Epistles

Tuesday, 21 August 2018

You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands. Hebrews 2:7

The author continues with his quote of Psalm 8. The words here are from the Greek translation of Psalm 8:5. The quote begins by saying, “You have made him a little lower than the angels.” The word translated as “a little” signifies “short” or “a few.” In this, it is speaking in a sense of quantity or measure. The idea is as Vincent’s Word Studies translates the sentence – “Thou didst for some little time make him lower than the angels.”

The translation could go either way – speaking of time, or speaking of position – however, the author is using the words of the psalmist and applying them to Christ Jesus, and contrasting Him to the angels. Therefore, the reasonable thought is that Christ came into the stream of humanity in the form of a bondservant (see Philippians 2:5-11). During His first advent, He was thus “for some little time” made lower than the angels. He subjected Himself to the economy which was “spoken through angels” (Hebrews 2:2). Thus, Christ subjected Himself to a position inferior to them in a legal sense, being bound by the Law of Moses and the words of the prophets.

As a short note of clarification, the Hebrew of these words in Psalm 8 literally reads, “And lower You have made him than God.” David placed man lower than “God/gods.” The word is elohim. It signifies something like “other(s) who are over there.” It can speak of God, angels, or even human judges. What David was actually referring to isn’t completely sure, but the translators of the Greek Scriptures state “angels,” and the author of Hebrews agrees with this in the New Testament. In this, the assumption is that David was using the term elohim as an ellipsis for “the angels of God.” This is likely because no definite article is placed in front of elohim by David.

Having said this, the context of the psalm must be considered. David wrote about the glory of man (as noted in the previous verse of Hebrews). He wondered that God was even mindful of him and that He tended so carefully to him. When David said, “You have made him a little lower than the angels,” he was referring to the state of man in the order of ranking. God is supreme. From there, the host of angels were considered as a higher order than man, having access to His throne, and wielding great power and authority. Man, as an earthly creature, would be considered as “a little lower than the angels.” But David (and the author of Hebrews) continues with, “You have crowned him with glory and honor.”

It is impossible to tell exactly what David was thinking, and so we can only speculate that he is referring to man in general. However, he may also have been looking in anticipation to the coming Messiah. Either way, the author of Hebrews leaves no doubt as to the true intent of the Spirit-inspired writings. It is the Messiah who is being referred to in the future/prophetic sense. As for David’s immediate context, we can speculate, without causing any damage to the intent of David, that he was speaking of man in general.

Despite being “a little lower than the angels,” man has been crowned with “glory and honor.” He has been given authority over the realm in which he exists, and it is apparent that he is the highest form of life that walks upon the earth. This thought is explained by the continued words of the verse. They say, “And set him over the works of Your hands.”

They are words taken from Psalm 8:6, and it is to be noted that some manuscripts, and thus many modern Bibles, omit the final words of this clause. Whether they were inappropriately dropped out of the citation, or whether they were inappropriately added in at a later date is a subject of debate. However, the overall intent will not be lost, because the next verse in both the Psalm and in Hebrews will complement the words. Under the assumption that the words do, in fact, belong in the verse, David has noted that man has been set over the works of God’s hands, meaning the earth on which we live. This authority was given at the creation of man (Genesis 2:20), and it was restated after the flood of Noah (Genesis 9:1-3). David understood this, and wrote about man in this position, lower than the angels, but with authority over the works of God’s hands.

The author of Hebrews, and quite possibly David as well, looked to these words in an even greater context though. The author is applying them to Christ, having first been subjected to the economy which was administered by angels, and who then was crowned with glory and honor. He prevailed over (and died in fulfillment of) the Law of Moses. From there, and in the fullest intent of the passage, Christ was placed “over the works of” God’s hands. He was granted the full authority, power, and position that rightfully belonged to Him, and which He temporarily set aside. He reclaimed that authority through His completed work. This is the intent of the passage, as the coming verses will continue to reveal.

Whatever David was actually thinking as he wrote out the Psalm, the Holy Spirit who directed him had the intent of it being a prophetic passage which looked forward to Christ Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the words (see John 5:39).

Life application: We cannot get inside the head of David, or other Old Testament writers, and be dogmatic about what they were thinking at times. However, when an Old Testament passage is cited by a New Testament writer, and it is then applied to the Person of Jesus Christ, we can know – with 100% surety – that either the primary or the secondary (or both) intent of the original was to point to the coming Messiah. The truth is revealed in how the New Testament, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies these verses. We don’t need to argue dogmatically over what is unknown. All we need to do is stand confidently in what is known.

