewards. Angels have the job of ministering to you and for you in your Christian service. Does this mean that every believer has a guardian angel? This does not seem to be the point. But, ministering spirits serve believers while the believer serves God, so guarding is probably a part of that service. Ministering spirits will guide believers away from trouble, will protect from interference, will in some way encourage (possibly as in Hebrews 13:2 ( some have entertained angels without knowing it ), and keep believers out of trouble. 4. Doctrines taught or referred to in Hebrews 1 include 4.1. Revelation 4.2. Prophet 4.3. Christ the heir 4.4. Ages (dispensations) 4.5. Christology 4.6. Reconciliation and substitution 4.7. Angels 4.8. Begotten and firstborn 4.9. Worship of God Creation God s nature and attributes Footstool Ministering spirits (service angels) 5. Main applications 5.1. Jesus is the final personal revelation of God and as such he is the only one worthy of our complete faith, confidence, loyalty, and service. He is God. He is maintains the orderly universe. He is superior to angels. He is the Father s anointed Messiah. He will soon take the rule over creation. All of this means that he is the only Savior, the only way to God. There is no other to whom we and Hebrew believers can turn. We can and must rely on him. We may not subordinate him to angels, to Moses, to the Levitical priesthood, or to the Levitical sacrifices To expand on the first point, Hebrews 1 is both an introduction to the argument of the book and a defense of the faith, and especially to Hebrew believers who are wavering on the worthiness of Jesus Christ. If the author is correct, and everything in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures indicate that he is correct, then the Son is the eternal and omnipotent God, the creator, the sustainer of the universe, the savior, and the only Messiah. This answers the charges brought against the Hebrew believers by both pagans and unbelieving Hebrews Ministering spirits are angels and they help believers in their ministry of serving God. We do not put faith in them. We simply know that God uses them in various ways to help and apparently acts as interference for us.

9 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 9/62 Hebrews Chapter 2 The Father honors the Son Main points to emphasize in Hebrews 2 1. Do not drift away from and neglect what we have heard from the Father through the Son because if disobedience to the law brought penalty, so will disobedience to the New Testament message (Hebrews 2:1-4). If we drift away we will be disciplined. 2. The sign spiritual gifts were given to demonstrate the truthfulness and authority of the apostles and were limited in time to the first century (Hebrews 2:3-4). 3. God has subjected earth creation under the authority and care of mankind and ultimately to Jesus, the Son of man (Hebrews 2:5-8). 4. Jesus (used 14 times in 8 chapters) has not had all things subjected to Him yet. That will come in the future when death, the devil, and creation come under His authority (Hebrews 2:9-13). The author is trying to get these people to realize that Jesus is the Savior by using His name. 5. The subjection of all things to Jesus depended upon Him successfully tasting death for everyone and therefore making the devil powerless and removing the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-18). Death controls every person. As believers we should not dread physical death. It should not be a problem to us. 6. Jesus was tempted while suffering during life. He understands suffering and temptation. Because He suffered and never failed to please the Father He is willing and able to aid us when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:17-18). Christ has been through what we have been through. Study of Hebrews 2 1. Do not drift or neglect what has been taught because if disobedience to the law brought penalty, so will disobedience to the New Testament message (Hebrews 2:1-4). Pay attention to what you are being taught. The ramifications are serious if you do not. Sooner or later it will come back and bite you Hebrews 2:1. For this reason goes back to Hebrews 1:1-2. The Father has now spoken through the Son. The Son is greater than angels and what He said has great importance, so we need to pay attention to it. It is of necessity. See the superiority of the Son in chapter 1 for explanation of the Son s superiority: heir, creator, radiance and exact character, sustainer of everything, purification of sins, seated at the right hand of the Father, excellent name We are to pay attention to the Son s message and doctrine given by Him, by His apostles, and by teachers who followed them (Hebrews 2:3). The grammar says this is a necessity δεῖ περισσοτέρως προσέχειν ἡμᾶς Paying attention prevents us from spiritual drifting. Spiritual drifting is being carried along by whatever is prevalent, popular, or wrong. Drift παραρρέω, aorist passive subjunctive, to wash, drift, slip. Here the warning is against drifting away from Jesus, the Son, and what the Father has revealed through Him, his apostles, and teachers (Hebrews 2:3). Hebrews 5:11 warns lazy learners (dull of hearing νωθρός, ά, όν lazy sluggish). We are warned not to drift away from the Father and the Son Hebrews 2:2. Angels were involved in bringing the Mosaic Law to the Hebrew people. Acts 7:53 and Galatians 3:19 say that angels organized in some way the receiving of the law. Disobedience of the law brought a penalty. And angels are inferior to the Son Hebrews 2:3. The Hebrew believers will not escape divine discipline if they neglect the Son s message and work Escape is ἐκφεύγω run away, escape, avoid, shun, be acquitted. Future middle indicative. This is the main verb. How are we going to escape danger if we neglect something? Neglect is ἀμελέω, aorist active participle, circumstantial time or concession, to have no care for, to be unconcerned, or to neglect. The participle precedes the action of the main verb escape.

