A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews

AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)

Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Today we finish up with verses

18-25!

As mentioned in the introduction As mentioned in the introduction of our studyof our study onon verses 9-17,, chapter 13 de-monstrates de-monstrates thatthat TheThe Faith-PrincipleFaith-Principle ofof ChristChrist IsIs thethe BasisBasis forfor aa SuperiorSuperior WayWay of Lifeof Life toto thatthat possiblepossible underunder Moses.Moses. And…And…

As we consider the last verses, As we consider the last verses, we’ll find that Paul, as was his we’ll find that Paul, as was his custom, con-cluded with various custom, con-cluded with various greetings, bless-ings, and greetings, bless-ings, and miscellaneous exhortations; so he miscellaneous exhortations; so he began to end by asking them to began to end by asking them to pray for him.pray for him.

Pray for us, for Pray for us, for we are we are confident that confident that we have a good we have a good conscience, in conscience, in all things all things desiring to live desiring to live honorably.honorably.

HebrewHebrews s 13:18 13:18

PrayPray for us, for for us, for we are we are confident that confident that we have a good we have a good conscience, in conscience, in all things all things desiring to live desiring to live honorably.honorably.

This word is in a This word is in a tense that tense that indicates they indicates they were already were already praying for Paul, praying for Paul, so he wanted so he wanted them to continue them to continue that noble and that noble and much appreciat-much appreciat-ed deed: ed deed: keep keep pray-ingpray-ing forfor usus isis thethe idea. Nowidea. Now thinkthink aboutabout this this request for a request for a second:second: if the if the inspired, mira-cle-inspired, mira-cle-working, apostle working, apostle Paul needed Paul needed prayer, surely we prayer, surely we do too!do too!

This word is in a This word is in a tense that tense that indicates they indicates they were already were already praying for Paul, praying for Paul, so he wanted so he wanted them to continue them to continue that noble and that noble and much appreciat-much appreciat-ed deed: ed deed: keep keep pray-ingpray-ing forfor usus isis thethe idea. Nowidea. Now thinkthink aboutabout this this request for a request for a second:second: if the if the inspired, mira-cle-inspired, mira-cle-working, apostle working, apostle Paul needed Paul needed prayer, surely we prayer, surely we do too!do too!

Pray for Pray for usus, for , for wewe are are confident that confident that we have a good we have a good conscience, in conscience, in all things all things desiring to live desiring to live honorably.honorably.

Since Paul Since Paul couldn’t very well couldn’t very well vouch for the vouch for the good conscience good conscience of others, and of others, and since in the next since in the next verse he applied verse he applied this to him-self, this to him-self, these pronouns these pronouns are are probablyprobably editori-al in editori-al in nature; i.e., using nature; i.e., using we instead of instead of I is is more pleasing more pleasing when one is when one is asking for asking for something of a something of a selfish nature.selfish nature.

Since Paul Since Paul couldn’t very well couldn’t very well vouch for the vouch for the good conscience good conscience of others, and of others, and since in the next since in the next verse he applied verse he applied this to him-self, this to him-self, these pronouns these pronouns are are probablyprobably editori-al in editori-al in nature; i.e., using nature; i.e., using we instead of instead of I is is more pleasing more pleasing when one is when one is asking for asking for something of a something of a selfish nature.selfish nature.

Pray for us, for Pray for us, for we are we are confident that confident that we have a we have a good good conscienceconscience, in , in all things all things desiring to desiring to live live honorablyhonorably..

Since the Since the good con-science phrase is phrase is modified by the modified by the living honorably phrase,phrase, Paul Paul seemed to be seemed to be saying that he saying that he was living his was living his entire life with entire life with only honor-able only honor-able motives, which motives, which included the included the writing of this writing of this letter with its letter with its many instructions many instructions and warnings. and warnings. So…So…

Since the Since the good con-science phrase is phrase is modified by the modified by the living honorably phrase,phrase, Paul Paul seemed to be seemed to be saying that he saying that he was living his was living his entire life with entire life with only honor-able only honor-able motives, which motives, which included the included the writing of this writing of this letter with its letter with its many instructions many instructions and warnings. and warnings. So…So…

……since he had no- since he had no- thing but their thing but their spirit-spiritual ual && eternal welfare in eternal welfare in mind, that should mind, that should motivate them to motivate them to want to continue want to continue praying for him. praying for him.

……since he had no- since he had no- thing but their thing but their spirit-spiritual ual && eternal welfare in eternal welfare in mind, that should mind, that should motivate them to motivate them to want to continue want to continue praying for him. praying for him.

An interesting thing to note here is An interesting thing to note here is that eventhat even afterafter allall thethe reprimandsreprimands andand warn-ings of this letter, Paul warn-ings of this letter, Paul demonstrated that they were still demonstrated that they were still … at this point … in covenant … at this point … in covenant relationship with God thru Jesus relationship with God thru Jesus Christ; otherwise, I doubt very Christ; otherwise, I doubt very much that Paul would have asked much that Paul would have asked for their prayers.for their prayers.

Isn’t it amazing what God puts up Isn’t it amazing what God puts up with?! This should make us feel with?! This should make us feel better about our relationship with better about our relationship with Him.Him.

