HEBREWS CHAPTER 5, “CALLED OF GOD”

ONCE more let us be reminded that Paul was writing to people familiar with God and religion. They were Hebrews who had accepted Jesus as their Saviour. But, in our study, we find that they were doubtful as to whether they had done the right thing. So, over and over and in many different settings, Paul referred to the Old Testament pattern of religion and the practices with which they were familiar.

As we pointed out in the study of chapter 3, the high priest of Israel was really the most important figure. He was the go between for all men before God. Jesus was presented to the brethren as the “merciful and faithful high priest” (2:17); “Apostle and High Priest” (3:1); and “a great high priest” (4:14). Through Him, the “great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,” we have one who can “be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (4:15), even “Jesus, the Son of God” (4:14). By Him the Hebrews were bidden to “come boldly unto the throne of Grace.” It was important to them to have one who could intercede. The high priest had always done this for Israel on a mass basis when he went into the holy of holies once each year.

Jesus was now shown to be a high priest taken from “among men” (vS. 1). As in the past, so now, the high priest was a man. Paul had already written that Jesus was of “the seed of Abraham” (2:16). Each high priest was “ordained for men in things pertaining to God” to offer both gifts and sacrifices. (vs.1.)

Aaron was the first high priest chosen, and every Israelite was acquainted with his ordination. The person had to have special qualities. He had to be able to understand people and to love them in whatever condition they might be found. He looked at them through himself. (See vs. 2.) Also, it was his duty to offer sacrifices for sin both for the people and for himself. (vs. 3.) We will be studying more about this in chapter 9.

In verse 4, Paul firmly pointed out that no man took this office of high priest upon himself because he wanted it, but because he was “called of God.” Jesus had all the characteristics previously mentioned. He had compassion for the weak, the unfortunate, and the ignorant. He was willing to offer a sacrifice – a sin-offering sacrifice, even himself, for sin. The sacrifice he offered was His own life, which was sinless.

To show that Jesus was called of God, Paul again went to the Old Testament. These are writings that should have been known by the Hebrew people. The reference to Jesus being the Son of God was taken from Psalm 2. This being true, other records were established as true. There was a prophecy of a coming change in the priesthood found in Psalm 110. Aaron is not mentioned, and Jesus did not claim to be of Aaron, since Aaron was of the tribe of Levi and Jesus from the tribe of Judah.

Hebrews 2:7-10 relates several of the traits of Jesus. Jesus could offer prayers, and did. This was part of the work of the high priest. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He prayed to God. He gave thanks to God for the bread and the cup when the Communion service was instituted. He prayed for His own in the Garden of Gethsemane; even for those yet to believe. Jesus shed tears on behalf of others. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He wept over Jerusalem and, we believe, had a compassion equal to tears many times for those He loved. Though He was the Son of God, He had to be obedient. This greatness did not allow Him to escape such training. In this, He was “made perfect” (v. 9) and became “the author [originator, beginner] of eternal salvation” for all “that obey him.” Reference is also made to Jesus being the “author” of our faith in chapter 12. Again, Paul wrote, “called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (v. 10).

In the closing verses of this chapter, Paul reproved the Hebrew brethren for failing to believe. He wrote, “You are dull of hearing.” It seems that Paul was suggesting that they were deliberately refusing to hear God who was speaking “in these last days ... by His son” (vs.1:2). The Prophet Ezekiel wrote of Israel, “They have ears to hear, and hear not” [Ezekiel 12:2] It was time for these people to grow up. Paul wrote, “When I became a man, I put away childish things” [Corinthians 13:11] These Hebrew brethren had evidently known the gospel long enough that they should have been teaching others, but they could not because they had not informed themselves. They still needed to be taught the simple things’ “have need of milk” (v. 12).

A similar condition exists in many congregations. Professing Christians, followers of Jesus, are unwilling to “study to shew [themselves] approved unto God.” In plain language, they are lazy. One who is going to teach should take advantage of every opportunity to study, learn, and become familiar with God’s word. But one must learn to be a follower and to do the will of God before he can expect to be of “full age” (v. 14).

The called-out Assembly of God, in our opinion, has many today who are like the Hebrew brethren to whom Paul wrote, they are babes in the Messiah and are willing to stay that way. It is the duty of the called-out Assembly of God to teach. One cannot teach without knowledge. Neither can one rely alone on knowledge; he must live by the word of God. That is the thought which we will consider in Chapter Six.