10 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 10/ The object is so great salvation, σωτηρία. In context salvation refers not just to escape from judgment for sin but especially to eternal life and its potential possessions (Hebrews 1:14; 2:3; 2:10). Salvation is found in Hebrews 1:14; 2:3; 2:10; 5:9; 6:9; 9:28; 11:7. We do not want to neglect these great opportunities for inheritance blessings-rewards. How often does the believer who is walking out of fellowship really suffering at that point and his potential is being thrown away. He is still saved. But he is throwing away his spiritual blessings and rewards. God measures us according to what He has designed for our lives. Sunday school teachers are rewarded for their service. Evangelists are rewarded for their service This message involved three generations of people: 1. Jesus our Lord, 2. Those who heard him directly primarily apostles and 3. The present listeners. We could put this into a chronology. Jesus ministry was about AD 30-33; the apostles and the others who heard him directly would be from about AD 33 to the then present; and the present listeners from the time of the apostles to the then present Hebrews 2:4. The sign gifts (signs, wonders, various miracles) were used to verify (testify) to the truth of the message about Jesus. The second generation them were the apostles and some others. This teaches us the purpose of the sign gifts. Admittedly, it does not say that only the second generation had the sign gifts, but the implication is that they were the ones who needed and had the gifts. The principle of temporary spiritual gifts is found in Hebrews 2.3-4, 2 Corinthians 12.12, Romans , and 1 Corinthians , and there are others. The supernatural gifts were designed to enhance the authority and ministry of the apostolic generation to the generation who did not hear Jesus personally. They are not for the present church. 2. Hebrews 2:5-9. The Father subjected His creation to mankind, and mankind is lower than angels (Hebrews 2:7), but everything is not yet under mankind s subjection (Hebrews 2:8) because of sin. The author uses Psalm 8 as his Old Testament support of the question, what is man and why did God s Son need to become man Verse 8 shows that creation is not completely subjected to man. The reason in this context is because sin brought death (9) and death distorted creation and man s dominion Verse 9 brings Jesus (Him is Jesus) in as the one who suffered death for everyone and so defeated death Read the verse as lower than angels so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Jesus had to become like man to die for him. Jesus as a man was lower than angels (man is lower than angels in ability) and as man he was qualified to taste death for everyone. The part of the sentence, because honor explains Jesus. He suffered death and was crowned with glory and honor. This teaches Jesus humanity, His death for mankind, His suffering, and His superiority. Jesus, though a man, was crowned with glory and honor because of His nature and His actions (chapter 1). It also teaches the unlimited extent of the death of Jesus on the cross it was for all mankind (unlimited atonement) The word taste death for everyone is sometimes claimed about Hebrews 6:4 and 5 to indicate something less than faith for eternal life and therefore the Hebrews 6 people were not believers. Both passages use the same word γεύομαι, to take of, taste, to experience. Both refer to the real experience. Jesus died (Hebrews 2:9) and Hebrews 6 people experienced the heavenly gift and the word of God. Note that the argument that Hebrews 6 readers are believers is not made from the use of taste. It is simply bad exegesis to use taste to deny they are believers Verse 10. The Father (Him) tested and made perfect Jesus the captain, pioneer, leader of our salvation and he did this putting Jesus through suffering. The Father perfected Jesus through suffering in His humanity. Suffering characterizes the world and all mankind. Jesus as our

11 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 11/62 substitute suffered like we do, but above and beyond our suffering. Sons to glory refers to believers gaining heaven and the rewards and blessings God the father is the goal of creation and the agent of creation. He possesses glory, power, and honor Author is ἀρχηγός, οῦ, ὁ leader, ruler, founder, or leading pioneer. See Hebrews 12:2. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. This is Jesus. Author is not a very good translation. Probably pioneer leader or captain is better Grammatically, bringing many sons to glory goes with the accusative author. Jesus is the founding pioneer of the faith. He is bringing many sons to glory. This is through His ministry and His death. Now at the right hand He is working to bring us to glory. 3. Hebrews 2:11-13 demonstrate the solidarity that Jesus has with believers. He calls believers brethren (Hebrews 2:11 and 12) and children (Hebrews 2:13) In verse 11 Jesus is the subject, He, Jesus sanctifies believers (Hebrews 13:12) by His work on the cross. This is positional sanctification. The those are believers. Jesus calls us brethren Verse 12 goes back to Psalm 22:22. In Psalm 22 David said that he will tell others (his brethren) in the assembly about God s greatness. Jesus is not ashamed to praise the Father before believers. He has sanctified them (Hebrews 2:11) and boldly includes believers when He praises God In verse 13, Jesus trusts the Father, as do believers. Faith in someone is the basis for fellowship. Jesus and believers trust God the Father. He calls believers children (which indicates His care for us) in the sense that believers rely on Him for eternal life, for service, and for living the Christian life. See Hebrews 12: Hebrews 2: Verse 14 recalls Jesus as true man made lower than angels so He could taste death for everyone. This also relates to verses 10-13, Jesus solidarity with humanity who believes Him. Those related to Him and trusting God (Hebrews 2:11-13) are free to live life out from under the fear of death. This section has special emphasis on living now in time Verse 14. Jesus became true humanity so that He could defeat the devil and therefore defeat death. Humanity was necessary to defeat the devil. Christ had to become humanity. This He did. Here we have another clear declaration of the humanity of Jesus. Compare this with chapter 1 where we have a clear declaration of the deity of the Son of God, Jesus Note the significance of children share in flesh and blood and He partook of the same. Share is κοινωνέω KOINONEO, to have in common, to take part in, to share; perfect active indicative stressing their present state humanity. Partook (μετέχω METECHO, to partake of, to share, to be members of; aorist active indicative) teaches that the eternal Son of God entered humanity at the incarnation Verse 15. Jesus Christ by His death set people free from fearing death. Death no longer controls us. When death controls anyone, that person is a slave to death and does nothing to ward it off. His entire life is lived as a slave to death. See 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 where death was conquered Verse 16. Jesus takes hold of believers and helps us. The help has to do with living as humanity in a fallen world (Hebrews 2:17-18) He helps (ἐπιλαμβάνομαι EPILAMBANOMAI, present middle indicative, 3 rd person masculine singular, take hold of, grasp, catch, take hold of and so help) Seed of Abraham may have special reference to Hebrew believers in context of the letter, but Galatians 3:29 says all believers are the spiritual seed of Abraham because we all come the faith way as Abraham did.