But I especially But I especially urge you to do urge you to do this that I may this that I may be restored to be restored to you the sooner you the sooner (ASAP).(ASAP).


But I especially But I especially urge you to do urge you to do this this that I may that I may be restored to be restored to youyou the sooner the sooner..

As far as where As far as where Paul was at the Paul was at the time he time he wrotewrote toto thesethese brethren in brethren in JudeaJudea ( (probably in probably in Jerusalem itselfJerusalem itself), ), we’ll discuss we’ll discuss when we get to when we get to verse 24. Right. Right nownow wewe cancan be be assured of this: assured of this:

As far as where As far as where Paul was at the Paul was at the time he time he wrotewrote toto thesethese brethren in brethren in JudeaJudea ( (probably in probably in Jerusalem itselfJerusalem itself), ), we’ll discuss we’ll discuss when we get to when we get to verse 24. Right. Right nownow wewe cancan be be assured of this: assured of this:

But I especially But I especially urge you to do urge you to do this this that I may that I may be restored to be restored to youyou the sooner the sooner..

Paul had been Paul had been with these with these brethren at some brethren at some point in the past, point in the past, and he was and he was planning on planning on return-ing to visit return-ing to visit them soon; so them soon; so since this seemedsince this seemed toto bebe impor- impor- tant tant to him, he askedto him, he asked thatthat theythey specifically specifically remember to pray remember to pray for that plan to for that plan to see fruition. Yes… see fruition. Yes…

Paul had been Paul had been with these with these brethren at some brethren at some point in the past, point in the past, and he was and he was planning on planning on return-ing to visit return-ing to visit them soon; so them soon; so since this seemedsince this seemed toto bebe impor- impor- tant tant to him, he askedto him, he asked thatthat theythey specifically specifically remember to pray remember to pray for that plan to for that plan to see fruition. Yes… see fruition. Yes…

But But I especially I especially urge you to do urge you to do this that I may this that I may be restored to be restored to you the sooneryou the sooner..

He wanted their He wanted their prayers in prayers in general, but general, but ((probably due to probably due to their precarious, their precarious, spiri-tual spiri-tual circumstancescircumstances) he ) he especially wanted especially wanted them to pray that them to pray that his return trip his return trip might be might be expeditious.expeditious.

He wanted their He wanted their prayers in prayers in general, but general, but ((probably due to probably due to their precarious, their precarious, spiri-tual spiri-tual circumstancescircumstances) he ) he especially wanted especially wanted them to pray that them to pray that his return trip his return trip might be might be expeditious.expeditious.

But But I especially I especially urge you to do urge you to do this that I may this that I may be restored to be restored to you the sooneryou the sooner..

Why might not his Why might not his return to them be return to them be expeditious? Per-expeditious? Per-haps he was in haps he was in pri- pri- sonson inin Rome;Rome; oror may-maybe he was be he was in the middle of in the middle of something that he something that he didn’t feel he didn’t feel he could leave un-could leave un-finished; or finished; or maybe he just maybe he just desired to arrive desired to arrive without another without another ship wreck or ship wreck or similar delaying similar delaying mishap.mishap. Anyway…Anyway…

Why might not his Why might not his return to them be return to them be expeditious? Per-expeditious? Per-haps he was in haps he was in pri- pri- sonson inin Rome;Rome; oror may-maybe he was be he was in the middle of in the middle of something that he something that he didn’t feel he didn’t feel he could leave un-could leave un-finished; or finished; or maybe he just maybe he just desired to arrive desired to arrive without another without another ship wreck or ship wreck or similar delaying similar delaying mishap.mishap. Anyway…Anyway…

But I especially But I especially urge you to do urge you to do this that I may this that I may be restored to be restored to you the sooneryou the sooner..

What What isis very very appar-ent from appar-ent from these last few these last few verses is that verses is that thesethese brethrenbrethren

knew exactly who knew exactly who this writer was, this writer was, and they knewand they knew himhim well,well, obvi-obvi-ously recognizing ously recognizing him to be one him to be one with authority.with authority.

What What isis very very appar-ent from appar-ent from these last few these last few verses is that verses is that thesethese brethrenbrethren

knew exactly who knew exactly who this writer was, this writer was, and they knewand they knew himhim well,well, obvi-obvi-ously recognizing ously recognizing him to be one him to be one with authority.with authority.

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the dead, that the dead, that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…



Verses 20-21 are are obviously a obviously a prayer; so after prayer; so after Paul asked them Paul asked them to pray for him, to pray for him, he penned his he penned his own prayer for own prayer for them.them.

Verses 20-21 are are obviously a obviously a prayer; so after prayer; so after Paul asked them Paul asked them to pray for him, to pray for him, he penned his he penned his own prayer for own prayer for them.them.

May May the God of the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the deadthe dead, that , that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…

Since he called Since he called God God the God of peace in in connection with connection with His raising up of His raising up of His Son (His Son (the Prince of peace, , Isa. 9:6) ) from the dead from the dead ((Acts 2:24 & & Rom. 1:4), then he very ), then he very likely had likely had verti-verti-cal cal peace (peace (man’s man’s peace with Godpeace with God), ), not not horizontalhorizontal

peace (peace (man’s peace man’s peace with manwith man) in mind ) in mind here (here (cf. cf. Rom. 5:1).).