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon

HEBREWS CHAPTER 4, “LABOR NOW AND REST LATER”

THE MAIN thought of chapter three has much to do with the time of rest that is presented in this chapter. It was because of unbelief that all of the Israelites coming out of Egypt above twenty years of age, excepting Joshua and Caleb, were “overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5). Paul had shown that it was possible for the Hebrews (and all who would) to be “partakers of the Messiah, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (3:14).

“Let us therefore fear, lest . . ... any of you should seem to come short of it” (Heb. 4:1). For many years there was the preaching of the fiery doctrines of hell. Such teachings were for the purpose of making people afraid, and to cause them to accept the way of God. As a people, we have never promoted such doctrines; neither have we found them in Yehovah’s God’s word. Yet, we are warned in this writing of Paul to “fear.” The meaning of this word in the Greek is “to be frightened or

alarmed, to stand in awe.”

Later in the Hebrew letter Paul wrote, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (10:31). WE are to be afraid of God in that we are to believe He will perform every word that is written, as it is written. One who is not faithful to the promises of God can expect to reap the reward of the unfaithful. We should teach our children to “fear” God. We should teach them to stand in awe of Him. The promise of an eternal future, in this chapter referred to as “rest,” has been left to us. There are many other promises, too, that have been left to us. The gospel message has been heralded in one way or another since the Garden of Eden. Paul wrote that it was “preached before” to Abraham. [Galatians 3:8] He wrote also that it was preached to them. (vs. 2). The Israelites did not receive the gospel and believe it because of a lack of faith. There is a definite promise of entering into rest, the eternal future. Paul referred to God resting on the seventh day. [Genesis 2:2] Many Bible students have believed that the six days of creation refer to the time from creation until the “consummation of this age.” They have also likened the seventh day to the new day to come; called by Paul, “rest.” Certainly, Paul was using here the seventh day rest by our heavenly Father as an illustration of the future age. God rested on the seventh day because He had finished the creation. It was all done. Jesus spoke of His work prior to the crucifixion as being finished. We are instructed to labour faithfully to the end. The ones who endure to the end will rest from their labours and enter the glorious Kingdom of God.

It is interesting to note that in the six days of creation, there is reference made to the “evening and morning.” This was not so of the seventh day, which may be teaching that there is no end to the seventh day. We know this to be true of the Kingdom of God; it is without end. Paul emphasized in both verses 6 and 9, “There remained! therefore a rest to the people of God.” The time for “entering in” is limited. “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (v. 7). Other expressions of Paul that show the urgency of not delaying are: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep” [Romans 13:11] “Now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2] So many people are like Felix the governor, who told Paul, “Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you” [Acts 24:25] If we delay, we are showing unbelief. As Paul admonished the Hebrews, “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest” (vs.11).

Paul pointed out that each one will be judged by the Word of God. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . ..and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (vs. 12). The word “quick” indicates that God’s Word is living. It has life in it; the promise of him who is “our life.” It is powerful; powerful in those who will believe and serve God through Jesus. God told Isaiah that His word would not return to Him “void.” It is sharp, two-edged, even to piercing and dividing.

The word of Yehovah - God has described man in every way, even to discerning his thoughts and knowing the intents of the heart. We can hide nothing from God. We arc given the opportunity to believe the Word. Through it we will be judged. It has all been written for us and nothing is yet to be added to it. Man will separate himself from the promises of God by not heeding the word, being separated by the Word that is written.

Paul again refers to “a great high priest” (vs. 14). In chapter 2, he first taught that Jesus was a High Priest. Let us once more realize that Paul was writing to brethren who had been taught and very probably reared under the Mosaic law and traditions. To them, the high priest was the one who administered the sacrifices. Not so with Jesus. He was the “offering.” Again, in chapter 3, Paul called Jesus the “Apostle and High Priest of our profession.” Now, for the first time, Paul taught the Hebrews that Jesus, the great High Priest, is passed into the heavens.

He also refers to the Christian life; being a follower of Jesus; as “our profession.” He shows that Jesus, the High Priest, is carrying on in a similar way to that of the former high priests. Each high priest interceded for the Israelites before God. The priest was a man who had hurts, pains, and desires. Jesus was shown by Paul to have these same qualities in that He would be touched “with the feeling of our infirmities” and was “tempted like as we are” (v. 15).

How much we can be thankful for the great privilege that each one of us can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace [favour] to help in time of need” (vs. 16). Can you not imagine that it took courage (boldness) even to go before the high priest of old with an offering and to admit having sinned? Certainly, it takes courage for us today. But we have an understanding and faithful High Priest in Jesus, who stands before God for us. It is through Him that we “labour to enter into that rest.”