12 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 12/ Verses expand on Jesus help for believers. He had to take on humanity so that He might die as our substitute, but He also was tempted and suffered like all mankind so He could help us in our temptation and suffering. He experienced what we must experience. He is our merciful and faithful high priest for all things that relate to God He has suffered is πάσχω, to experience something, to have something done to one, to suffer; perfect passive indicative. The perfect brings the completed action of suffering throughout His life. This is the main verb in this clause. Jesus suffered when He was tempted. He did not fail. We suffer when we are tempted or tested and Jesus will help us [When] He Himself was tempted πειράζω PEIRAZO, to try, to tempt, to put someone to a test, to make an effort to do something; aorist passive participle masculine nominative singular. When He was tempted it caused Him to suffer. Circumstantial participle of time meaning when he was tempted, or being tempted. See Mark 1:13 where Satan tempted Jesus. When we are tempted or pushed into sinning we ought to treat it like a suffering situation Jesus will come to the aid is βοηθέω, aorist active infinitive; to render assistance, furnish aid, help. This introduces the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. Hebrews will develop this in more detail in the coming chapters. See Matthew 15:25, Mark 9:22, Acts 16:19, 21:28, and 2 Corinthians 6:2 for this word in similar contexts. People were always asking Jesus to help them Those who are being tempted is present passive participle, masculine plural dative of the verb πειράζω, to try, to tempt, to put someone to a test, to make an effort to do something. We are in the process of being tempted from the outside and at that time He comes to our aid. It is part of His ministry. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it Jesus is our merciful and faithful high priest. Therefore Jesus has the desire, the ability, and the ministry to help us when we our tempted. Jesus was also tempted. He Himself was tempted, aorist passive participle, masculine nominative singular of the same verb (πειράζω) but here the present passive participle, masculine plural dative. See Mark 1:13 where Satan tempted Jesus. The verb is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 in the aorist passive indicative. In that passage God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capability. The noun πειρασμός is the first word in that verse and is related to the verb. James 1 teaches that God never tempts to sin Jesus as our high priest will come to our help when we are tested. To accept His help we must rely on Him trust Him for that help. His help comes from His intercessory prayer (Romans 8:34), from the Holy Spirit whom He sent (John 15:26), and from the Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16 and Psalm 119:11). Hebrews Chapter 3 Christ, the faithful Son Outline 1. Think Christologically (Hebrews 3:1-6). 2. Watch out for unbelief and encourage one another in the faith (Hebrews 3:12-13). 3. We can become companion, participants with Christ (Hebrews 3:14-19).

13 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 13/62 Main points to emphasize in Hebrews 3 1. We are to carefully think about the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus Christ and hold to what we say we believe in order to faithfully serve Him in our priestly ministries. He was faithful to His Father; Moses was faithful to God and his ministry; the same ought to be true for us (Hebrews 3:1-6). 2. Do not harden our hearts against God by not believing his word. This leads us away from God (Hebrews 3:7-12). 3. Encourage each other in the faith daily while we can (Hebrews 3:12-13). 4. We become companions with Christ and participate with Christ in our priestly ministry if we hold fast to Him instead of revolting against God by not believing His word (Hebrews 3:14-19). Study of Hebrews 3 Hebrews 3:1-6. We are to carefully think about the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus Christ. This means to know who He is, what he does for believers, and what he expects of us. He was faithful to His Father. Moses was faithful to God and his ministry. We must hold to what we say we believe in order to faithfully serve Him in our priestly ministries. 1. Verse 1. Therefore goes back to the clearly demonstrated facts about Jesus from chapters 1 and 2. Chapter 2 ended by teaching that Jesus is the faithful and merciful high priest (Hebrews 2:17). As high priest He tasted death for all everyone (Hebrews 2:9), brings many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10), sanctifies believers (Hebrews 2:11), defeated the devil (Hebrews 2:14), freed believers from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15), helps believers (Hebrews 2:16), propitiates the Father (Hebrews 2:17), and was tempted and suffered and so can help us when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:18) The verb consider κατανοέω katanoeo (aorist active imperative 2 plural, to observe well, consider, think about, understand) instructs us to learn abut Jesus Christ and to think thoroughly about Him so that he directs our lives He is the apostle (sent for us and the authority over us) and high priest (His work for us) of our confession (ὁμολογία, ας, ἡ homologia, our statement of allegiance or acknowledgement of what we believe). He is head of the body of believers. 