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

In our last installment, we began In our last installment, we began study-ing study-ing The Hall of FaithThe Hall of Faith——

Hebrews 11—wherein (—wherein (according to according to 12:1-2) Paul pic-tured his Jewish-) Paul pic-tured his Jewish-Christian readers as runners in a Christian readers as runners in a

race within the confines of a race within the confines of a coliseum; and within the stadium coliseum; and within the stadium

seats were all the faithful who had seats were all the faithful who had run the race before them, cheering run the race before them, cheering

them on to victory. Here’s the them on to victory. Here’s the picture I see: picture I see:

I see all the faithful from Abel (I see all the faithful from Abel (11:4) ) to the fulfillment of the promise to the fulfillment of the promise ((11:39-40) as one team running ) as one team running

against sin, as it were, but against sin, as it were, but somewhat like a relay race; so, somewhat like a relay race; so,

since the brethren Paul was writing since the brethren Paul was writing to were on the verge of reaching to were on the verge of reaching the long-awaitedthe long-awaited endend ofof this race,this race, theythey were winning for all who had were winning for all who had gone before them. When we look gone before them. When we look

at it this way… at it this way…

We can see all the more how We can see all the more how tremen-dously important it was tremen-dously important it was that these brethren keep pushing that these brethren keep pushing on—it wasn’t just for their salvation on—it wasn’t just for their salvation as individuals that they were as individuals that they were running, but, in a sense, it was for running, but, in a sense, it was for each and every child of God before each and every child of God before them … them … andand after them! So… after them! So…

After having begun with Abel, After having begun with Abel, Enoch, and Noah in Enoch, and Noah in verses 4-7, let’s , let’s continue our study with Abraham in continue our study with Abraham in 11:8: :

By faith By faith Abraham Abraham obeyed when he obeyed when he was called to go was called to go out to the place out to the place which he would which he would afterward afterward receive as an receive as an inheritance. And inheritance. And he went out, he went out, notnot

knowingknowing wherewhere he was going. he was going.

HebrewHebrews s 11:8 11:8

By faith By faith Abraham Abraham obeyed when he obeyed when he was calledwas called to go to go out to the place out to the place which he would which he would afterward afterward receive as an receive as an inheritance. And inheritance. And he went out, he went out, notnot


This actually This actually means means while he was being called, by faith he obeyed; i.e., ; i.e., Abra-ham was Abra-ham was pictured here as pictured here as packing up even packing up even as God spoke as God spoke ((Gen. 12:1-4). ).

This actually This actually means means while he was being called, by faith he obeyed; i.e., ; i.e., Abra-ham was Abra-ham was pictured here as pictured here as packing up even packing up even as God spoke as God spoke ((Gen. 12:1-4). ).

By faith By faith Abraham Abraham obeyed when he obeyed when he was called to go was called to go out to out to the place the place which he would which he would afterward afterward receive as an receive as an inheritanceinheritance. And . And he went out, he went out, notnot


This phrase is This phrase is very important very important here be-cause it here be-cause it keeps our minds keeps our minds focused on the focused on the idea of the pro-idea of the pro-mise (mise (brought up in brought up in 10:36) and how ) and how that God has that God has always kept His always kept His promises and promises and blessed blessed (rewarded) those(rewarded) those whowho persevere persevere ((11:1 & & 6).).

This phrase is This phrase is very important very important here be-cause it here be-cause it keeps our minds keeps our minds focused on the focused on the idea of the pro-idea of the pro-mise (mise (brought up in brought up in 10:36) and how ) and how that God has that God has always kept His always kept His promises and promises and blessed blessed (rewarded) those(rewarded) those whowho persevere persevere ((11:1 & & 6).).


knowingknowing wherewhere he was goinghe was going. .

This is actually This is actually the most the most important part of important part of this verse. See, this verse. See, Abe had no idea Abe had no idea where he was where he was head-ed or why head-ed or why God was putting God was putting him through this him through this ((v. 9), especially ), especially at his ripe age of at his ripe age of 75; he just had 75; he just had faith in God and faith in God and His pro-mises and His pro-mises and obeyed.obeyed.

Likewise… Likewise…

This is actually This is actually the most the most important part of important part of this verse. See, this verse. See, Abe had no idea Abe had no idea where he was where he was head-ed or why head-ed or why God was putting God was putting him through this him through this ((v. 9), especially ), especially at his ripe age of at his ripe age of 75; he just had 75; he just had faith in God and faith in God and His pro-mises and His pro-mises and obeyed.obeyed.

Likewise… Likewise…


knowingknowing wherewhere he was goinghe was going. .

These brethren These brethren who claimed and who claimed and highly honored highly honored Abraham should Abraham should imitate him: they imitate him: they may not under-may not under-stand exactly stand exactly where they were where they were headed at headed at thisthis pointpoint or whyor why GodGod was putting them was putting them through this, but through this, but they should have they should have faith in Him and faith in Him and His promises, His promises, remaining faithful remaining faithful to the end.to the end.

These brethren These brethren who claimed and who claimed and highly honored highly honored Abraham should Abraham should imitate him: they imitate him: they may not under-may not under-stand exactly stand exactly where they were where they were headed at headed at thisthis pointpoint or whyor why GodGod was putting them was putting them through this, but through this, but they should have they should have faith in Him and faith in Him and His promises, His promises, remaining faithful remaining faithful to the end.to the end.