Lord God, there are difficult passages in the Old Testament which we can debate as to their actual original meaning, but when they are applied to Christ Jesus in the New Testament, all doubt as to the prophetic meaning is cleared up. We have a sure word that the Old pointed to the New, and that Christ is the fulfillment of what was spoken so long ago. Thank You for the absolute assurance we have in the full, final, and finished work of Christ our Lord! Amen.

Monday, 20 August 2018

But one testified in a certain place, saying:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him? Hebrews 2:6

The author is still speaking of the contrast between the authority of angels and that of the Son. In order to show the supremacy of the Son, he now refers to the 8^th Psalm. In this though, he uses an unusual literary technique by saying, “But one testified in a certain place, saying.”

The word “testified” gives the sense of an earnest testimony which thoroughly bears witness to something. The word “certain place,” is better translated as “somewhere.” The Greek word is pou. It is the genitive case of an indefinite pronoun pos. It is wholly indefinite. The question raised then is, “Why would the author not simply say, “In the psalms,” or something more definite. It is the same term he uses in Hebrews 4:4 –

“For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’”

Charles Ellicott gives a sound reason for the wording by saying, “As a rule, the words of Scripture are in this Epistle quoted as God’s own utterances; and though the nature of the quotation (which is an address to God) made this impossible here, the writer seems to gladly avoid the mention of the human prophet, perhaps as distracting the thought from the divine prophecy.”

The author (most probably Paul) is writing to a Hebrew audience. In order to ensure that the citation is carefully handled as the word of God, though spoken through a prophet (who is speaking to God), he defers to this literary technique. It then makes sure that his use of the quote is still rightly considered as from a divine source (thus “testified” is being applied to God’s testimony because it is recorded in His word). He then next cites the intended words, beginning with Psalm 8:4 which says, “What is man that You are mindful of him.”

David is speaking to the Lord (Yehovah). He is in awe of the magnificence of the creation which is so splendid and glorious. And yet, God with all of creation to tend to and to rejoice in, still takes notice of man. It seemed almost incomprehensible to David that God would even consider man at all, much less dwell among him (meaning among Israel in the sanctuary) and reveal His thoughts to him (meaning through prophets). This is especially so because man had rebelled against God, and he continued to do so every chance he could get. David was overwhelmed with the idea that God could direct His attention to man considering all of this.

The author continues to cite David’s words of Psalm 8:4 with the words, “Or the son of man that You take care of him?” The term “son of man” is still speaking of man – the ongoing issue of one man to the next. God created Adam, and the details of Genesis 1 & 2 show that man had special value to, and a purposeful relationship with, God. However, Adam turned from God. How could He still then be mindful of him after that? And more, Adam’s sons continued to rebel, even getting worse and worse. Each time God would intervene and call man back to Himself in a new way, directing the steps of humanity as if there was a greater purpose for him. The Greek word for “take care” is one which indicates divine visitation. It isn’t just that the Lord throws him food to eat and walks away, but that He inspects him, visits him, and ensures that he will be OK. David pondered the matter, realizing that there must be more to man than his simply being an animal that could be slaughtered for food or put in a zoo to be gazed at. Instead, there is a quality of man that actually makes him important to God in a most profound way.

The author will continue citing the psalm, directing our attention to the one Man who is the point and purpose of God’s attention to man.

Life application: When we are told to go out into the world in order to spread the gospel, it is because man (all men, from every tribe and nation) have value to God. It is man who devalues himself through his vile conduct and senseless rejection of God. But if man can be turned from that, there is a great and eternal purpose for him in God’s economy. Let us look at our fellow humans with eyes that match those of the Lord, wanting all to be saved and to eternally fellowship with Him.

Lord God, the gospel is a message intended for all men of every color, culture, and condition. It is not a message which is forced on others, insisting they submit to Your rule. Instead, it is a message of love, calling out that we willingly return to You. This is the greatness of the gospel. You have allowed us to return willingly and to be reconciled to You, even though You have done all that is necessary to make it happen. What a wonderful offer of peace and reconciliation! Thank You for this display of love. Amen.

Sunday, 19 August 2018

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. Hebrews 2:5

The word “For” here is given as an explanatory marker. The author has shown that the salvation provided by Jesus, and which pertains to men, is much greater than the “word spoken through angels.” What had previously been enacted was temporary, but the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus (the Son) is forever. Thus, His rule is also forever (as is explicitly stated in verse 1:8). In this new order or things, verse 1:14 said that the angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.”

With this understanding, he continues with, “He has not put the world to come.” A similar phrase is seen in Hebrews 6:5. Some translations actually make it the same by saying “the world to come.” Others more rightly translate it as, “the age to come.” The reason is that two different words are used. Here, in verse 2:5, it is speaking of the inhabited world. There, it is speaking of the age of time reaching into the future. The author says that the “world” to come, meaning the inhabited earth, is that “of which we speak.” He is conveying his thoughts while using the plural to include his audience. He is ensuring that all are on the same page concerning the issue at hand.