Since he called Since he called God God the God of peace in in connection with connection with His raising up of His raising up of His Son (His Son (the Prince of peace, , Isa. 9:6) ) from the dead from the dead ((Acts 2:24 & & Rom. 1:4), then he very ), then he very likely had likely had verti-verti-cal cal peace (peace (man’s man’s peace with Godpeace with God), ), not not horizontalhorizontal

peace (peace (man’s peace man’s peace with manwith man) in mind ) in mind here (here (cf. cf. Rom. 5:1).).

May May the God of the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the deadthe dead, that , that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…

As As Colossians 1:20 teaches, God teaches, God made it possible made it possible for man to be at for man to be at peace (peace (or in or in harmonyharmony) with God ) with God by virtue of the by virtue of the blood His Son blood His Son shed on a cross. shed on a cross. I.e…. I.e….

As As Colossians 1:20 teaches, God teaches, God made it possible made it possible for man to be at for man to be at peace (peace (or in or in harmonyharmony) with God ) with God by virtue of the by virtue of the blood His Son blood His Son shed on a cross. shed on a cross. I.e…. I.e….


Sin—that which Sin—that which se-parated man se-parated man from God (from God (Isa. 59:2)—is that )—is that which Jesus took which Jesus took upon Himself and upon Himself and died with (died with (Rom. 6:6), thereby mak-), thereby mak-ing it possible for ing it possible for any free-will any free-will indivi-dual to be indivi-dual to be reconcil-ed to his reconcil-ed to his Creator (Creator (Rom. 6:10-11).).

Sin—that which Sin—that which se-parated man se-parated man from God (from God (Isa. 59:2)—is that )—is that which Jesus took which Jesus took upon Himself and upon Himself and died with (died with (Rom. 6:6), thereby mak-), thereby mak-ing it possible for ing it possible for any free-will any free-will indivi-dual to be indivi-dual to be reconcil-ed to his reconcil-ed to his Creator (Creator (Rom. 6:10-11).).

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus Lord Jesus from from the deadthe dead, that , that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…

This phrase—This phrase—beingbeing pluralplural ——literallyliterally means means out from aout from among mong the dead onesthe dead ones;; in in fact, this phrase fact, this phrase is found 56 times is found 56 times in the NKJV of the in the NKJV of the New Testament, New Testament, and it means this and it means this every time. So… every time. So…

This phrase—This phrase—beingbeing pluralplural ——literallyliterally means means out from aout from among mong the dead onesthe dead ones;; in in fact, this phrase fact, this phrase is found 56 times is found 56 times in the NKJV of the in the NKJV of the New Testament, New Testament, and it means this and it means this every time. So… every time. So…


The exact idea The exact idea here isn’t that here isn’t that Jesus was raised Jesus was raised from the from the state of state of deathdeath, but that , but that He was raised up He was raised up from among dis-from among dis-embodied spiritsembodied spirits. . What spirits? The What spirits? The righteous ones in righteous ones in Paradise of Paradise of Hades.Hades.

The exact idea The exact idea here isn’t that here isn’t that Jesus was raised Jesus was raised from the from the state of state of deathdeath, but that , but that He was raised up He was raised up from among dis-from among dis-embodied spiritsembodied spirits. . What spirits? The What spirits? The righteous ones in righteous ones in Paradise of Paradise of Hades.Hades.This point is significant because it This point is significant because it demon-strates that Jesus’ spiritual, demon-strates that Jesus’ spiritual, not His physi-cal, resurrection was not His physi-cal, resurrection was the primary goal!the primary goal!

This point is significant because it This point is significant because it demon-strates that Jesus’ spiritual, demon-strates that Jesus’ spiritual, not His physi-cal, resurrection was not His physi-cal, resurrection was the primary goal!the primary goal!


Jesus Himself Jesus Himself spoke of going to spoke of going to Paradise after He after He died (died (Luke 23:43), ), and concern-ingand concern-ing

Christ’sChrist’s resurrec-resurrec-tion, Peter said tion, Peter said that His soul was

not left in Hades ((Acts 2:31).).

Jesus Himself Jesus Himself spoke of going to spoke of going to Paradise after He after He died (died (Luke 23:43), ), and concern-ingand concern-ing

Christ’sChrist’s resurrec-resurrec-tion, Peter said tion, Peter said that His soul was

not left in Hades ((Acts 2:31).).

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the dead, that the dead, that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheepof the sheep, , through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…

Even though in Even though in Eng-lish it looks Eng-lish it looks as tho this phrase as tho this phrase is con-nected to is con-nected to the God of peace, , in the Greek it’s in the Greek it’s clear that it clear that it modifies Jesus modifies Jesus who called who called Himself Himself the good Shepherd ((John 10:11-14), whose ), whose coming was coming was prophe-sied (prophe-sied (Eze. 34, et. al., et. al.). ). Furthermore… Furthermore…

Even though in Even though in Eng-lish it looks Eng-lish it looks as tho this phrase as tho this phrase is con-nected to is con-nected to the God of peace, , in the Greek it’s in the Greek it’s clear that it clear that it modifies Jesus modifies Jesus who called who called Himself Himself the good Shepherd ((John 10:11-14), whose ), whose coming was coming was prophe-sied (prophe-sied (Eze. 34, et. al., et. al.). ). Furthermore… Furthermore…

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the dead, that the dead, that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheepof the sheep, , through the through the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenant…covenant…

Peter not only Peter not only called Jesus called Jesus the Shepherd ( (1 Pet. 1:25), but also ), but also the Chief Shepherd ((1 Pet. 5:4).).

