Hebrews

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

…partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; Hebrews 10:33

The author now adds on to the previous thought which asked the reader to remember when they “endured a great struggle with sufferings.” He then describes that by saying, “partly while you were made a spectacle.” The words literally read, “being on display in the theater.” The verb is theatrizó, and it is only found here in the Bible. It means “to ridicule, making a public spectacle out of someone, putting them on exhibit for public jest and mockery” (HELPS Word Studies). That, in turn, is derived from the noun, theatron, meaning a theater, or a public exhibition.

That is seen three other times in the New Testament, in Acts and in 1 Corinthians. The Acts account is exactly the type of treatment the author speaks of when he says, “by reproaches and tribulations” –

“So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. ³⁰ And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. ³¹ Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.” Acts 19:29-31

Paul personally speaks of it as well in 1 Corinthians 4:9 –

“For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.”

The words of Paul here which said, “been made a spectacle,” are literally “been made a theater.” It is this same treatment that the author asks the Hebrews to remember concerning their early life in Christ. They had openly professed Christ, and they had openly and publicly suffered because of it, both by reproach, and by actual affliction. But he also continues with, “partly while you became companions of those who were so treated.”

The word “companions” does not convey the meaning. One can be a companion without suffering. The word signifies “a partner,” or “a sharer.” His audience partnered in the reproaches and tribulations of others, boldly aligning themselves with those who were treated shamefully. Instead of running away at such a time, they moved toward the danger, being willing to suffer reproach for the name of Christ, rather than to share in the pleasure of the world apart from Him.

Life application: How unfamiliar are these words to many of us today! Yes, Christian persecution is coming subtly through government intrusion into our lives. Also, the radical left of the world is becoming much more violent towards individual believers. But for the most part, Christians are still protected under the constitutions which establish our governments. Because of this, there’s a continuing and loud voice of those who claim wealth and prosperity in Jesus’ name. This is simply because they haven’t figured out that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” As time progresses though, people will be divided between those who are truly willing to call on Jesus even during suffering – looking ahead to a greater hope – and those whose faith was merely in what they could obtain from God during this life. This was also the case with the early Jewish believers. They had suffered greatly during the establishment of the church –

“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” Acts 8:1

This continued as the Jewish leaders hounded the faithful. However, by the time Hebrews was written, their faith was waning. Persecution is a tiring thing on a person and it is natural to wonder where God is when you’re facing the loss of home, business, family, and even life. But this – not wealth and prosperity – is the condition that defines a faithful believer. What a mistake it is for people to think they deserve abundance when the aims and goals of Christ’s kingdom aren’t those of the world in which we live. When abundance is received, praise God! However, when it is lacking, even then… praise God!

Lord Jesus – You set the example for us when You came and lived among us in a humble and lowly state. You faced persecution, torture, and death. Help us to clearly see that if this is also our lot, we should be thankful for the honor. And if You provide us abundance, let us not be haughty or arrogant in the wealth that You alone provided. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Monday, 18 February 2019

But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: Hebrews 10:32

The author now changes from words of warning to words of encouragement. This is something he has done before. He tells of the perils associated with the issue at hand, and then he encourages his audience concerning it. His warnings went from verse 10:26 – 10:31. The words of encouragement now go until the end of the chapter.

And so, to encourage them, he gives a contrasting “But.” It is to remind them that though the things he warned against are possible, they have already proven that, as a group, it is unlikely that it will come about. In this, he asks them to “recall the former days.” It is obvious that they had been tested in the past, and they had prevailed in remaining strong. In recalling the past, he is asking them to continue in that same strength they once relied upon.

He then says that those former days of trial were, “after you were illuminated.” Here, the translators chose to translate the Greek as “illuminated.” However, the same word, using the same context and parsing, was translated as “enlightened” in verse 6:4. In order to maintain consistency of thought, it should be translated as such here as well. He is making a statement concerning his thoughts there which now require encouragement.

From there he notes that after their enlightenment, “you endured a great struggle.” The word is athlésis, and it is a noun found only here. One can see the root of our modern word “athlete” in it. Paul had used the verb form of the word when writing to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:5. He is saying that they had endured this great contest at some time in the past, and it was “with sufferings.”

Here again, he uses a word that was previously used when speaking of Christ Jesus. In verses 2:9 and 2:10, he wrote of Christ’s sufferings. It is likely that he is noting that just as Christ suffered, so did his readers. Christ prevailed over them, and so did they. He is encouraging them to continue on in that same way now. Again, Paul used this same word twice in 2 Corinthians 1 (and elsewhere) –

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ⁶ Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” 2 Corinthians 1:5, 6

The consistency of terminology between Paul’s letters and those of Hebrews continues to give a strong indication that Hebrews was, in fact, penned by Paul.

Life application: The author is reminding his audience of the trials that these people had shouldered. In remembering, he asks them to stand now just as “you stood your ground.” Certainly, this is applicable to us today. Some of us came to Christ at church, via a radio program, or maybe a knock on the door. For many, there were tears of release from bondage, tears of anguish over past sins, and maybe tears of joy at the promise of eternal life in the presence of this wonderful Lord. At the same time, some may have felt the stress of giving up an old style of life which was incompatible with the life Christ expects. Some may have faced criticism from family, friends, or coworkers. Whatever trials – be they small or great – that arose, there was a willingness to face them because of the precious faith found in Christ. Has that faith diminished? Has that faith gotten cold or been altogether abandoned? The Bible asks you to look to the former days and remember your willingness to endure. The promise in Christ is sure and your faith will be rewarded.

O Lord, we look to You in anticipation of the glory ahead, but we need You to be with us now during our great trials of faith and testing as well. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Glory, honor, and majesty…they belong to You alone! Amen.

Sunday, 17 February 2019

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

This takes the reader back to the previous verses. In verse 10:27, it speaks of “a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” who have willfully rejected the knowledge of the truth. In verse 10:30 while citing Scripture, it then said of those who have shamefully treated what God has done in Christ that “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And then in the same verse, again citing Scripture, “The Lord will judge His people.”

With these things still fresh off the author’s pen, he then says the words of this verse. It is “the living God” who is being referred to, and who the author has already mentioned in this way in Hebrews 3:12 –

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”

It is the living God, who has sent Christ Jesus into the world to restore man to Himself. To reject what He has done leaves only assured condemnation. And this is what is being seen here in the words to the Hebrews. It is calling out to them as a nation, imploring them to not turn from what He has done. Should they presume to do so, only “a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation” will be left.

And this is what came about. Israel rejected Christ, and they went into their extended time of punishment for it. They did, in fact, shamefully treat what God had done in Christ. Now, they are being regathered in the land of Israel, and that same conduct is continuing. They have the witness of believing Jews there in Israel, just as they did in the early days of the faith, but the nation as a whole has rejected this.

In this, they will continue to fall into the hands of the living God. It will be the time known as the tribulation period, and it is prophesied in the book of Zechariah that two-thirds of the nation will perish – all because of their attitude towards Christ. As Vincent’s Word Studies says of this verse, “The living God, revealed in the living Christ, will not suffer his sacrificial gift and his covenant to be slighted and insulted with impunity.” Albert Barnes then explains what this means. He says–

“To fall into his hands, therefore, ‘for the purpose of punishment’ – which is the idea here – is fearful:
(1) because he has all power, and can inflict just what punishment he pleases;
(2) because he is strictly just, and will inflict the punishment which ought to be inflicted;
(3) because he lives forever, and can carry on his purpose of punishment to eternal ages; and

(4) because the actual inflictions of punishment which have occurred show what is to be dreaded.”

Life application: One thing is made perfectly clear in the Bible; there is one God and only one path to that God – Jesus Christ. Throughout history, man has made his god in his image rather than acknowledging that we are made in God’s image. How often people will openly claim “I believe all paths lead to God.” Such a statement shows:

1) a lack of understanding of the nature of God, and
2) a belief (or hidden hope) that they are of more value than they really are in the sight of infinite holiness.

As Jeremiah 10:10 says –

“But the Lord is the true God;
He is the living God and the everlasting King.
At His wrath the earth will tremble,
And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.”

There is little point in trying to scare people into heaven by promising hell, but there is a place for warning people about the consequences of rejecting God. If “heaven” is real, then a place which isn’t heaven (namely hell) must also be real because the Bible speaks of both. The Bible would not speak of one as a reality and the other as a myth. If the cross has eternal significance for those who believe, then it must – by the very nature of what occurred – have eternal significance for those who reject it. Think it through. Truly, it is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

O God, how can one stand in Your infinitely glorious presence and presume to claim a righteousness of his own? But praise be to You, O God, for giving us a righteousness not our own – that of Jesus – to cover over our stains. All praise and glory belong to You! Amen.

Saturday, 16 February 2019

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” Hebrews 10:30

The word “For” is given to support what was just said concerning those who trample the Son of God underfoot, count the blood of the covenant a common thing, and insult the Spirit of grace. In such conduct, the remedy comes from the Lord. As it says, “For we know Him who said.” From there, the author will cite two thoughts which stem from the Old Testament. The first comes from the Song of Moses as is recorded in Deuteronomy 32:35 –

“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense;
Their foot shall slip in due time;
For the day of their calamity is at hand,
And the things to come hasten upon them.”

As can be seen, the substance of the quote is the same, containing both vengeance and recompense, even if the form is changed. What will come upon those who have so rejected Christ is guaranteed because it comes from a truth which is revealed in the word of God. As the word is an extension of who God is, and as God cannot lie, then vengeance and recompense are assured.

In the author’s loose citing of Deuteronomy, he probably just called the verse to mind from memory to give the general idea of what lies ahead for those who fit the description of the previous verse. Paul also cites this same thought in Romans 12 –

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.’” Romans 12:19

In both Romans and Hebrews, the exact same words are used in the Greek, but because they don’t match either the Hebrew or the Greek of the Old Testament, there are a few possibilities concerning the quote –

1) There is another common source, apart from the original Hebrew and the Greek OT, which the authors of Romans and Hebrews cite.
2) The words had become a proverbial saying, and so Paul and the author of Hebrews both say it as it had become commonly stated. Or,
3) Paul is the author of both Romans and Hebrews.

The third option is the most likely, as was explained in the introductory comments to the book.

The second citation of the verse is a direct quote from the Greek translation of Deuteronomy 32:36 (cited here from the Hebrew) –

“For the Lord will judge His people
And have compassion on His servants.”

It is also substantially found again in Psalm 135:14 –

“For the Lord will judge His people,
And He will have compassion on His servants.”

In these quotes, the author is showing that the Lord’s people, meaning Israel, are not above being singled out for His wrath and punishment. As noted in the previous verse, this is speaking of those of Israel who rejected what Christ has offered, just as someone in the civil war (we used Mr. Wales as an example) might have rejected the amnesty offered to him. In such a case, it was the responsibility of the re-formed union to search out and destroy the unyielding rebels. So also will God search out and destroy those who refuse to come to Christ.

Life application: When it comes right down to it, we can repeat the words of Hebrews 4:13 here, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Despite being perceived as a cosmic pushover who overlooks sin just as we might forget it, God sees every wrong deed and – because of His righteous nature – must judge such offenses. Not only will He judge them, but He will repay them according to His very nature. Without the blood of Christ, an eternal affront to His glory (any sin) demands an eternal separation from that same glory.

Just as the cross has eternal significance for the believer, it also must carry the same eternal significance for the non-believer. Don’t be lulled into a false belief that God doesn’t judge – He does. The question for each soul then is “Are my sins to be judged at the cross in Jesus or at the final judgment in me?” Choose wisely today – choose Jesus.

Lord, that You have given us the choice concerning our relationship with you, it demonstrates the severity of the matter. If Jesus’ cross can pay for every sin, then every sin not laid on it must be judged with condemnation. Thank You for giving us the Gift of Jesus. Thank You that we are freed from eternal punishment because of Him. Help us to get this word out to the world. Amen.