By faith he By faith he sojourn-sojourn- ed ed (lived) in the (lived) in the land of promise land of promise as as inin aa foreign foreign country,country, dwelling dwelling in tents with in tents with Isaac & Jacob, Isaac & Jacob, the heirs with the heirs with him of the same him of the same pro-mise; for he pro-mise; for he waited for the waited for the city which has city which has foundations, foundations, whose builder whose builder and maker is and maker is God.God.

HebrewHebrews s 11:9-10 11:9-10

By faith he By faith he sojourn-sojourn- ed ed (lived) (lived) in the in the land of promiseland of promise as as inin aa foreign foreign country,country, dwelling dwelling in tentsin tents with with Isaac & Jacob, Isaac & Jacob, the heirs with the heirs with him of the same him of the same pro-mise; for he pro-mise; for he waited for the waited for the city which has city which has foundations, foundations, whose builder whose builder and maker is and maker is God.God.

Although Although Abraham had Abraham had arrived and was arrived and was in the land of promise, his , his family lived family lived there simply as there simply as strangers & pil-grims ((v. 13),),

dwell-ing in tents. But why? . But why? Well, there are Well, there are two reasons: two reasons:

Although Although Abraham had Abraham had arrived and was arrived and was in the land of promise, his , his family lived family lived there simply as there simply as strangers & pil-grims ((v. 13),),

dwell-ing in tents. But why? . But why? Well, there are Well, there are two reasons: two reasons:

1. Physically speakingPhysically speaking, the promise , the promise wouldn’t be literally fulfilled to wouldn’t be literally fulfilled to Abra-Abra- ham, Isaac, and Jacob ( ham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. cf. Acts 7:5a), ), but to but to their descendantstheir descendants ((Gen.

22:17b); ); i.e., they had to wait until the i.e., they had to wait until the sins of sins of the Amorites had reached their the Amorites had reached their limit limit with God ( with God (Gen. 15:13-16) before ) before God God would take the land from them would take the land from them and and give it to Abraham’s descendants give it to Abraham’s descendants

( (cf. cf. Jsh. 21:43-45). And… ). And…

2. Spiritually speakingSpiritually speaking, it’s pretty , it’s pretty obvi-obvi- ous that one reason God had ous that one reason God had them them enter the land prematurely was enter the land prematurely was to to provide another example & to provide another example & to create create another shadow to encourage another shadow to encourage those those of Paul’s day; i.e., Abraham of Paul’s day; i.e., Abraham exempli-exempli- fied the faith they needed, and fied the faith they needed, and his life his life of trials and inconveniences of trials and inconveniences pictured pictured what they were having to endure what they were having to endure

while they likewise waited on while they likewise waited on God.God.

By faith he By faith he sojourn-sojourn- ed ed (lived) in the (lived) in the land of promise land of promise as as inin aa foreign foreign country,country, dwelling dwelling in tents with in tents with Isaac & Jacob, Isaac & Jacob, the heirs with the heirs with him of the same him of the same pro-mise; for he pro-mise; for he waited for waited for the the citycity which has which has foundations, foundations, whose builder whose builder and maker is and maker is GodGod..

This literally This literally means means the city whose ar-chitect & builder is God. . This is an un-This is an un-mistakable refer-mistakable refer-ence to that ence to that about which he about which he had beenhad been writing writing all along—the all along—the coming king-dom coming king-dom & all its bless-& all its bless-ings, something ings, something he discussed he discussed more in the next more in the next chapter.chapter.

This literally This literally means means the city whose ar-chitect & builder is God. . This is an un-This is an un-mistakable refer-mistakable refer-ence to that ence to that about which he about which he had beenhad been writing writing all along—the all along—the coming king-dom coming king-dom & all its bless-& all its bless-ings, something ings, something he discussed he discussed more in the next more in the next chapter.chapter.

In In 9:11 and and 10:1 Paul spoke of all Paul spoke of all this as this as the good things (about) to come..

In In 6:5 he wrote of he wrote of the age (about) to come. Similarly…. Similarly…

In In 2:5 he wrote of he wrote of the world (about) to come. Whereas…. Whereas…

In In 13:14 he wrote of the he wrote of the city …

(about) to come. And…. And…

In In 12:28 he simply called it he simply called it a kingdom..

Here are a few alternates: Here are a few alternates:

In In 11:14 he called it he called it a homeland..

In In 11:16 he called it he called it a heavenly country..

In In 12:22 he called it he called it the city of the liv-ing God and and the heavenly Jerusalem..

In In 12:23 he called it he called it the general assem-bly and and the church of the firstborn. And corresponding more . And corresponding more to to 11:10……

In In 8:2 he called it he called it the true tabernacle that the Lord erected, not man. And…. And…

In In 9:11 he called it the he called it the perfect taber-nacle not made with hands . . So… So…

Although we have no clear record Although we have no clear record of it, Abraham was obviously made of it, Abraham was obviously made aware of this coming kingdom, a aware of this coming kingdom, a kingdom that was on the verge of kingdom that was on the verge of

being completed at the time being completed at the time Hebrews was written (Hebrews was written (cf. cf. mellomello in the in the

first 4 references abovefirst 4 references above); and when ); and when the fullness of the kingdom arrived, the fullness of the kingdom arrived,

then the spiritual side of the then the spiritual side of the promises to Abe were finally and promises to Abe were finally and totally fulfilled (totally fulfilled (cf. cf. Gal. 3:7-9 & & 13-

14).).