Peter not only Peter not only called Jesus called Jesus the Shepherd ( (1 Pet. 1:25), but also ), but also the Chief Shepherd ((1 Pet. 5:4).).

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the dead, that the dead, that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, through through the the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenantcovenant……

This phrase is in This phrase is in the locative case, the locative case, mean-ing that mean-ing that Jesus’ blood is Jesus’ blood is ((figuratively, of figuratively, of coursecourse) found ) found withwithinin ( (of = = inin) ) the ever-lasting

covenant as as opposed to the opposed to the temporarytemporary cove- cove-nant; i.e., His nant; i.e., His blood is found in blood is found in the New the New Covenant, not in Covenant, not in the old one.the old one.

This phrase is in This phrase is in the locative case, the locative case, mean-ing that mean-ing that Jesus’ blood is Jesus’ blood is ((figuratively, of figuratively, of coursecourse) found ) found withwithinin ( (of = = inin) ) the ever-lasting

covenant as as opposed to the opposed to the temporarytemporary cove- cove-nant; i.e., His nant; i.e., His blood is found in blood is found in the New the New Covenant, not in Covenant, not in the old one.the old one.

May the God of May the God of peacepeace whowho broughtbrought up our up our Lord Jesus from Lord Jesus from the dead, that the dead, that great Shep-herd great Shep-herd of the sheep, of the sheep, throughthrough the the blood of the blood of the everlasting everlasting covenantcovenant……

According to the According to the ori-ginal, this ori-ginal, this phrase is phrase is connected with connected with this versethis verse, not the , not the next, meaning next, meaning that Jesus was that Jesus was made the made the great Shepherd of the sheep by by shedding His shedding His blood for those blood for those sheep, sheep, correspond-ing correspond-ing perfectly with perfectly with Acts 20:28, which , which incidentally is incidentally is also the context also the context of shep-herding of shep-herding sheep.sheep.

According to the According to the ori-ginal, this ori-ginal, this phrase is phrase is connected with connected with this versethis verse, not the , not the next, meaning next, meaning that Jesus was that Jesus was made the made the great Shepherd of the sheep by by shedding His shedding His blood for those blood for those sheep, sheep, correspond-ing correspond-ing perfectly with perfectly with Acts 20:28, which , which incidentally is incidentally is also the context also the context of shep-herding of shep-herding sheep.sheep.

2020May the God of May the God of peace … peace … 2121make make you complete in you complete in everyevery goodgood workwork

toto do His will, do His will, work-ing in you work-ing in you what is well what is well pleasing in His pleasing in His sight, through sight, through Jesus Christ, to Jesus Christ, to whom be glory whom be glory forever and forever and ever. Amen. ever. Amen.


… … make you make you com- com- plete in plete in every goodevery good workwork to do His will, to do His will, working in you working in you what is well what is well pleasing in His pleasing in His sight, through sight, through Jesus Christ, to Jesus Christ, to whom be glory whom be glory forever and forever and ever. Amen. ever. Amen.

I think some other I think some other versions render versions render this more clearly this more clearly as as May God equip you with everything good to do His will (cf. (cf. ESV, NIV, RSV, et. ESV, NIV, RSV, et. al.). And through al.). And through what means what means would/could He do would/could He do this? Let us this? Let us remind ourselves remind ourselves of the context: of the context: He’d do this He’d do this through… through…

I think some other I think some other versions render versions render this more clearly this more clearly as as May God equip you with everything good to do His will (cf. (cf. ESV, NIV, RSV, et. ESV, NIV, RSV, et. al.). And through al.). And through what means what means would/could He do would/could He do this? Let us this? Let us remind ourselves remind ourselves of the context: of the context: He’d do this He’d do this through… through…

~~ His WordHis Word ((2 Tim. 3:16-17, cf., cf. Heb. 13:22)),,

~~ their prayerstheir prayers ((2 Cor. 13:9, cf. , cf. " 13:20f)),,

~~ theirtheir sufferingsuffering ( (1 Pet. 5:10, cf. , cf. "

12:5ff)),,

~~ spiritual membersspiritual members ((Gal. 6:1, cf., cf. " 12:12ff)),,

~~ their leaderstheir leaders ((Eph. 4:11-12, cf. , cf. " 13:17)). . And, with all that in mind… And, with all that in mind…

Let’s not forget that these brethren Let’s not forget that these brethren lived duringlived during miraculousmiraculous timestimes (cf. (cf. 1

Cor. 14)). So…. So…

Since these brethren were in need of Since these brethren were in need of ma-turity (ma-turity (5:11ff) which would aid ) which would aid them to be faithful through their them to be faithful through their difficulties, Paul prayed for that difficulties, Paul prayed for that here.here.

… … make you make you com- com- plete in plete in every goodevery good work work to do His will, to do His will, working in youworking in you what is well what is well pleasing in His pleasing in His sight, through sight, through Jesus ChristJesus Christ, to , to whom be glory whom be glory forever and forever and ever. Amen. ever. Amen.