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon

HEBREWS CHAPTER 3 “THE APOSTLE AND THE HIGH PRIEST”

THE HIGH PRIEST in Israel, and to the Jew, was a most important person. He was the ruler of all religious services and doings. He had more authority in the religious life of the people than did the king; for even the king and ruler must heed the admonition of the high priest. It was on this basis that Paul began to present Jesus to the Hebrew people.

Hebrews 2:17, informs us that Jesus was “made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God.” Paul used a very tactful approach. He called them the Hebrew Christians “holy brethren.” As he had done before, again he was identifying himself with them. Paul was accepting them as being with him. This was a close fellowship. Paul told them they were “partakers of the heavenly calling.” Here we have reference to a particular phase of the lives of the Hebrews with which they were acquainted, the calling from the God of heaven of many of their former patriarchs.

After showing that God was now speaking through His son Jesus, and that Jesus had tasted “death for every man,” Paul was presenting Jesus as the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. Apostle means “one sent.” Here was the one sent who had also become the High Priest. Paul approached the holy brethren in a persuasive manner by using the word “consider.” By this approach the Hebrews could use their own understanding to compare the happenings of the past to their own time. They could sec the words of the prophets being unfolded before their eyes.

This “High Priest of our profession,” whom Paul said was Jesus, was “faithful to him that appointed him” (vs. 2). There was no doubt in this fact. Anyone who knew the life of Jesus from his birth to his crucifixion and resurrection could testify that he had kept every commandment and word of the prophets. He had obeyed the word of His Father, Yehovah - God, in every detail. Whether or not the Hebrews had any doubts as to the identity of Jesus, they could not argue against his life of faithfulness.

To show the importance of the matter of faith, Paul brought in another important figure of Israel, Moses. Moses had been known as a faithful man both to God and to his people, but Moses was never a high priest. Yet, Jesus was “counted worthy of more glory than Moses. Moses as a servant was “faithful in all his house. But the Messiah as a son over his own house; whose house are we” was the one to be honoured and accepted.

Further to emphasize the prominence of Jesus in the plan of Yehovah - God, Paul stated, “He that built all things is God” (vs. 14). Keep in mind that Paul was convincing a people who had known Yehovah - God for centuries. They needed no proof of God or of His greatness or that He was their God. So, time after time in this treatise on Jesus, the new and living way, Paul affirms that God is the Supervisor.

We need to consider the importance o: the phrase “whose house are we.” This was pointed directly to the Hebrew believers. They could not claim any family inheritance in Aaronic priesthood or in the tribe of the Levites. It is possible that a small percentage of them might have been of either family. Now each and every one who claimed Jesus as the High Priest of our profession could be counted in the house of Jesus. In Ephesians 2:19. Paul refers to this family: believers, followers, the “body of the Messiah;” as the “household of God."

Verses 7 through 11 are quoted from Psalm 95:7-11. The word “rest” represents the promises of God. One great promise is the establishing or the Kingdom which there will be no sorrow or sadness, no crying or death. This would be a “rest" from the troubles of this life. The Hebrews had such a hope and it was expressed by the apostles when they asked Jesus this question. “Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The direct application of this quotation from Psalm 95 at this time was to remind the Hebrew brethren of the time when their forefathers had died in the wilderness and had not entered the land of promise. (See Numbers 14:22-24.)

 

To further convince them of their lack of faith, Paul wrote, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (v. 12). Again, he pointed out that all could be “partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (vs.14). It was necessary that Paul bring to memory the incident of the unbelieving Israelites who died in the wilderness, that these to whom he was writing might compare themselves. It was unbelief that brought death upon thousands of Israelites who, according to Paul, had been “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Cor. 10:2). The confidence steadfast unto the end” (vs. 14). It was necessary that Paul bring to memory the incident of the unbelieving Israelites who died in the wilderness, that these to whom he was writing might compare themselves. It I was unbelief that brought death upon thousands of Israelites who, according to Paul, had been “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” [Corinthians10:2]. The Israelites had been brought out of sin (Egypt) and had been cleansed by the Lord God through this process of baptism “in the cloud and in the sea,” but this did not guarantee eternal inheritance! This was the persuasion of Paul in revealing to the Hebrew Christians that they, too, were following their forefathers’ footsteps if they refused the Apostle and High Priest Jesus.