ByBy faithfaith SarahSarah

her-self also her-self also received received strength to con-strength to con-ceive seed, and ceive seed, and she bore a child she bore a child when she was when she was past age, past age, because she because she judged Him judged Him faithful who had faithful who had promised.promised.



her-self also her-self also received received strength to con-strength to con-ceive seedceive seed, and , and she bore a child she bore a child when she was when she was past age, past age, because she because she judged Him judged Him faithful who had faithful who had promised.promised.

Although it Although it doesn’t sounddoesn’t sound likelike itit thethe way it reads way it reads here, I be-lievehere, I be-lieve the the faith of this of this verse still has verse still has refer-ence to refer-ence to the faith of Abraham notnot Sarah. Sarah. {There {There are six reasons for are six reasons for this listed in the this listed in the Power PointPower Point

program notation program notation field below.}field below.}

However…However…

Although it Although it doesn’t sounddoesn’t sound likelike itit thethe way it reads way it reads here, I be-lievehere, I be-lieve the the faith of this of this verse still has verse still has refer-ence to refer-ence to the faith of Abraham notnot Sarah. Sarah. {There {There are six reasons for are six reasons for this listed in the this listed in the Power PointPower Point

program notation program notation field below.}field below.}

However…However…


her-self also her-self also received received strength to con-strength to con-ceive seed, and ceive seed, and she bore a child she bore a child when she was when she was past age, past age, because she because she judged Him judged Him faithful who had faithful who had promisedpromised..

Either way this is Either way this is in-terpreted, the in-terpreted, the main point main point remains the remains the same:same: Paul’s Paul’s readers readers neededneeded toto bebe likelike AbeAbe and/or and/or Sarah and Sarah and judge Him faithful who promised! As with! As with Sarah,Sarah, theythey just just needed to needed to surrender to surrender to God’s timing (God’s timing (the the same thing that the same thing that the folks of folks of 2 Pet. 3:4 & 9 needed to do needed to do).).

Either way this is Either way this is in-terpreted, the in-terpreted, the main point main point remains the remains the same:same: Paul’s Paul’s readers readers neededneeded toto bebe likelike AbeAbe and/or and/or Sarah and Sarah and judge Him faithful who promised! As with! As with Sarah,Sarah, theythey just just needed to needed to surrender to surrender to God’s timing (God’s timing (the the same thing that the same thing that the folks of folks of 2 Pet. 3:4 & 9 needed to do needed to do).).

Therefore from Therefore from one man, and one man, and him as good as him as good as dead, were born dead, were born as many as the as many as the stars of the sky stars of the sky in mul-titude—in mul-titude—innumer-able as innumer-able as the sand which the sand which is by the is by the seashore.seashore.


Therefore from Therefore from one man, and one man, and him as good as him as good as deaddead, were born , were born as many as the as many as the stars of the sky stars of the sky in mul-titude—in mul-titude—innumer-able as innumer-able as the sand which the sand which is by the is by the seashore.seashore.

According to the According to the literal language, literal language, there’s indeed there’s indeed very little doubt very little doubt that this phrase that this phrase refers to refers to Abraham’s repro-Abraham’s repro-ductive abilities ductive abilities as being … shall as being … shall we say … we say … unresponsive. unresponsive. In fact… In fact…

According to the According to the literal language, literal language, there’s indeed there’s indeed very little doubt very little doubt that this phrase that this phrase refers to refers to Abraham’s repro-Abraham’s repro-ductive abilities ductive abilities as being … shall as being … shall we say … we say … unresponsive. unresponsive. In fact… In fact…

Therefore from Therefore from one man, and one man, and him as good as him as good as deaddead, were born , were born as many as the as many as the stars of the sky stars of the sky in mul-titude—in mul-titude—innumer-able as innumer-able as the sand which the sand which is by the is by the seashore.seashore.

InIn Romans 4:19

Paul said that Paul said that Abe, Abe, not being weak in faith, didn’t [stop to] con-sider his own body, [though it was] al-ready dead (since he was about 100 years old)..** So… So…

InIn Romans 4:19

Paul said that Paul said that Abe, Abe, not being weak in faith, didn’t [stop to] con-sider his own body, [though it was] al-ready dead (since he was about 100 years old)..** So… So… *For an explanation on Abe’s “apparent” children later by Keturah,*For an explanation on Abe’s “apparent” children later by Keturah,

consult commentaries by James Burton Coffman or James consult commentaries by James Burton Coffman or James MacKnight.MacKnight.

By means of an impotent man, By means of an impotent man, God miraculously brought forth God miraculously brought forth

an innumerable people—the an innumerable people—the Israelite nation. So…Israelite nation. So…

SinceSince IsaacIsaac ((as Adamas Adam)) waswas

supernatural, then, in a sense, all supernatural, then, in a sense, all the Israelite nation wasthe Israelite nation was

supernaturalsupernatural and thusand thus aa specialspecial peo-ple who brought forth another peo-ple who brought forth another super-natural person—Jesus. super-natural person—Jesus. Coincidentally…Coincidentally…

Just as the miracle baby, Isaac, Just as the miracle baby, Isaac, brought Israel into God’s favor, so brought Israel into God’s favor, so the miracle baby, Jesus, removed the miracle baby, Jesus, removed them from God’s favor, replacing them from God’s favor, replacing them with the melting pot nation of them with the melting pot nation of spiritual Israel. So…spiritual Israel. So…

The strength of faith in the case The strength of faith in the case of Abraham was that there was of Abraham was that there was simple confidence in God in the simple confidence in God in the fulfillment of a promise where fulfillment of a promise where all human probabilities were all human probabilities were

against it.against it.