This clause This clause indicates that, indicates that, apart from God & apart from God & His Son, man can-His Son, man can-not please His not please His Crea-tor; so, after Crea-tor; so, after having exhorted having exhorted them con-cerning them con-cerning what they needed what they needed to do, he then to do, he then asked for God to asked for God to help them where-help them where-in they were in they were lacking thelacking the ability. The word ability. The word working might be might be better as better as producing..

This clause This clause indicates that, indicates that, apart from God & apart from God & His Son, man can-His Son, man can-not please His not please His Crea-tor; so, after Crea-tor; so, after having exhorted having exhorted them con-cerning them con-cerning what they needed what they needed to do, he then to do, he then asked for God to asked for God to help them where-help them where-in they were in they were lacking thelacking the ability. The word ability. The word working might be might be better as better as producing..

As Paul wrote to the Philippian As Paul wrote to the Philippian Christi-ans, Christi-ans, it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure ( (2:13); but, on the ); but, on the

other hand, as the verse just other hand, as the verse just before this one indicates, God will before this one indicates, God will not do this apart from man’s free-not do this apart from man’s free-will: will: work out your own salvation ((2:12). I.e., God only helps those ). I.e., God only helps those who help themselves, doing for who help themselves, doing for

them what they cannot do alone. them what they cannot do alone. Furthermore…Furthermore…

Not only can man not please His Not only can man not please His Crea-tor apart from God and Crea-tor apart from God and

Christ, but this verse also indicates Christ, but this verse also indicates that God does not and cannot work that God does not and cannot work

on, in, by, with, thru, or for man on, in, by, with, thru, or for man apart from Jesus—the very One apart from Jesus—the very One many of those brethren had al-many of those brethren had al-

ready forsaken.ready forsaken.

… … make you make you com- com- plete in plete in every goodevery good work work to do His will, to do His will, working in you working in you what is well what is well pleasing in His pleasing in His sight, through sight, through Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, to to whom be glory whom be glory forever and forever and everever. Amen. . Amen.

This clause gram-This clause gram-matically applies matically applies to God the Father, to God the Father, but it may also but it may also apply to His Son, apply to His Son, of course (of course (cf. cf. 2 Pet. 3:18, et. al., et. al.).).

This clause gram-This clause gram-matically applies matically applies to God the Father, to God the Father, but it may also but it may also apply to His Son, apply to His Son, of course (of course (cf. cf. 2 Pet. 3:18, et. al., et. al.).).

I appeal to you, I appeal to you, brethren, bear brethren, bear with the word of with the word of exhortation, for exhortation, for I have written to I have written to youyou inin aa fewfew words.words.


W. E. Vine wrote in his dictionary W. E. Vine wrote in his dictionary that the verb form of the original that the verb form of the original term for term for exhortation here means here means to to urge one to pursue some course of urge one to pursue some course of conductconduct; so it’s a strong term, ; so it’s a strong term, related, in fact, to the term related, in fact, to the term translated translated appeal in this verse in this verse when Paul said, when Paul said, I appeal to you!!

Our English word Our English word exhortationexhortation is is from the Latin word from the Latin word hortatoriushortatorius which refers to which refers to that which incites that which incites or provokes some-one to behave in or provokes some-one to behave in a desired mannera desired manner.. So interestingly… So interestingly…

While we today (While we today (due to our ignorance due to our ignorance of Jewish thinking, etc.of Jewish thinking, etc.) may ) may

primarily think of this letter in primarily think of this letter in nature as nature as didacticdidactic ( (infor-mative or infor-mative or instructiveinstructive), Paul, by calling it his ), Paul, by calling it his word of exhortation toto themthem inin

theirtheir timetime, , indicatedindicated that he that he regarded it in nature as regarded it in nature as hortativehortative——something meant to provoke them something meant to provoke them

to remain faithful to their to remain faithful to their confession of Jesus as the Christ confession of Jesus as the Christ

((cf. cf. 4:14 & & 10:23).).

Another one of the numerous Another one of the numerous reasons I believe that Paul wrote reasons I believe that Paul wrote Hebrews is be-cause he used this Hebrews is be-cause he used this exact same phrase inexact same phrase in thethe onlyonly

otherother placeplace it’sit’s found:found: inin Acts 13:15 he used it to speak of a hortatory he used it to speak of a hortatory speech.speech.

Much like a hortatory speech, Much like a hortatory speech, Hebrews is a letter that could’ve Hebrews is a letter that could’ve been a mere hour-long hortatory been a mere hour-long hortatory sermon. Actually…sermon. Actually…

If Paul meant for this letter to be If Paul meant for this letter to be didactic in nature, it probably didactic in nature, it probably would’ve been much longer when would’ve been much longer when one takes into account the one takes into account the weightiness of the subject-matter: weightiness of the subject-matter: con-cerning just one topic, for con-cerning just one topic, for example, in example, in 9:5 he made the he made the statement that statement that of these things we cannot now speak in detail..

This, I believe, is why this letter This, I believe, is why this letter ((longer than most of hislonger than most of his) was thought of ) was thought of by Paul to be a short one (by Paul to be a short one (one of one of few words). I.e….). I.e….