The problem of unbelief is still major in our religion. We have many who have been baptized in the name of Jesus and have been cleansed by the Lord God through the sacrifice of Jesus. Yet they fail to continue to be faithful. God is no different in our generation than He was in that of Joshua. Each person will be rewarded according to that which he has done.

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon

HEBREWS CHAPTER 2 “WE SEE JESUS”

Based on the truths of Hebrews Chapter 1, Paul begins Hebrews Chapter 2 with another statement, “Therefore, we ought.” (Even though his writing was directed to the Hebrew believers, but Paul included himself). The admonition was to “give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard” (v. 1). He was referring to the things which the Hebrews had heard concerning Jesus.

ONCE MORE let us examine the situation of the Hebrews. They were forsaking the “traditions” of the elders and forefathers. Too, they were being pressured by the orthodox followers of Judaism to reject their newfound religion. Though they were followers of the Messiah, there seemed to be many doubts about Him and “the way.”

Again, Paul referred to angels and how the “word” which had been spoken by them was steadfast. Well, they knew that the word of God had been established through the angels, even the law which all had followed.

“How shall we escape?” This is still a question that is asked by the messengers of God. The answer is the same as it was in Paul’s time. If we neglect the “great salvation” offered by our heavenly Father through His son Jesus the Messiah, we are doomed by the judgment of God.

This was the message offered to the Hebrews. Yehovah - God was giving to them something far greater than had ever been offered to their fathers. The message which was spoken by the son had been “confirmed from Paul by them that heard them.” This could have included several people John, Peter, Stephen, and others.

The message of God through His son in “these last days” had been by “signs and wonders . . …miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” It is almost certain the Hebrews knew of some of these signs. Some of them may have been present to witness the wonders and miracles. The fame of Saul, who had been converted to become a follower of this same Jesus, no doubt had place in the argument and presentation, for now he was the Apostle Paul. The “witness” which God had established had to do with the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus. All of these had been prophesied by the prophets.

In verse five, Paul again used the angels for comparison. Angels had formed an important part of Israel’s history. There is no promise of any importance made to the angels and their future. Rut of this Man, “the man Christ Jesus,” God had “put all things in subjection under his feet” (vs. 8). Yet, in Paul’s time, “we see not yet all things put under him” (vs. 9). The message which had been given, called “things” in verse one, not only pertained to personal salvation through Jesus, but also old of the Kingdom and all its aspects. So “all things” had not yet been put under the supervision of Jesus.

“But we see Jesus.” This is the beginning of verse nine. Here is the first reference to the death of Jesus. The Hebrews were familiar with the sacrificial offerings, especially the ones for atonement. This Jesus who had been made lower than the angels had at the time of this writing been “crowned with glory and honour.” Paul continued to reveal the story of the offering of Jesus by writing that the “captain of their salvation” had to be made “perfect through sufferings.” In this argument, three times Paul went back to the Psalms to quote the testimonies of David concerning the one who was to be “one" with them.

Here was a new teaching. Never had a oneness of fellowship been taught by the prophets, nor had it been practiced in Israel. But the Jesus they were following was “not ashamed to call them brethren” (vs.11). This is a picture of the called-out Assembly of God; the “called out ones” in the Messiah Jesus. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he said, “Go tell my brethren.” He was not speaking of blood relationship, but his followers. The Hebrew brethren were a part of the wonderful group and could enjoy the fellowship.

To counteract any misconception of the origin of Jesus,

Paul showed that he was a son of Abraham. “He took on him the seed of Abraham” (v. 16). In this way he was “made like unto his brethren” (v.17). The Hebrews were of the seed of Abraham. Here was one of their own who had tasted death for every man. The fact that he suffered showed that Jesus was a man like they were. But one thing was different. Jesus had not suffered for His own sins, but for the sins of others. This included the Hebrews.

His suffering and overcoming by the power of God made Jesus able to “succour”;  to give assistance, help, and relief; to “them that are tempted.”

We see, then, in the closing statements of this chapter that Paul had shown Jesus to be:

1) one of the Hebrews;

2) one like the Hebrews; and

3) the one for the Hebrews.

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon

HEBREWS CHAPTER 1 “GOD HAS SPOKEN”

PAUL BEGAN the letter with a very revered word, familiar to the Hebrews; “God.” This was a common ground on which to start his argument. It, too, was true that Yehovah - God was speaking and is still speaking. The Hebrews were being reminded of the words they had followed and that had been followed by their forefathers for centuries. Yehovah - God had spoken “unto the fathers by the prophets.” Yehovah - God had spoken “at sundry times” or different, and many times. Some translations for this use “in many portions.” Yehovah - God had also spoken in “different manners.” This, refers to many and different manners. The word of Yehovah – God had come through visions, dreams, the law, the Urim and Thummim (as used by the high priest), and by direct communication. God had spoken to many of the outstanding faithful ones; Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David, Isaiah, and others.