These all died in These all died in faith, not having faith, not having received the received the pro-mises, but pro-mises, but having seen having seen them afar off them afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embraced them, embraced them, and confes-sedand confes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earth.earth.


These all died in These all died in faithfaith, not having , not having received the received the pro-mises, but pro-mises, but having seen having seen them afar off them afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embraced them, embraced them, and confes-sedand confes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earth.earth.

This means these This means these men not only men not only livedlived by or in by or in faith, but they faith, but they also also dieddied in it! in it!

This means these This means these men not only men not only livedlived by or in by or in faith, but they faith, but they also also dieddied in it! in it!

These all died in These all died in faith, not having faith, not having received received the the pro-misespro-mises, but , but having seen having seen them afar off them afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embraced them, embraced them, and confes-sedand confes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earth.earth.

This actually This actually refers to refers to the the thingsthings pro-mised pro-mised. . And what were And what were those things?those things?

This actually This actually refers to refers to the the thingsthings pro-mised pro-mised. . And what were And what were those things?those things?

1. Numerous descendants for Numerous descendants for AbrahamAbraham ((Gen. 13:16,, 15:3-5,, 17:2-4,, && 22:16).).

2. God would be God to him and his God would be God to him and his de-descendants scendants ((Gen. 17:1-8).).

3. An everlasting inheritance to An everlasting inheritance to themthem ((Gen. 12:7, , 13:15,, 15:18-21,, && 17:817:8). ). And…

4. All nations would be blessed All nations would be blessed through through them them ((Gen. 12:3 && 22:18). ). Further…

We must remember that there wereWe must remember that there weretwo sides to all these promises:two sides to all these promises:

a physical fulfillment and a spiritual a physical fulfillment and a spiritual fulfillmentfulfillment——a type and an antitypea type and an antitype..

These all died in These all died in faith, not having faith, not having received the received the pro-mises, but pro-mises, but having seen having seen them afar offthem afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embraced them, embraced them, and confes-sedand confes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earth.earth.

This obviously in-This obviously in-cludes both the cludes both the phy-sical and the phy-sical and the spiritu-al spiritu-al promises fulfilled, promises fulfilled, and Jesus referred and Jesus referred to one of the to one of the spiritu-al ones spiritu-al ones that they saw that they saw when He said, when He said, Your father

Abraham rejoiced to see My day; he saw it and was glad ( (John 8:56).).

This obviously in-This obviously in-cludes both the cludes both the phy-sical and the phy-sical and the spiritu-al spiritu-al promises fulfilled, promises fulfilled, and Jesus referred and Jesus referred to one of the to one of the spiritu-al ones spiritu-al ones that they saw that they saw when He said, when He said, Your father

Abraham rejoiced to see My day; he saw it and was glad ( (John 8:56).).

These all died in These all died in faith, not having faith, not having received the received the pro-mises, but pro-mises, but having seen having seen them afar off them afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embracedembraced them, them, and confes-sedand confes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earth.earth.

This is from a This is from a term which can be term which can be trans-lated trans-lated salutedsaluted or or em-em-bracedbraced,, soso it must it must bebe construed construed according to its according to its context; here the context; here the word word salutedsaluted is is likely better due likely better due to the clause to the clause having seen them afar off because because embraced calls for calls for closeness, not closeness, not distance (distance (cf. ASV, cf. ASV, RSV, Young’s, et. RSV, Young’s, et. al.al.).).

This is from a This is from a term which can be term which can be trans-lated trans-lated salutedsaluted or or em-em-bracedbraced,, soso it must it must bebe construed construed according to its according to its context; here the context; here the word word salutedsaluted is is likely better due likely better due to the clause to the clause having seen them afar off because because embraced calls for calls for closeness, not closeness, not distance (distance (cf. ASV, cf. ASV, RSV, Young’s, et. RSV, Young’s, et. al.al.).).

These all died in These all died in faith, not having faith, not having received the received the pro-mises, but pro-mises, but having seen having seen them afar off them afar off [were assured [were assured of them], of them], embraced them, embraced them, and and confes-sedconfes-sed thatthat theythey were were strangers and strangers and pil- pil- grims on the grims on the earthearth..