It was considered short because it It was considered short because it only only touchedtouched on very deep OT topics on very deep OT topics ((topics they already knew something topics they already knew something aboutabout) merely in order to exhort them ) merely in order to exhort them to persevere.to persevere.

I appeal to you, I appeal to you, brethren, brethren, bear bear withwith the word of the word of exhortation, for exhortation, for I have written to I have written to youyou inin aa fewfew words.words.

This phrase was a This phrase was a kindkind wayway ofof

charging them to charging them to simply do what he simply do what he asked of themasked of them;; inin

factfact,, thethe ex-act ex-act opposite phrase is opposite phrase is found where Paul found where Paul wrote of those wrote of those who who would not bear withbear with sound teaching((2 Tim. 4:3).).

This phrase was a This phrase was a kindkind wayway ofof

charging them to charging them to simply do what he simply do what he asked of themasked of them;; inin

factfact,, thethe ex-act ex-act opposite phrase is opposite phrase is found where Paul found where Paul wrote of those wrote of those who who would not bear withbear with sound teaching((2 Tim. 4:3).).

I appeal to you, I appeal to you, brethren, bear brethren, bear with the word of with the word of exhortation, for exhortation, for I have writtenI have written to to youyou inin aa fewfew words.words.

This clause is This clause is from the termfrom the term

epistelloepistello , the , the verb form of verb form of epistoleepistole from from which we get our which we get our word “epistle” (word “epistle” (a a letterletter).).

You know… You know…

This clause is This clause is from the termfrom the term

epistelloepistello , the , the verb form of verb form of epistoleepistole from from which we get our which we get our word “epistle” (word “epistle” (a a letterletter).).

You know… You know…

It used to be said that there have It used to be said that there have been people who thought that been people who thought that epistles were wives of apostles. epistles were wives of apostles. Now although…Now although…

We know that epistles aren’t We know that epistles aren’t people & therefore can’t be related people & therefore can’t be related to human be-ings in such a to human be-ings in such a fashion, yet the words fashion, yet the words epistle and and apostle are related in the sense are related in the sense that they both carry the idea of that they both carry the idea of something or someone something or someone sentsent. I.e….. I.e….

An An epistle was a was a letterletter that had that had been sent from one party to been sent from one party to another, while an another, while an apostle was a was a personperson who was sent from one who was sent from one party to another.party to another.

Know that our Know that our brother Timothy brother Timothy has been set has been set free, with whom free, with whom I shall see you if I shall see you if he comes he comes shortly.shortly.


Know that our Know that our brother Timothy brother Timothy has been set has been set freefree, with whom , with whom I shall see you if I shall see you if he comes he comes shortly.shortly.

Since this phrase Since this phrase comes from a comes from a term that can term that can refer to a refer to a release release from prisonfrom prison as as well as to well as to being being sent away on a sent away on a mis-sionmis-sion, it’s , it’s impossible to be impossible to be dogmatic as to its dogmatic as to its meaning here.meaning here.

Since this phrase Since this phrase comes from a comes from a term that can term that can refer to a refer to a release release from prisonfrom prison as as well as to well as to being being sent away on a sent away on a mis-sionmis-sion, it’s , it’s impossible to be impossible to be dogmatic as to its dogmatic as to its meaning here.meaning here.

Since Timothy was probably Paul’s Since Timothy was probably Paul’s closest companion, it certainly closest companion, it certainly isn’t a stretch to believe that he isn’t a stretch to believe that he spent some time in prison just as spent some time in prison just as Paul did. But…Paul did. But…

It’s also believed that it was at this It’s also believed that it was at this time when Paul sent Timothy on a time when Paul sent Timothy on a mission to Macedonia to discover mission to Macedonia to discover how the brethren there were how the brethren there were getting along (getting along (Php. 2:19-24). ). Personally… Personally…

For the reasons presented by A. For the reasons presented by A. Barnes (Barnes (which I’ll not repeat herewhich I’ll not repeat here), I ), I believe that Paul had reference to believe that Paul had reference to this journey from which Timothy this journey from which Timothy would soon return. Either way, would soon return. Either way, however…however…

Paul’s point is clear: his plans were Paul’s point is clear: his plans were to revisit these Hebrew brethren to revisit these Hebrew brethren as soon as he and Timothy met up as soon as he and Timothy met up once again.once again.

Greet all those Greet all those who rule over who rule over you and all the you and all the saints. Those saints. Those from Italy greet from Italy greet you.you.


GreetGreet all those all those who rule over who rule over you and all the you and all the saints. Those saints. Those from Italy from Italy greetgreet you.you.

This term (This term (like the like the Hawaiian word Hawaiian word AlohaAloha) could be ) could be used to say (used to say (in our in our American ver-American ver-nacularnacular) ) HelloHello when meeting, or when meeting, or Good-byeGood-bye when when parting; it meant parting; it meant I I hope you’re doinghope you’re doing wellwell,, or or I hope you I hope you dodo or or farefare -well-well..

This term (This term (like the like the Hawaiian word Hawaiian word AlohaAloha) could be ) could be used to say (used to say (in our in our American ver-American ver-nacularnacular) ) HelloHello when meeting, or when meeting, or Good-byeGood-bye when when parting; it meant parting; it meant I I hope you’re doinghope you’re doing wellwell,, or or I hope you I hope you dodo or or farefare -well-well..