Friday, 15 February 2019

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:29

The translation of these words makes it sound like the words, “Of how much,” qualify the word, “worse.” But rather, they qualify the whole first clause –

Of how much, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy of worse punishment…?

The verse here contrasts the previous verse which said, “Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” The point being made is that if temporal punishment, including death, was the response to disobedience under the Law of Moses, then how much worse punishment is the person worthy when he rejects the New Covenant which came through the blood of Christ? This is not speaking of saved believers at all. Paul says as much in 1 Timothy 1:8, 9 –

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, ⁹ knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers.”

Rather, the words of the author now are speaking of the one “who has trampled the Son of God underfoot.” The idea of trampling something underfoot is to show contempt for that thing. When the blood of the Passover was applied to the doorways of the houses in Egypt, the people were instructed to apply it to the two doorposts and the lintel. However, nothing was said to be applied to the base of the doorway. That would have been a mark of contempt for the blood. The idea carries through to the true Passover, Christ.

To treat the blood of Christ with contempt is to have “counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing.” Scholars generally attribute these words as speaking of a saved believer who has apostatized. Such is not the case, and it would be contrary to countless other verses in Scripture which show – very clearly – that a person who is saved by Christ is eternally secure.

Rather, this is not saying that a particular person had been saved and then rejected the word. Instead, it is speaking of those in the corporate body of Israel who Christ had died for, but who rejected what He had done. It is no different than speaking of amnesty for an illegal alien. It may be offered, but he never shows up at the office to collect his citizenship. In this case, the sanctification was available to those who heard and yet was never claimed; it was rejected.

Another example would be a rebel soldier of the civil war. When the war ended, the rebels, through a succession of amnesties and pardons, were granted the right to once again become a part of the union. For some, the condition was to accept the pardon and swear allegiance to the union. However, a true rebel (we will call him Mr. Wales) might refuse to swear allegiance, and he would thus trample underfoot the pardon he had been offered. He would have counted the ink of the offer of cessation of war, and pardon from rebellion, a common thing. He would remain apart from the union and one worthy of being hunted down and destroyed. If they can catch Mr. Wales, he will be terminated.

One must look at the original recipients to understand the context. The letter was written to first century Jews who had accepted Christ, but here they were being instructed as if they (or some Jews) hadn’t. The Son of God had come, He was crucified, and He rose again to life. This was testified to the people at the feast of Pentecost after the resurrection. All men were required to attend this feast as is indicated in Exodus 23:14-17 and so all had heard the word concerning the Messiah.

If someone rejected it, he treated Christ Jesus and His precious sacrifice as “a common thing” and had “insulted the Spirit of grace.” Of this, John Chrysostom says, “He who does not accept the benefit, insults Him who confers it. He hath made thee a son: wilt thou become a slave? He has come to take up His abode with thee; but thou art introducing evil into thyself.” Chrysostom is correct with the exception of saying –

1) “[W]ilt thou become a slave.” Jesus was clear that all are slaves to sin (John 8:34), because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23).

2) “[T]hou art introducing evil into thyself.” The evil was already present. Such a person was choosing the evil rather than being cleansed of it.

The one who rejects Christ remains a slave to sin and remains under God’s wrath. He has rejected the sanctification he was offered, and he has insulted the Spirit of grace. The Holy Spirit will not take up residence in such an abode. The individual will not be sealed for the day of redemption, and only the darkness of condemnation awaits such a soul.

Life application: As has been seen several times in the book of Hebrews, verses which – on the surface – seem to point to a loss of individual salvation actually speak of something entirely different. Scripture will never contradict itself. As God has shown that individual salvation is eternal, then any verse which seems to contradict this must be thoughtfully considered. In that careful consideration, there is always a reasonable explanation which is waiting to be drawn out. Remember, context is king. Keep things in context, and difficult passages will become clear.

Thank You, O God, for the precious blood of Jesus which has the potential to sanctify all men, and which actually sanctifies any and all who come to You through faith in Him. Help us to be faithful witnesses of this glorious covenant by which men might be saved – all to Your honor and Your glory alone! Amen.