Like the clause Like the clause hav-ing seen them afar off, this , this clause liter-ally clause liter-ally reads, reads, havinghaving confessed…. . So So this sentence this sentence might be better might be better understood today understood today if this last clause if this last clause were placed first. were placed first. If so, here’s how If so, here’s how it would read with it would read with our other com-our other com-ments included:ments included:

Like the clause Like the clause hav-ing seen them afar off, this , this clause liter-ally clause liter-ally reads, reads, havinghaving confessed…. . So So this sentence this sentence might be better might be better understood today understood today if this last clause if this last clause were placed first. were placed first. If so, here’s how If so, here’s how it would read with it would read with our other com-our other com-ments included:ments included:

Having confessed that they were Having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the strangers and pilgrims on the earth, these men, having not earth, these men, having not received the things promised, received the things promised,

died in expectationdied in expectationof them; but, having seen them of them; but, having seen them

at a distance [by the eye of at a distance [by the eye of faith],faith],

they saluted them.they saluted them.ThisThis makesmakes meme thinkthink ofof sailorssailors onon aa ship searchingship searching forfor anan islandisland thatthat they’rethey’re con-vinced exists, but, con-vinced exists, but,

because they’re tor-pedoed, they because they’re tor-pedoed, they can only salute it as they can only salute it as they sinksink

withinwithin eye-shot.eye-shot. SoSo asas withwith verse 11,, this verse teaches that true trust this verse teaches that true trust does does not require God to meetnot require God to meet ourour

time-tables!time-tables!

For those who For those who say such things say such things de-clare plainly de-clare plainly that they seek a that they seek a home-land.home-land.


For For those who those who say such things say such things [i.e. call [i.e. call themselves themselves strangers and strangers and pilgrims]pilgrims] declare plainly declare plainly that they seek a that they seek a homeland.homeland.

There’s very little There’s very little difference difference between between strangers and and pil-grims ((v. 13):): strang-ers are are foreignersforeigners, while , while pilgrims are are thosethose

whowho don’tdon’t havehave citizenshipcitizenship where where they live; they live; Abraham said to Abraham said to the Hittites, the Hittites, I am a foreigner and a visitor among you ((Gen. 23:4a). Why?). Why?

There’s very little There’s very little difference difference between between strangers and and pil-grims ((v. 13):): strang-ers are are foreignersforeigners, while , while pilgrims are are thosethose

whowho don’tdon’t havehave citizenshipcitizenship where where they live; they live; Abraham said to Abraham said to the Hittites, the Hittites, I am a foreigner and a visitor among you ((Gen. 23:4a). Why?). Why?

Because he was Because he was looking for looking for the city … whose architect and builder is God ( (v. 10). (Even as the ). (Even as the first generation of first generation of Christians, Christians, Abraham realized Abraham realized that his that his citizenship was in citizenship was in Heaven, not on Heaven, not on Earth [Earth [Php. 3:20].)].)

Because he was Because he was looking for looking for the city … whose architect and builder is God ( (v. 10). (Even as the ). (Even as the first generation of first generation of Christians, Christians, Abraham realized Abraham realized that his that his citizenship was in citizenship was in Heaven, not on Heaven, not on Earth [Earth [Php. 3:20].)].)

For For those who those who say such things say such things [i.e. call [i.e. call themselves themselves strangers and strangers and pilgrims]pilgrims] declare plainly declare plainly that they seek a that they seek a homeland.homeland.

For those who For those who say such things say such things de-clare plainly de-clare plainly that they seek that they seek a a home-landhome-land..

People like People like Abraham look (Abraham look (or, or, in his case, waitin his case, wait)) forfor a homeland, , a a place where they place where they have citizenshiphave citizenship and thus rights as and thus rights as citi-zens. citi-zens. Incidentally…Incidentally…

The Greek term The Greek term for for a homeland ((patrispatris ) can be ) can be rendered as rendered as the the fatherlandfatherland or or even as even as the the father’s countryfather’s country..

People like People like Abraham look (Abraham look (or, or, in his case, waitin his case, wait)) forfor a homeland, , a a place where they place where they have citizenshiphave citizenship and thus rights as and thus rights as citi-zens. citi-zens. Incidentally…Incidentally…

The Greek term The Greek term for for a homeland ((patrispatris ) can be ) can be rendered as rendered as the the fatherlandfatherland or or even as even as the the father’s countryfather’s country..

And truly if they And truly if they had called to had called to mind that mind that country from country from which they had which they had come out, they come out, they would have had would have had [an] opportunity [an] opportunity to return.to return.


Besides the fact that their faith Besides the fact that their faith was strong enough so as to give was strong enough so as to give

them the determination to live as them the determination to live as nomads-in-waiting for a country nomads-in-waiting for a country

that they’d never see, it also gave that they’d never see, it also gave them the determina-tion to remain them the determina-tion to remain

as nomads-for-life in a land not as nomads-for-life in a land not their own when they could’ve their own when they could’ve

easily returned home.easily returned home.

It’s as if their faith had them so It’s as if their faith had them so excited about the promises of God excited about the promises of God

that they didn’t even consider that they didn’t even consider turning back and losing their favor turning back and losing their favor with God;with God; Abe,Abe, in fact, charged his in fact, charged his steward Eliezer to swear that he’d steward Eliezer to swear that he’d never let Isaac go back to Abe’s never let Isaac go back to Abe’s

native land (native land (Gen. 24:1-9).).

Surely we canSurely we can seesee how this how this corresponds to Paul’s purpose for corresponds to Paul’s purpose for

his audience here! Although at his audience here! Although at first glance this verse may seem to first glance this verse may seem to be somewhat unimportant in the be somewhat unimportant in the schemescheme of theof the chapter,chapter, it’sit’s likely likely the most significant verse so far!the most significant verse so far!

