Hebrews 1
Book Introduction - Hebrews
Read first chapter of Hebrews WRITER: The authorship of Hebrews has been in controversy from the earliest times. The book is anonymous, but the reference in
2 Peter 3:15 seems conclusive that Paul was the writer. See also
Hebrews 13:23. All agree that, whether by Paul or another, the point of view is Pauline. We undoubtedly have here the method of Paul's synagogue addresses. No book of Scripture more fully authenticates itself as inspired.
DATE: From internal evidence it is clear that Hebrews was written before the destruction of the Temple, A.D. 70 (cf
Hebrews 10:11).
THEME: The doctrinal passages reveal the purpose of the book. It was written with a twofold intent:
- To confirm Jewish Christians by showing that Judaism had come to an end through the fulfilment by Christ of the whole purpose of the law; and
- The hortatory passages show that the writer had in view the danger ever present to Jewish professed believers of either lapsing back into Judaism, or of pausing short of true faith in Jesus Christ. It is clear from the Acts that even the strongest of the believers in Palestine were held to a strange mingling of Judaism and Christianity (e.g. Acts21:18-24 and that snare would be especially apt to entangle professed Christians amongst the Jews of the dispersion.
The key-word is "better." Hebrews is a series of contrasts between the good things of Judaism and the better things of Christ. Christ is "better" than angels, than Moses, than Joshua, than Aaron; and the New Covenant than the Mosaic Covenant. Church truth does not appear, the ground of gathering only being stated (
Hebrews 13:13). The whole sphere of Christian profession is before the writer; hence exhortations necessary to warn and alarm a mere professor.
Hebrews is in six divisions, but these include five parenthetic passages of exhortation.
- The great salvation1:1-2:18 (2:1-4, parenthetic).
- The rest of God, 3:1-4:16 (all parenthetic).
- Our great High Priest, 5:1-8,6 (5:11-6:12, parenthetic).
- The new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary, 8:7-10:39 (10:26-39, parenthetic).
- The superiority of the faith way, 11:1-40.
- The worship and walk of the believer-priest, 12:1-13:25 (12:3-17, parenthetic).
angels Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20; Psalms 103:20; 104:4. In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form. ; Genesis 16:1-13; 21:17-19; Genesis 22:11-16; 31:11-13; Exodus 3:2-4; Judges 2:1; 6:12-16; 13:3-22 (See Scofield "Malachi 3:1"). The word "angel" is used of men in ; Luke 7:24; James 2:25; Revelation 1:20; 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14 In Revelation 8:3-5. Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man. ; Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15. Though angels are spirits ; Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf ; Genesis 19:5; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22-31; Judges 2:1; 6:11,22; 13:3,6; 1 Chronicles 21:16,20; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26; John 20:12; Acts 7:30; 12:7,8, etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels. ; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25. They are exceedingly numerous. ; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11; Psalms 68:17. The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35. Their place is about the throne of God. ; Revelation 5:11; 7:11. Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers. ; 1 Kings 19:5; Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 2:13,19; 4:11; Luke 22:43; Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7-10. From ; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us ; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22. Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place. ; Psalms 8:4,5; Hebrews 2:6,9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9,10. The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31. To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30,39,41,42. See Scofield "Matthew 25:32". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections. ; Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1,2; Jude 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services. ; Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26. Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned: (See Scofield "Revelation 20:10"). The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons. (See Scofield "Matthew 7:22"). For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10. world "oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1"). righteousness (See Scofield "1 John 3:7"). iniquity lawlessness. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23"). salvation (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").