2. Hebrews 3:2-6. Verse 2 introduces the subject of verses 2-6, holding firmly to our confession by faithfulness in service. Jesus was faithful to the Father. The author gives Moses as a comparison to show that Jesus is greater, has more honor, and has a greater ministry. Honor introduces reward. Jesus had the highest honor. Moses had honor. Certain believers will have honor A critical word in this section is house. To what does it refer? The word is used 1862 times in the NASB. When one looks the uses there are some choices for the meaning. The main options are 1. A person s house, 2. Family or household, 3. Clan, tribe, or descendents, 4. The tabernacle and by extension the priesthood or people who served in the tabernacle, 5. Property, possession, estate Hebrews uses house οἶκος, ου, ὁ oikos, 11 times in 8 verses: Hebrews 3:2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 8:8, 10; 10:21. Hebrews 3:6 seems to make people the meaning in this passage, since there is a comparison between Moses house and the people who served in it and Christ s house, and Christ s house is people. Hebrews 10:21 has house of God. Hebrews 8 uses house of Israel and house of Judah House in Hebrews 3:2-5 is about the tabernacle and the faithful priests and their service in that house which God created and built. Moses was a faithful servant in God s house (Hebrews 3:4-5). Moses was from the tribe of Levi the priest tribe. He received the instructions about the tabernacle (e.g. Exodus 38:21). Moses was the authority over Aaron and the priest service, and Moses consecrated Aaron and Aaron s sons to the priestly service (Leviticus 8-9). The conclusion is that Moses faithfully served in his house the tabernacle, the priests, and the priestly service

14 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 14/62 (Hebrews 2:2-4). He took orders from God and faithfully carried them out. Scripture recorded his service (Hebrews 3:5). 3. Verse 6 is not about gaining or loosing eternal life. This verse is about holding fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end of our life. If we do that we will be Christ s house. Compare verse 6 with verse 14 for the similar teaching. See 1 Peter 2:5 where believers, a spiritual house, are being built up for priestly service Verse 6 says that Christ was not a servant, but a Son. He is greater. The comparison and parallel with Moses and priestly service indicates that Christ s house is the author s name for believers who concentrate on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1) and hold fast the confidence and hope (Hebrews 3:6) and so carry out their priesthood of service for God If is a third class condition expressing the possibility. We have choices to make Hold fast, κατέχω katecho, to hold firmly, to keep in one s possession, to hold the course, aorist active subjunctive Confidence, παρρησία, ας, ἡ outspokenness, plain speaking, courageous, boldness Boast, καύχημα, ατος, τό that which constitutes a source of pride If we firmly keep in our possession or firmly believe that which we plainly and confidently claim about Jesus Christ we will faithfully serve God and be Christ s house that group of believers who believe what they say and faithfully serve God based on that. These believers please God. 4. We are not to harden our hearts against God by not believing his word, and encouraging one another in the faith while we can to prevent hardening. (Hebrews 3:7-13) This section begins with a warning reference from Psalm 95:6-11. This warning recalls the failure of Israel during the Exodus (Exodus and Numbers 20). Israel refused to believe that God will provide. They rejected God s promises and guidance and so were not allowed to enter Canaan until that generation died. The rest is life in Canaan under God s direction The warning to brethren, believers, is in verse 13. Take care so that no one has an evil unbelieving heart and falls away from the living God. This is a warning against unbelief. The result of unbelief is falling away from God in experience, not position Take care. Βλέπω blepo, to see or to watch, to pay attention to, present active imperative, second plural. The idea is watch out. We all need to pay attention to how we are living the Christian life. Unbelief of God s commands, principles, promises, and doctrines will harm us Falls away. ἀφίστημι aphistemi, to move from a reference point, to revolt, to withdraw, aorist active infinitive, further explaining what an unbelieving heart does. The believer who will not trust God revolts or moves away from pleasing God and serving God Verse 13 gives the positive side. We are to encourage one another while we can, that is, when opportunities arise and before another is firmly hardened against God. Jude give further instructions about how to help those departing from the faith Encourage. Παρακαλέω parakaleo, to call to one s side, to appeal, to encourage, to exhort, present active imperative. We are to support and encourage believers, especially when we know they are spiritually slipping (See Hebrews 2:1-3) Sin, especially unbelief which is the fountainhead of other sin, creeps up and hardens us against God and God s word. 5. We become companions with Christ and participate with Christ in our priestly ministry if we hold fast to Him instead of revolting against God by not believing His word (Hebrews 3:14-19) Now the explanation of the benefits of faithfully holding to our confession, being part of Christ s house, and believing God (Hebrews 3:14) For we have become partakers of Christ. The verb is a perfect active indicative of γίνομαι ginomai, to become, to come to pass, stressing the present state.