The point is, they (The point is, they (whether Abe’s whether Abe’s clan or these Hebrewsclan or these Hebrews) weren’t being ) weren’t being forced to follow God’s desires for forced to follow God’s desires for them; if they wanted to turn back them; if they wanted to turn back

and were willing to bear the and were willing to bear the results, they were certainly free to results, they were certainly free to

do so. But that’s just it: there do so. But that’s just it: there would be severe consequences!would be severe consequences!

But now they But now they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for them.a city for them.


But But nownow they they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for them.a city for them.

It’s believed by It’s believed by somesome that this that this word is here used word is here used logicallylogically, not , not temporallytemporally; i.e., ; i.e., they believe that they believe that Paul was using it Paul was using it in the form of in the form of argu-mentationargu-mentation, , not of not of timetime. . However… However…

It’s believed by It’s believed by somesome that this that this word is here used word is here used logicallylogically, not , not temporallytemporally; i.e., ; i.e., they believe that they believe that Paul was using it Paul was using it in the form of in the form of argu-mentationargu-mentation, , not of not of timetime. . However… However…

But But nownow they they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for them.a city for them.

I have no problem I have no problem believing that believing that Abe’s family was Abe’s family was still alive and in still alive and in his care in his care in Paradise at this Paradise at this time (time (cf. cf. Luke 20:27-38 & & 16:19-31); so since the ); so since the fullness of the fullness of the kingdom was on kingdom was on the verge of the verge of arriving, I see no arriving, I see no reasonreason whywhy now can’t be taken can’t be taken normally. normally. Anyway…Anyway…

I have no problem I have no problem believing that believing that Abe’s family was Abe’s family was still alive and in still alive and in his care in his care in Paradise at this Paradise at this time (time (cf. cf. Luke 20:27-38 & & 16:19-31); so since the ); so since the fullness of the fullness of the kingdom was on kingdom was on the verge of the verge of arriving, I see no arriving, I see no reasonreason whywhy now can’t be taken can’t be taken normally. normally. Anyway…Anyway…

But now they But now they de-sire de-sire a bettera better, , that is, a that is, a heavenlyheavenly countrycountry. . Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for them.a city for them.

They were They were desiring desiring a better … country, a , a place better than place better than Chaldea and even Chaldea and even better than better than Canaan, better Canaan, better because it would because it would be of a heav-enly be of a heav-enly nature or from nature or from Heaven (Heaven (cf. cf. 2 Tim. 4: 18, , Heb. 12:22, & , & Rev. 21:2 & 10, , perhaps even perhaps even 1 Cor. 15:44-49, the , the man &/or the &/or the body equaling the equaling the kingdom).).

They were They were desiring desiring a better … country, a , a place better than place better than Chaldea and even Chaldea and even better than better than Canaan, better Canaan, better because it would because it would be of a heav-enly be of a heav-enly nature or from nature or from Heaven (Heaven (cf. cf. 2 Tim. 4: 18, , Heb. 12:22, & , & Rev. 21:2 & 10, , perhaps even perhaps even 1 Cor. 15:44-49, the , the man &/or the &/or the body equaling the equaling the kingdom).).

But now they But now they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore Therefore God God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their Godtheir God, for , for He has prepared He has prepared a city for them.a city for them.

This clause refers This clause refers to the idea that to the idea that God doesn’t mind God doesn’t mind being called being called things like things like The God of Abraham or or The God of Isaac or or The God of Jacob or The or The God of ____, God of ____, provided they provided they have the kind of have the kind of obedient faith obedient faith that Paul had that Paul had been discussing.been discussing.

This clause refers This clause refers to the idea that to the idea that God doesn’t mind God doesn’t mind being called being called things like things like The God of Abraham or or The God of Isaac or or The God of Jacob or The or The God of ____, God of ____, provided they provided they have the kind of have the kind of obedient faith obedient faith that Paul had that Paul had been discussing.been discussing.

But now they But now they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for thema city for them..

This clause is pro-This clause is pro-phetic in tone. phetic in tone. Pro-phecy is Pro-phecy is frequently spoken frequently spoken as having been as having been accomplished accomplished when, in earthly when, in earthly time, it hasn’t time, it hasn’t been; e.g., in a been; e.g., in a prophecy about prophecy about Jesus, God said, Jesus, God said, Out of Egypt I called My Son ((Hos. 11:1).).

This clause is pro-This clause is pro-phetic in tone. phetic in tone. Pro-phecy is Pro-phecy is frequently spoken frequently spoken as having been as having been accomplished accomplished when, in earthly when, in earthly time, it hasn’t time, it hasn’t been; e.g., in a been; e.g., in a prophecy about prophecy about Jesus, God said, Jesus, God said, Out of Egypt I called My Son ((Hos. 11:1).).

But now they But now they de-sire a better, de-sire a better, that is, a that is, a heavenly heavenly country. country. Therefore God Therefore God isn’t ashamed isn’t ashamed to be called to be called their God, for their God, for He has prepared He has prepared a city for thema city for them..

WhyWhy isis prophecyprophecy oft-enoft-en inin thethe past past tense? Because if tense? Because if GodGod says it will says it will occur, it occur, it willwill occur! So to occur! So to empha-size that, empha-size that, it’s spoken of as if it’s spoken of as if it it isis done! This done! This form of speak-ing form of speak-ing or prophesying is or prophesying is often called often called the the already-but-not-already-but-not-yet yet principle.principle.