Greet all those Greet all those who rule over who rule over you and all the you and all the saints. saints. Those Those from Italy greet from Italy greet youyou..

Unless someone Unless someone is trying to prove is trying to prove that Paul wasn’t that Paul wasn’t in Italy (in Italy (RomeRome) ) when he wrote when he wrote Hebrews, this Hebrews, this sentence would sentence would be taken in its be taken in its usualusual manner: i.e. manner: i.e. he was writing he was writing from Italy, and from Italy, and thosethose from Italy from Italy wished their wished their HebrewHebrew brethren brethren well. See…well. See…

Unless someone Unless someone is trying to prove is trying to prove that Paul wasn’t that Paul wasn’t in Italy (in Italy (RomeRome) ) when he wrote when he wrote Hebrews, this Hebrews, this sentence would sentence would be taken in its be taken in its usualusual manner: i.e. manner: i.e. he was writing he was writing from Italy, and from Italy, and thosethose from Italy from Italy wished their wished their HebrewHebrew brethren brethren well. See…well. See…

some hold that some hold that Paul merely had Paul merely had some Italian some Italian brethren with him brethren with him when he wrote when he wrote this letter. So… this letter. So…

some hold that some hold that Paul merely had Paul merely had some Italian some Italian brethren with him brethren with him when he wrote when he wrote this letter. So… this letter. So…

Greet all those Greet all those who rule over who rule over you and all the you and all the saints. Those saints. Those fromfrom Italy greet Italy greet you.you.

Perhaps in order Perhaps in order to alleviate a to alleviate a problem some problem some have with the have with the word word from here, here, some versions some versions read, read, Those ofof Italy greet you. . By the way, the By the way, the samesame GreekGreek termterm for for from here is here is found in found in Acts 17:13 where Paul where Paul referred toreferred to men men fromfrom Thessalonica Thessalonica even tho they even tho they were still were still inin Thessalonica.Thessalonica.

Perhaps in order Perhaps in order to alleviate a to alleviate a problem some problem some have with the have with the word word from here, here, some versions some versions read, read, Those ofof Italy greet you. . By the way, the By the way, the samesame GreekGreek termterm for for from here is here is found in found in Acts 17:13 where Paul where Paul referred toreferred to men men fromfrom Thessalonica Thessalonica even tho they even tho they were still were still inin Thessalonica.Thessalonica.

This means that, This means that, just as in our just as in our vernacular today,vernacular today, thethe wordword from in in such a case can re-such a case can refer to people who fer to people who areare inin the place the place that theythat they are are fromfrom. Besides…. Besides…

This means that, This means that, just as in our just as in our vernacular today,vernacular today, thethe wordword from in in such a case can re-such a case can refer to people who fer to people who areare inin the place the place that theythat they are are fromfrom. Besides…. Besides…

Greet all those Greet all those who rule over who rule over you and all the you and all the saints. Those saints. Those fromfrom Italy greet Italy greet you.you.

Usually when Paul Usually when Paul meant to refer to meant to refer to thosethose whowho werewere

with him in his with him in his travels (travels (as opposed as opposed to those he was to those he was working with in a working with in a given locationgiven location), he ), he would say some-would say some-thing like, thing like, All who are with me greet you ( (Titus 3:15, cf. , cf. Php. 4:21, & , & Gal. 1:2).).

Usually when Paul Usually when Paul meant to refer to meant to refer to thosethose whowho werewere

with him in his with him in his travels (travels (as opposed as opposed to those he was to those he was working with in a working with in a given locationgiven location), he ), he would say some-would say some-thing like, thing like, All who are with me greet you ( (Titus 3:15, cf. , cf. Php. 4:21, & , & Gal. 1:2).).

Grace be with Grace be with you all. Amen.you all. Amen.HebrewHebrew

s s 13:25 13:25

GraceGrace be with be with you all. Amen.you all. Amen.

This original term This original term is theis the GreekGreek termterm

from which we from which we get our word get our word charitycharity, having , having reference to reference to thethe favorfavor that one that one party bestows on party bestows on anotheranother..

This original term This original term is theis the GreekGreek termterm

from which we from which we get our word get our word charitycharity, having , having reference to reference to thethe favorfavor that one that one party bestows on party bestows on anotheranother..

GraceGrace be with be with you all. Amen.you all. Amen.

In the original it In the original it reads reads the grace, , in-dicating grace in-dicating grace from a particular from a particular source, that source, that source, of course, source, of course, being God; Paul being God; Paul was therefore was therefore recording another recording another prayer of his for prayer of his for them, viz. his them, viz. his prayer prayer that God that God would showwould show favor favor to them in the to them in the difficult times difficult times they were and they were and would be would be experiencing.experiencing.

In the original it In the original it reads reads the grace, , in-dicating grace in-dicating grace from a particular from a particular source, that source, that source, of course, source, of course, being God; Paul being God; Paul was therefore was therefore recording another recording another prayer of his for prayer of his for them, viz. his them, viz. his prayer prayer that God that God would showwould show favor favor to them in the to them in the difficult times difficult times they were and they were and would be would be experiencing.experiencing.

Grace be with Grace be with you all. you all. AmenAmen..

This word is a This word is a trans-literation trans-literation and means and means certaincertain or or truetrue ( (cf. cf. every time Jesus every time Jesus said said truly); it); it confirmsconfirms something said. something said. So by using this So by using this word here, Paul word here, Paul ((and any-one who and any-one who uses it and knows uses it and knows what it meanswhat it means) was ) was signifying his signifying his sinceritysincerity in what in what he desired of God. he desired of God. Inci-dentally… Inci-dentally…

This word is a This word is a trans-literation trans-literation and means and means certaincertain or or truetrue ( (cf. cf. every time Jesus every time Jesus said said truly); it); it confirmsconfirms something said. something said. So by using this So by using this word here, Paul word here, Paul ((and any-one who and any-one who uses it and knows uses it and knows what it meanswhat it means) was ) was signifying his signifying his sinceritysincerity in what in what he desired of God. he desired of God. Inci-dentally… Inci-dentally…

Grace be with Grace be with you all. Amen.you all. Amen.

This was Paul’s This was Paul’s cus-tomary way of cus-tomary way of sign-ing off; this sign-ing off; this was, per se, was, per se, his his signaturesignature ((Rom. 16:20, , 1 Cor. 16:23, , 2 Cor. 13:14, , Gal. 6:18, , Eph. 6:24, , Php. 4:23, , Col. 4:18,,1 The. 4:28, , 2 The. 3: 18, , 1 Tim. 6:20, , 2 Tim. 4:22, , Phl. 25, & , & espe-cially espe-cially Titus 3:15).).

This was Paul’s This was Paul’s cus-tomary way of cus-tomary way of sign-ing off; this sign-ing off; this was, per se, was, per se, his his signaturesignature ((Rom. 16:20, , 1 Cor. 16:23, , 2 Cor. 13:14, , Gal. 6:18, , Eph. 6:24, , Php. 4:23, , Col. 4:18,,1 The. 4:28, , 2 The. 3: 18, , 1 Tim. 6:20, , 2 Tim. 4:22, , Phl. 25, & , & espe-cially espe-cially Titus 3:15).).

With so many evi-With so many evi-dences of Paul’s dences of Paul’s authorship authorship through-out this through-out this letter, it’s letter, it’s amazing that amazing that anyone would anyone would doubt that he doubt that he wrote it! Well…wrote it! Well…

Let’s summarize Let’s summarize this great book: this great book:

With so many evi-With so many evi-dences of Paul’s dences of Paul’s authorship authorship through-out this through-out this letter, it’s letter, it’s amazing that amazing that anyone would anyone would doubt that he doubt that he wrote it! Well…wrote it! Well…

Let’s summarize Let’s summarize this great book: this great book:

Hebrews was written by the was written by the apostle apostle PaulPaul toto JewsJews whowho hadhad

becomebecome Christians.Christians. Because Because theythey hadhad accepted Jesus as the Christ accepted Jesus as the Christ ((the One most Jews rejected as the the One most Jews rejected as the prophesied Messiahprophesied Messiah), they were ), they were

being fiercely persecuted in order being fiercely persecuted in order to cause them to renounce Jesus & to cause them to renounce Jesus & Christianity and return to Moses & Christianity and return to Moses &

Judaism. So in Judaism. So in order to motivate order to motivate them to remain stead-them to remain stead- fast in their fast in their profession of Jesus as the Christ, profession of Jesus as the Christ, Paul demonstrated that Jesus was Paul demonstrated that Jesus was

indeed the prophesied Messiah indeed the prophesied Messiah and that He & His way were and that He & His way were

therefore much superior to Moses.therefore much superior to Moses.

Paul’sPaul’s motivationsmotivations includedincluded 77 warningswarnings: :

1. against against neglectneglect ( (2:1-4),),

2. against against unbeliefunbelief ( (3:7-9),),

3. against against carelessnesscarelessness ( (4:1-13),),

4. against against immaturityimmaturity ( (5:11—6:20),),

5. against against willful sinwillful sin ( (10:26-31),),

6. against against desertiondesertion ( (12:14-17), ), and…and…

7.7. against against rejectionrejection ( (12:18-29). ). But… But…

HisHis motivations also includedmotivations also included 77 blessingsblessings inin connectionconnection withwith thethe very-soon-to-come (very-soon-to-come (mellomello), ), promised kingdom age: promised kingdom age:

1. of of salvationsalvation ( (1:14),),

2. of of reigningreigning ( (2:5),),

3. of of more powermore power to convertto convert ( (6:5),),

4. of of good thingsgood things ( (9:11 & 10:1),),

5. of of less persecutionless persecution ( (10:27),),

6. of of fulfilled promisesfulfilled promises ( (10:36-37), ), and…and…

7.7. of of a spiritual anda spiritual and eternal cityeternal city ((13:14)!)!

So… So…

Of all the first century Of all the first century Christi-ans who needed to Christi-ans who needed to pray the pray the MATTHEW 6:9-13

prayer,prayer, these brethren these brethren needed to pray it: needed to pray it: FATHER … YOUR KINGDOM COME. YOUR WILL BE DONE ON

EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN … FOR YOURS IS THE KING-DOM AND THE POWER AND

THE GLORY FOREVER. AMEN..

A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews

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