It is this world to come which “He has not put … in subjection to angels.” This returns to the thought of verse 1:14 (as noted above). The idea here is that he first cited verse 1:14. Then he showed the supremacy of what Christ brought about in His work related to salvation, being greater than that of which the angels spoke out; and then he has said that the world to come, which is based on His work of salvation, will not be in subjection to angels. Instead, it will be in subjection to Him, and the angels will minister to man on His behalf. This “world to come” certainly speaks of the millennium. The author is speaking to a Jewish audience about what has been promised to them in their own Scriptures. The distinction to be made is between the current arrangement and that which will be realized in Christ’s second coming.

This must speak of the time of the millennium, because in verse 2:8, he will note that all things will be in subjection to Him. The same idea is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:24-27. This includes death itself. However, death is not said to be cast into the lake of fire until after the millennium. Therefore, the “world to come” is referring to the millennium, and it then extends beyond that when death is finally gone forever.

Life application: It is hard to imagine how replacement theologians can ignore a literal millennial period of reign by Messiah, but they do. However, the author of Hebrews is addressing a Jewish audience who were (and who are) expecting a dispensation where Messiah will rule on earth. They expect this because this is what their Scriptures proclaim, and it is what the author of Hebrews clearly indicates is coming. Don’t be misled into accepting the idea that the church has replaced Israel. The Bible never proclaims this, in either testament.

Lord God, it is a remarkable day which lies ahead when Christ Jesus will rule for a thousand years among Israel. They shall be the head of the nations, and the promises to them will all be fulfilled in the most remarkable way. We must be close! Israel is back in her land, the church is quickly falling away from sound doctrine, and the world is about to receive its just due for its perverse conduct. As You have spoken, so it is coming to pass. Thank You that we have full assurance of our faith because of the prophetic word! Praises to You, O God. Amen.

Saturday, 18 August 2018

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2:4

These words continue the question began in verse 2. All taken together, they read –

“For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, ³ how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, ⁴ God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

The words, “God also bearing witness,” are speaking about the “salvation” in verse 2, meaning the gospel message. The author’s claim is confirmed by the words of Mark 16:20 –

“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”

As can be seen both in Hebrews and in Mark, God confirmed the message of salvation found in Jesus with “signs.” A “sign” is something (usually miraculous) which is particularly given to confirm or authentic something else. As HELPS Word Studies notes, a sign “then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one giving it. Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what authenticates the Lord and His eternal purpose, especially by doing what mere man cannot replicate or take credit for.”

God is also said to have borne witness through “wonders.” A wonder is an extraordinary event with a supernatural effect being left upon any who witness it. A portent from heaven would be a wonder.

God further bore witness through “various miracles.” The word “miracle” as used here signifies power which comes through God’s ability. In using God’s ability to perform or accomplish something, the result is something that could not otherwise have been accomplished by the individual.

Along with these, God confirmed the gospel message of salvation through Christ Jesus by “gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek signifies “distributions.” God distributed the effective working of the Holy Spirit according to His chosen purpose. Some spoke in tongues, some performed healings, and so on. God did this in order to confirm that Jesus, whom these individuals proclaimed, was and is the Messiah. And all of this was “according to His own will.”

The workings of God mentioned in this verse were all at His sovereign discretion. There are times when the apostles could not heal (see Philippines 2:25-30, 1 Timothy 5:23, & 2 Timothy 4:20, for example). There are times when tongues are inappropriate (see 1 Corinthians 14:27-30). The signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit which came to the apostles were for particular reasons, at particular times, and always to confirm God’s word concerning the saving message of Christ Jesus. This is in contrast to how the “word spoken through angels” was received and confirmed.

The lesson here is that if there was a punishment for infractions of the law, how much more can we expect that God will more severely deal with a rejection of the gospel! Trifling with the message of Jesus Christ, mishandling the word which speaks of Him, and using false signs, miracles, and demonstrations of “gifts” of the Spirit are instances deserving of the highest degree of censure from Him.

Life application: The word has been confirmed. The Bible is written, and it speaks of those things which came to pass in order to reveal the truth of Jesus. There is no longer a need for signs, miracles, wonders, and distributions of the Holy Spirit in the manner that came during the apostolic age, nor should they be expected. If someone is sick, we should pray for them, but we should never arrogantly “claim” healing. It is God who decides, according to His wisdom to hear and respond. The gifts we now possess are on a different level than during the apostolic age, and they are to be used to the glory of God. Be wise concerning false teachers, false healers, and false miracle workers. Stick to the word which reveals all we need to know to have faith in the Son.