Paul sets forth his argument, God “has” in these last days spoken to us by His son” (vs. 2). We understand at least two reasons for writing in this manner. 1) The Israelites were familiar with the prophecies about the last days. They knew that a change was to be made in the earth, and the people. The prophets had said there would be warnings. 2) Paul was allowing that the warning and admonition were coming from God, through the Son.t The word of Paul follows this line of thinking, “You have believed the word of the ‘fathers.’ Now God is speaking to you again, and it is through His Son.” As Jesus said, “You believe in God, believe also in me” [John 14:1] Paul was using the same plea.

The King James reading, “heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (v. 2) has caused many to believe that Jesus was the creator of the world and therefore either preexisted with God or was God. Neither is true! The Emphatic Diaglott reads, “On account of whom he constituted the ages.” As one studies, it is not difficult to see that God created all things with His Son Jesus in mind. All things were created because of Him and to give to Him. Daniel 7:14 points out the giving of “all people, nations, and languages” to Jesus. The angel told Mary that Jesus would become a ruler. The prophets foretold that this “ruler” would rule over all the earth. Ephesians 1:21-23 teaches that God will give to Jesus “power, and might, and dominion” over all things, both in heaven and in earth. This was the first step in the procedure of Paul to show the Hebrews the greatness of Jesus.

This One also, through whom God had spoken, was the true representative of God; so much so that He was “the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person” (v. 3). Remember, the subject still is “Yehovah - God”; the first word of the chapter. Of this verse the Emphatic Diaglott reads, “An exact impress of the substance of Him.”

A great Biblical doctrine must be recalled in this setting. The Israelites believed in a “living God.” They also believed Yehovah - God to be a being, a person. This God had walked in the Garden of Eden; He had talked to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others; He had shown them that they were like Him in bodily form. But of none of the ones mentioned had anything like this been said of them. Jesus only, the son of the “living God,” could show forth the “Father” in his person – he was and is the outshining of the glory of Yehovah - God. Jesus is the “light of the world.” He shows Yehovah - God in every attribute that he possesses. What a testimony! This had never been said of Abraham or Moses. They were servants, faithful and used of God, but never in a way as to show God’s full character and person.

The “son” through whom Yehovah - God had spoken as “upholding all things by the word of his power” (v. 3); that is, God’s power.

Centuries before, Moses had been told to prophesy about one who was to come who would be “a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). This “Prophet” was to “speak unto them all that I shall command him.” Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, He does the works” (John 14:10). Jesus was given by our heavenly Father to speak the Father’s words and to reveal the character, desire, and life of the heavenly Father. None of the forefathers of the Israelites had ever been given such a privilege; yet they had known God and had shown what they knew of Him to their children.

Hebrews 1:4-14, gives a description of Jesus in comparing his likeness and greatness to others. In no other place in the Scriptures can an equal description be found of the son of Yehovah - God. Angels were held in high esteem by the Israelites. And why not! An angel had spoken to Abraham, Hagar, Moses, Joseph, and others. An angel had gone before the children of Israel when they came out of Egypt. (See Exodus 23:20.) We might further mention that an angel had appeared to Balak, Manoah (father of Samson), Elijah, Daniel, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Zacharias (father of John the Baptist), and Philip. Therefore, an angel to the Israelites was a very important being. The one whom God had sent to speak and through whom God was being revealed was “much better than the angels,” the reason being, “He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (v. 4). God had never said to any angel or to any of the forefathers, “You are my son.” Neither had God ever said to any one of them, “Sit on my right hand.” The angels had a purpose in the plan of God. They were and are “ministering spirits.”

The Savior whom the Hebrew disciples had chosen to follow was everything any Israelite had ever known in any servant of God and much more.

In Hebrews Chapter 1, Paul quite firmly established the following facts to the Hebrew brethren

1) God had spoken to the “fathers by the prophets;”

2) He had spoken to the “fathers” many times in many

ways,

3) now (these last days) God had spoken through His son.

4) the son was the true Representative of God, even the “express image of His person;”

5) the son was “much better” than the angels; better than anyone else, which included the “fathers.” For “God, even thy God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon