Salvation Confirmed
The author argues from a smaller example to...
The author argues from a smaller example to a larger one. In the Old Testament era, people who rejected God’s word delivered by angels were punished. If that was true, then the punishment will be even greater for those who now reject the message of salvation. This message has been given by the Son himself and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
1We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?
This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
Jesus like His Brothers
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 8:4–6 to...
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 8:4–6 to shift from discussing Christ's divine nature in Hebrews 1:5–14 to his human nature in 2:10–18. Psalm 8 is often paired with Psalm 110:1 (see Hebrews 1:13) to describe how all creation submits to Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:25–27; Ephesians 1:20–23). Christ is the perfect human. In his exaltation, he achieves true dominion over creation, something humanity could not do.
5For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.
These verses quote Psalm 8:4–6. Psalm 8 talks...
These verses quote Psalm 8:4–6. Psalm 8 talks about the position God has given to humanity. The author of Hebrews uses the verse to predict Christ, who fulfills and represents humanity.
6But somewhere it is testified in these words:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,or the son of man that You care for him?7You made him a little lower† than the angels;You crowned him with glory and honor†8and placed everything under his feet.”†When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
This passage suggests at least four reasons why...
This passage suggests at least four reasons why the Son of God became human.
It was appropriate: It aligns with God's character to achieve salvation this way (Hebrews 2:10).
Jesus needed to become human to die (2:14).
According to Old Testament law, high priests had to be chosen from among God's people (2:17).
Jesus became a compassionate priest by experiencing human suffering and challenges (2:18).
It was appropriate: It aligns with God's character to achieve salvation this way (Hebrews 2:10).
Jesus needed to become human to die (2:14).
According to Old Testament law, high priests had to be chosen from among God's people (2:17).
Jesus became a compassionate priest by experiencing human suffering and challenges (2:18).
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author† of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12He says:
“I will proclaim Your name to My brothers;I will sing Your praises in the assembly.”†13And again:
“I will put My trust in Him.”†And once again:
“Here am I, and the children God has given Me.”†
The death of the Son of God as...
The death of the Son of God as a sacrifice for sin weakened the devil's power. It made the devil's power over death ineffective (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Philo, a first-century Jewish philosopher, wrote that "nothing enslaves the mind like fearing death" (Philo, That Every Good Person Is Free 3.22). Through his sacrificial death, Christ freed those who were slaves to the fear of dying.
The death of the Son of God as a sacrifice for sin weakened the devil's power. It made the devil's power over death ineffective (1 Corinthians 15:56).
Philo, a first-century Jewish philosopher, wrote that "nothing enslaves the mind like fearing death" (Philo, That Every Good Person Is Free 3.22). Through his sacrificial death, Christ freed those who were slaves to the fear of dying.
14Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
16For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham.
These verses introduce Jesus as our kind and...
These verses introduce Jesus as our kind and loyal high priest, a role fully explained in the main part of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:14–10:25).
He needed to share our human experience (see 5:1).
These verses introduce Jesus as our kind and loyal high priest, a role fully explained in the main part of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:14–10:25).
He needed to share our human experience (see 5:1).
17For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement† for the sins of the people. 18Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.