Heavenly Father, You have confirmed Your word to the people of the world through the apostles You sent forth after Jesus’ ministry. Now, we are asked to live by faith in that same word which has been written as a testimony of His authority. Help us to not follow after false teachers who claim the miraculous. We have Your word, and it is sufficient. Thank You for the surety we possess because of it! Amen.

Friday, 17 August 2018

…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, Hebrews 2:3

The previous verse noted the steadfast nature of the word which was “spoken through angels.” If there was a transgression of it, or disobedience toward it, there was to be a just reward for the violation. That now leads to an obvious question. If that is so with the word spoken through angels (meaning messengers), then “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord?” It is a rhetorical question which expresses denial. Q: “How shall we escape?” A: “Indeed, we shall not escape.”

In other words, the author has been carefully showing the supremacy of the Son over the angels. This consumed much of the body of Chapter 1. It was made perfectly evident that the Son is the Lord God. And so if the angels transmitted a word which was to be carefully adhered to, and if that word was violated, one could expect to receive a just penalty, how much more just would the penalty be for neglecting the salvation offered by the Lord? The difference between “word” of verse 2:2 and “salvation” of this verse shows the strong contrast. The angels spoke a word; the Son offers salvation. The word expects obedience or punishment will result; the Son offers salvation or condemnation will result.

It is one thing to sin against God by violating His law. It is an action which leads to separation from God. If no remedy for that sin is provided, then there would naturally be a continued separation from Him. However, the law provided atonement for sin, and so a recovery of the relationship was possible. However, in the coming of Christ, a rejection of Him leaves no possible recovery. He is the full and final remedy which the law only pointed to. That will be explained as the book of Hebrews continues. To neglect the only remedy to the disease which infects us means to be wholly consumed by it.

From there, the salvation is noted by the author with the words, “which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord.” It seems like a peculiar way of speaking at first, but it is the “beginning” of it by the Lord which is being emphasized. The Greek literally reads, “seeing that it, having at the first been spoken.” The Lord began to speak the message (John was only a herald of Christ who would present the gospel), and that message was then carried on by the apostles. That is noted with the words, “and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”

The apostles confirmed the word which was at first spoken by the Lord. They became His witnesses to that which they heard and saw. From there, they carried the message out to others, explaining what had occurred, and showing how it was the fulfillment of everything that had been anticipated in the Scriptures.

It is this verse which some use to dispel the idea that Paul is the author of Hebrews. He states in Galatians 1:12 that he received his instruction directly from Jesus Christ by revelation. He also notes elsewhere that he had personally seen the risen Christ. As this is so, and as the author includes himself in this verse with the word “us,” then how could the author be Paul? However, Paul heard the message in Acts 7 at the stoning of Stephen. He certainly heard it by other Jews as he had them arrested. The gospel was, in fact, confirmed to him by those who “at the first began” to speak it. This verse doesn’t deny his other claims of having been instructed by the Lord. Instead, it simply says that the Lord began to speak the message, and then that message was confirmed by the apostles who continued to speak it out. His later reception of doctrine directly from the Lord in no way negates the fact that he first heard the gospel from other apostles and disciples, such as Stephen.

In fact, as an apostle, his words are now being used in the letter to confirm that same word to others who must then make their own decision concerning Jesus Christ. The argument that it cannot be Paul who is writing the epistle breaks down when the words he pens are properly considered. Whether he wrote it or not is unknown, but this verse cannot be used as a confirmation that he didn’t write it.

It should be noted that it is a rare thing in Hebrews for Jesus to be termed “the Lord.” Normally, he is spoken of as “the Son,” or He is spoken of by the position which He is said to fill (such as High Priest). However, in order to make it absolutely certain that “the Son” is “the Lord,” the particular designation is made here. It thus provides a special dignity to the salvation spoken of. As He is the Lord, in rejecting Him, where else could one go? The answer is obvious. There is nowhere else one can go. Salvation is limited to that which is offered through Jesus Christ alone.

Life application: The message of Jesus Christ is an exclusive message. In the modern world, that is deemed as a politically incorrect thought. People don’t want limitations of any kind set on them. However, man is responsible to God, not the other way around. If God has determined that salvation is through Christ alone, then that is the way it is. Be fixed and firm in your presentation of the Gospel. When difficult questions arise which you don’t have the answer to, you still must be firm about those things you do have the answer to. Never waffle in your stand that Jesus Christ alone is the way to being reconciled to God.

Heavenly Father, we are not all theologians with answers to the deeper questions of the faith, but we are all accountable for the basic truths which come with the faith, such as Jesus Christ being the only way to salvation. Even if we can’t answer all of the questions that are presented to us, we can be fixed and firm in what we do know. May we never water down the gospel which says that salvation is only found by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Give us the fortitude to stand on this basic message, because it is the only hope for mankind. Help us in this, O God. Amen.