WhyWhy isis prophecyprophecy oft-enoft-en inin thethe past past tense? Because if tense? Because if GodGod says it will says it will occur, it occur, it willwill occur! So to occur! So to empha-size that, empha-size that, it’s spoken of as if it’s spoken of as if it it isis done! This done! This form of speak-ing form of speak-ing or prophesying is or prophesying is often called often called the the already-but-not-already-but-not-yet yet principle.principle.

By faith By faith Abraham, when Abraham, when he was test-ed, he was test-ed, offered up offered up Isaac, and he Isaac, and he who received who received the pro-mises the pro-mises offered up his offered up his only begotten only begotten son, of whom it son, of whom it is said, “In Isaac is said, “In Isaac your seed shall your seed shall be called”…be called”…

HebrewHebrews 11:17-s 11:17-18 18

So far we’ve noticed Abraham’s So far we’ve noticed Abraham’s faith when he didn’t know faith when he didn’t know wherewhere he he

was going (was going (vv. 8-10) or ) or howhow God’s God’s will would be achieved (will would be achieved (vv. 11-12) or ) or whenwhen God would fulfill His promises God would fulfill His promises

((vv. 13-16); now (); now (in in verses 17-19) we ) we see Abraham’s faith when he didn’t see Abraham’s faith when he didn’t know know whywhy God was doing what He God was doing what He

was doing.was doing.

By faith By faith Abraham, Abraham, when when he was test-edhe was test-ed, , offered up offered up Isaac, and he Isaac, and he who received who received the pro-mises the pro-mises offered up his offered up his only begotten only begotten son, of whom it son, of whom it is said, “In Isaac is said, “In Isaac your seed shall your seed shall be called”…be called”…

This actually This actually refers to the idea refers to the idea of of when his faith when his faith was was [again][again] put to put to the testthe test..

This actually This actually refers to the idea refers to the idea of of when his faith when his faith was was [again][again] put to put to the testthe test..

God had worked on Abraham’s faith God had worked on Abraham’s faith for many years by this point, for many years by this point,

putting him through numerous putting him through numerous trials (e.g., calling him to leave his trials (e.g., calling him to leave his

native land and rela-tives to native land and rela-tives to become a wanderer in a foreign become a wanderer in a foreign

land, making him wait 25 years for land, making him wait 25 years for the promised son, and having him the promised son, and having him kick Ish-mael out of his home). So kick Ish-mael out of his home). So

this case ap-pears to be what this case ap-pears to be what proved, once-and-for-all, that proved, once-and-for-all, that Abraham had finally reached a Abraham had finally reached a

plateau (an area of stability) in his plateau (an area of stability) in his faith. faith. Romans 4:19-20 tell us that tell us that he, he, being not weak in faith … did

not waver..

By faith By faith Abraham, when Abraham, when he was test-ed, he was test-ed, offered up offered up IsaacIsaac, and he , and he who received who received the pro-mises the pro-mises offered up his offered up his only begotten only begotten son, of whom it son, of whom it is said, “In Isaac is said, “In Isaac your seed shall your seed shall be called”...be called”...

This is in the This is in the perfect tense perfect tense indicatingindicating in-in-tentiontention;; i.e.,i.e., in in Abe’s mindAbe’s mind IsaacIsaac hadhad been been sacrificed. There sacrificed. There waswas simply no simply no doubt in his mind doubt in his mind that he’d obey that he’d obey God’s wishes; God’s wishes; along that two- or along that two- or three-day trek to three-day trek to the mountain, it the mountain, it was to him as if it was to him as if it were already (were already (tho tho not yetnot yet) all done. ) all done. Notice just how Notice just how strong Abe’s faith strong Abe’s faith was: was:

This is in the This is in the perfect tense perfect tense indicatingindicating in-in-tentiontention;; i.e.,i.e., in in Abe’s mindAbe’s mind IsaacIsaac hadhad been been sacrificed. There sacrificed. There waswas simply no simply no doubt in his mind doubt in his mind that he’d obey that he’d obey God’s wishes; God’s wishes; along that two- or along that two- or three-day trek to three-day trek to the mountain, it the mountain, it was to him as if it was to him as if it were already (were already (tho tho not yetnot yet) all done. ) all done. Notice just how Notice just how strong Abe’s faith strong Abe’s faith was: was:

……accounting accounting that God was that God was able to raise able to raise him up, even him up, even from the dead, from the dead, fromfrom whichwhich hehe

also received also received him in a him in a figurative figurative sense.sense.


Not only did Abe Not only did Abe be-lieve that God be-lieve that God couldcould raise Isaac raise Isaac from the dead, from the dead, but a state-ment but a state-ment he made to his he made to his servants seems to servants seems to indicate that He indicate that He be-lieved God be-lieved God wouldwould raise him raise him from the dead: from the dead: Stay here…; the lad and I will go yonder and …

[then] we will come back to you ((Gen. 22:5).).

Not only did Abe Not only did Abe be-lieve that God be-lieve that God couldcould raise Isaac raise Isaac from the dead, from the dead, but a state-ment but a state-ment he made to his he made to his servants seems to servants seems to indicate that He indicate that He be-lieved God be-lieved God wouldwould raise him raise him from the dead: from the dead: Stay here…; the lad and I will go yonder and …

[then] we will come back to you ((Gen. 22:5).).