15 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 15/ Partakers is μέτοχος, ον metochos. It is used as a noun here and means partner, companion, accomplice. In Hebrews it is in Hebrews 1:9, 3:1, and 14, 6:4 and 12:8. It does not refer to becoming a believer or maintaining eternal relationship with God. As we have seen in Hebrews, this refers to a believer trusting Christ, holding his confession, serving, and believing God. When one does that he is a companion or partner with Christ in the Christian life If we hold fast is another third class condition expressing the possibility with the same word as in verse 6, Hold fast, κατέχω katecho, to hold firmly, to keep in one s possession, to hold the course, aorist active subjunctive Assurance is ὑπόστασις, εως, ἡ, hupostasis, nature, essence, reality, title deed. We are partners, companions with Christ if we hold firmly to the reality and essence of what we believed about Christ as presented by Jesus, his apostles, and the teachers of God s word (See Hebrews 2:1-3). 6. Hebrews 3:15-19 recall again the failure of the Exodus generation. God gave them clear guidance by the cloud and fire. He gave them his word, the Torah, through Moses and angels. He promised to take care of them during the exodus. He promised to give them Canaan. What did they do? They refused to believe God. The result was divine discipline. That first generation died before god took the nation into Canaan The rest was the land of Canaan where they were to have the privilege of living as God s people under his directions and blessing. All he asked was for them to believe him and obey him. They would not So, verse 19, and so we see that there were not able to enter because of unbelief. This is the sad state of many believers. Too many distractions. No desire to think clearly about Jesus. Too much popular religion. Too little Bible doctrine and the application of the doctrine.. Hebrews Chapter 4 Faith in the Son produces rest Main points to emphasize in Hebrews 4 1. We need to be alert to believe and apply God s good news promises so that we will enter and experience the calming rest that He has for us. When we refuse to believe his good news promises we are disobedient, hardened to His word, and may get his discipline. 2. God s word, when read, thought about, memorized, and used in life will get to the heart of our thoughts, desires, and plans. We cannot escape it. It will rescue, comfort, encourage, change, or worry us and discipline us. 3. God s throne refers to His authority and seat of his power. Since he is a gracious, let s pray to him for mercy and freely given help when we need it. When we pray, pray in according to His word, pray in fellowship with Him, and pray in faith. Outline 1. We enter or experience God s rest by believing and applying God s good news promises and doctrines, which is God s word (Hebrews 4:1-11). 2. It is dangerous to disbelieve and disobey God s word because it will open, display, and judge whatever we think, therefore we always lose with unbelief (Hebrews 4:12-13). 3. Our high priest Jesus won over every test and he can sympathize with us, so let s go in prayer to His gracious throne for help (Hebrews 4:14-16).

16 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 16/62 Hebrews 4 Study 1. We enter or experience God s rest by believing and applying God s good news promises and doctrines, which is God s word (Hebrews 4:1-11) Verses 1-2. Since Jesus was and is faithful to those in His service (Hebrews 3:1-6) and since unbelief ruins the Christian life (3:7-19) we should be fearful of failing to believe God s good news promises and doctrines He promised us that we can enter rest κατάπαυσις, εως, ἡ katapausis S2663. A state of rest or place of rest, calm. This word is used in Hebrews 3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5, 10, 11. The verb katapauo is used in Hebrews 4:4, There is some disagreement about the interpretation. Some hold that the land of Canaan was Israel s inheritance and Israel s rest (unclaimed), and the rest in Hebrews then refers to God s inheritance or rewards that we receive after the rapture or death and that these will be given at the judgment seat of Christ and enjoyed in the millennial kingdom It is true that Canaan was the rest that the Hebrew people did not claim. Had they believed God, entered the land, removed the pagans, lived under the Mosaic Law, and in fellowship with God they would have enjoyed rest in Canaan peace, prosperity, blessing with God the center of the national and individual life. They did not do this and therefore did not enjoy God s rest. While inheritance rewards may be in view, it seems that the point of this passage is believing God s word with the result that we experience God s kind of spiritual rest or calm because he has worked on our behalf. Psalm 37:7, 95:11, and Matthew 11:28 all demonstrate this spiritual rest We are to be afraid of (φοβέω phobeo S5399, to be afraid, frightened, aorist passive subjunctive) not believing God s promises and doctrines. We are to be aware and be alert to the temptations to reject what God says. Do not let unbelief conquer us. It robs us of our spiritual rest in God and God s word Good news preached is εὐαγγελίζω euangelizo, perfect middle passive participle to announce good news, to bring good news, to proclaim the gospel, S2097. The good news here is not the saving gospel, but instead God s promises and doctrines. The form is the present tense of the verb to be with a perfect participle. Together they form a perfect periphrastic (a round about way of saying what a simple verb could say) emphasizing the fact that the good news has been proclaimed and the readers have it The word (good news) was not joined with faith; therefore the good news did not profit them. God s good news plus hearing by people plus faith produces profit rest in this passage Verses 3-5. God said that if those who received His word did not believe (disobedience in verse 6) it, they would not enter the land of Canaan. God then did not give them his rest God created a perfect world. He rested because it was complete and ready for mankind to enjoy. Mankind and Israel in particular rejected God s prepared rest, so God took the rest away and disciplined the unbelieving people Verses The rest is still open to those who will believe God (6). This rest was offered David (7) because none of Israel before him, Joshua s generation in particular, claimed the promised inheritance and so rest in the land (8) Verse 9. God s people have a Sabbath (kind of rest) still available to God s people (Hebrew and now also Gentile believers). Sabbath is σαββατισμός, οῦ, ὁ sabbatismos, Sabbath rest, Sabbath observance modeled after God s rest, S Verse 10 now explains the practical part of God s rest. We rest from our work because we have done God s will and God s service. We believe God to now do whatever needs to be done in our lives protection, solution to a problem, guidance, and the rewards or results of our work. Now we are calm and resting. We are

17 The Book of Hebrews, Tod Kennedy. Page 17/62 believing God. Everything is in God s care. Works in this verse is ἔργον, ου, τό, ergon, work, deeds, action, results of industry, S Verse 11. Be diligent σπουδάζω spoudazo, aorist active subjunctive of exhortation, to be eager, to be busy, to be diligent, to make every effort, S4704. The writer exhorts believers to make every conscientious effort to enter God s rest. He says believe God s promises and doctrines. On the negative side, do not be disobedient by unbelief like the many generations of Israelites We do not want to miss the point that this section is also about service to God. It is not just believing Romans 8:28 when a problem arises. Works or Christian life living is one of the underlying themes of this entire section. These works are done trusting God to work through us. 2. It is dangerous to disbelieve and disobey God s word because it will open, display, and judge whatever we think, therefore we always lose with unbelief (Hebrews 4:12-13) The word of God (ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ, ho logos tou theou) is living and active. It works in our lives just like a person inside us correcting us, reminding us, convicting us, and encouraging us. It does it better than a two edged sword (sword, μάχαιρα, ης, ἡ machaira, a short sword or dagger, S3162). This sword is able to separate good and bad motivations, good and bad emotions, true and false ideas, and anything hidden from others and even from ourselves. God s word is the sharp two-edged dagger that cuts out the bad and cleans up the good in our lives. Nothing escapes God. He uses His sword on us for our benefit and for His service. 3. Our high priest Jesus won over every test and He can sympathize with us, so let s go to His gracious throne for help (Hebrews 4:14-16) Verse 14. Jesus is the one who represents believers before the Father. Jesus as our high priest has been in Hebrews 2:17, 3:1, 4:14 and15 so far in our study. Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father. There He represents us. That should encourage us to hold to our confession (ὁμολογία, ας, ἡ homologia, our statement of allegiance or acknowledgement of what we believe S3671). Do not waver in our understanding and faith in Jesus and His priesthood Verse 15. Jesus went through many temptations and never failed. He is without sin: no sin nature and no personal sin. He can sympathize with us (Συμπαθέω, aorist active infinitive, sumpatheo, to have or to show sympathy, S4834). This word explains or clarifies cannot not able Verse 16. Finally, in view of our great high priest we should draw near and pray. Draw near is προσέρχομαι, proserchomai, to come near, to approach, present middle subjunctive encouraging us to do so, S4334). When we draw near he provides mercy and grace to help us when we need help. Throne of grace means that God s throne is characterized by grace or free favor for his people. Grace is a descriptive genitive (χάρις, ιτος, ἡ charis S5485). Hebrews Chapter 5 Jesus Christ is our high priest Main points to emphasize in Hebrews 5 1. A high priest is the one who offers sacrifices for people. He must be human and he must be called by God to be a high priest. Aaron was called by God to be a high priest of the Levitical kind. 2. God the Father appointed Jesus Christ to be priest, not like Aaron, but like Melchizedek. Christ s priesthood was, in rank and nature, patterned on Melchizedek. This was an entirely different and better priesthood. 3. Jesus Christ, in his humanity, learned to obey God the Father by going through suffering. In suffering a person must decide how to live and what to do. Will a person make the right choices or the wrong choices? Jesus always made the right choices. He therefore qualified to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sin, and by that provide eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him believes Him.