……accounting accounting that that God was God was able to raise able to raise him uphim up, even , even from the deadfrom the dead, , fromfrom whichwhich hehe

also received also received him in a him in a figurative figurative sense.sense.

Isn’t this event reminiscent of the Isn’t this event reminiscent of the Shu-nammite woman’s story (Shu-nammite woman’s story (2 Kgs. 4)? She could have no children, so )? She could have no children, so God miracu-lously gave her one; God miracu-lously gave her one;

thus when the child died, she thus when the child died, she believed that God could also believed that God could also

miraculously raise him from the miraculously raise him from the dead … which, of course, He did. dead … which, of course, He did. The only dif-ference seems to be The only dif-ference seems to be that, whereas the Shunammite that, whereas the Shunammite

believed God believed God couldcould, Abe believed , Abe believed He He wouldwould. Why? Because of God’s . Why? Because of God’s promises to him. So… promises to him. So…

Because God recognized this no-Because God recognized this no-doubt-ing kind of faith in Abraham, doubt-ing kind of faith in Abraham, He just saved Himself the trouble, He just saved Himself the trouble, as well as Abraham and Isaac the as well as Abraham and Isaac the pain, by keeping Abe from killing pain, by keeping Abe from killing

Isaac in the first place.Isaac in the first place.

This term (This term (as in as in 9:9) is usually ) is usually translat-ed translat-ed parable, a story , a story or event that (or event that (like like a shadowa shadow) mirrors ) mirrors something like it. something like it. So of what was So of what was Isaac’s being Isaac’s being snatched from the snatched from the jaws of deathjaws of death a a reflection? His reflection? His rising from the rising from the dead, of course, dead, of course, for nothing for nothing normally rose normally rose from a sacrificial from a sacrificial altar.altar.

This term (This term (as in as in 9:9) is usually ) is usually translat-ed translat-ed parable, a story , a story or event that (or event that (like like a shadowa shadow) mirrors ) mirrors something like it. something like it. So of what was So of what was Isaac’s being Isaac’s being snatched from the snatched from the jaws of deathjaws of death a a reflection? His reflection? His rising from the rising from the dead, of course, dead, of course, for nothing for nothing normally rose normally rose from a sacrificial from a sacrificial altar.altar.


also received also received him in a him in a figurativefigurative sense.sense.

Although I believe Although I believe that this incident that this incident typifies Jesus’ typifies Jesus’ death and death and resurrection, I resurrection, I don’t believe that don’t believe that sentence sentence structure or structure or context demands context demands that such was that such was what Paul had in what Paul had in mind when he mind when he used the used the word word figurative here here. . However… However…

Although I believe Although I believe that this incident that this incident typifies Jesus’ typifies Jesus’ death and death and resurrection, I resurrection, I don’t believe that don’t believe that sentence sentence structure or structure or context demands context demands that such was that such was what Paul had in what Paul had in mind when he mind when he used the used the word word figurative here here. . However… However…



IfIf PaulPaul diddid justjust hap-pen to have hap-pen to have Jesus’ death and Jesus’ death and resurrec- resurrec- tion in tion in mind, perhapsmind, perhaps it it was atwas at thisthis point point that Abrahamthat Abraham saw the day of Christ the day of Christ ((John 8:36); I can ); I can only wish I knew only wish I knew exactly when exactly when or or how this occurred.how this occurred.

Something else to Something else to consider aboutconsider about ver-ses 18-19 is is that…that…

IfIf PaulPaul diddid justjust hap-pen to have hap-pen to have Jesus’ death and Jesus’ death and resurrec- resurrec- tion in tion in mind, perhapsmind, perhaps it it was atwas at thisthis point point that Abrahamthat Abraham saw the day of Christ the day of Christ ((John 8:36); I can ); I can only wish I knew only wish I knew exactly when exactly when or or how this occurred.how this occurred.

Something else to Something else to consider aboutconsider about ver-ses 18-19 is is that…that…



Perhaps Paul was Perhaps Paul was also indirectly also indirectly indi-cating to indi-cating to these He-brews these He-brews that, “Yes, God that, “Yes, God may very well may very well expectexpect youyou ((likelike

IsaacIsaac) to suffer ) to suffer death for His death for His Cause (Cause (cf. cf. Rev. 6:9-11); but, then ); but, then again, He might again, He might save you just save you just when things look when things look the most bleak.” the most bleak.” Well, as we Well, as we conclude…conclude…

Perhaps Paul was Perhaps Paul was also indirectly also indirectly indi-cating to indi-cating to these He-brews these He-brews that, “Yes, God that, “Yes, God may very well may very well expectexpect youyou ((likelike

IsaacIsaac) to suffer ) to suffer death for His death for His Cause (Cause (cf. cf. Rev. 6:9-11); but, then ); but, then again, He might again, He might save you just save you just when things look when things look the most bleak.” the most bleak.” Well, as we Well, as we conclude…conclude…



Let’s keep in mind that Paul’s Let’s keep in mind that Paul’s primary point through all this was primary point through all this was

that his read- that his readers, like their ers, like their forefathers, needed to keepforefathers, needed to keep the the

faith concerning God’s promises, faith concerning God’s promises, be-cause they be-cause they wouldwould be fulfilled be fulfilled ……

inin God’s timeGod’s time ((and, in and, in theirtheir case, it’d case, it’d actually be in just actually be in just a very, very, little

while [ [10:37]]).).

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

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