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HebrewsHebrewsIntroductionIntroduction

About The BookAbout The BookWho Wrote It?Who Wrote It?When Was It Written?When Was It Written?Who Were The Readers?Who Were The Readers?What Is The Overall Purpose?What Is The Overall Purpose?

When and to whom was it written?When and to whom was it written?•No mention of the destruction of No mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the sacrificial Jerusalem and the end of the sacrificial system in 70 AD.system in 70 AD.

•Persecution had broken out, probably Persecution had broken out, probably as a result of the burning of Rome in as a result of the burning of Rome in 64. 64.

•Probably written to Jewish Christians Probably written to Jewish Christians in Rome around 68 AD.in Rome around 68 AD.

•Paul was a prisoner there at that time. Paul was a prisoner there at that time. He was most likely martyred there He was most likely martyred there during the winter of 68 – 69.during the winter of 68 – 69.

Who wrote it?Who wrote it?1.1. Greek style is very polished, unlike Paul’s writing. Greek style is very polished, unlike Paul’s writing.

More like Apollos.More like Apollos.2.2. 2:3 refers to “2:3 refers to “those who heard Him.” those who heard Him.” Certainly not Certainly not

PaulPaul3.3. No Pauline salutationNo Pauline salutation4.4. Paul uses both Hebrew & LXX, writer uses only Paul uses both Hebrew & LXX, writer uses only

LXX, apparently doesn’t know ancient Hebrew.LXX, apparently doesn’t know ancient Hebrew.5.5. Paul uses compound titles, ie: Our Lord Jesus, for Paul uses compound titles, ie: Our Lord Jesus, for

Christ. This writer uses a simplex title only.Christ. This writer uses a simplex title only.6.6. Tertullian Tertullian Barnabus, but he lived in Jerusalem, Barnabus, but he lived in Jerusalem,

and was an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry (2:3)and was an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry (2:3)7.7. Other possibilities: Luke, Clement of Rome, Other possibilities: Luke, Clement of Rome,

Apollos, Silvanus (Silas), Philip, Priscilla.Apollos, Silvanus (Silas), Philip, Priscilla.8.8. Origen (3Origen (3rdrd century) “God only knows.” century) “God only knows.”

Overall PurposeOverall PurposeMany Jewish believers, having Many Jewish believers, having

stepped out of Judaism into stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, now want to reverse Christianity, now want to reverse

their course in order to escape their course in order to escape persecution. The letter is written to persecution. The letter is written to

encourage them to “encourage them to “go on to go on to maturitymaturity.” (6:1).” (6:1)

When a Jew left the faith of his forefathers, he was looked on as a turncoat and an apostate (), and was often punished with one or more of the following:

Disinheritance by his family. Excommunication from the congregation of Israel. Loss of employment. Dispossession. Mental harassment and physical torture. Public mockery. Imprisonment. Martyrdom.

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The rich heritage of the prophets. The prominent ministry of angels in the history of God’s ancient

people. Association with the illustrious lawgiver Moses. National ties with the brilliant military commander Joshua. The glory of the Aaronic priesthood. The sacred sanctuary where God chose to dwell among His people. The covenant of the law given by God through Moses. The divinely appointed furniture in the sanctuary, and the magnificent

veil. The services in the sanctuary, and especially the ritual on the great Day

of Atonement (Yom Kippur, the most important day in the Jewish calendar).

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HebrewsHebrewsOf course, there was always the escape route. If he would renounce Christ and return to Judaism, he would be spared from further persecution. As we read between the lines of this Letter, we can detect some of the strong arguments used to persuade him to return to Judaism:

We can almost hear the first-century Jews presenting all these glories of their ancient, ritualistic religion, then asking with a sneer, “And what do you Christians have? We have all this. What do you have? Nothing but a simple upper room, a table, and some bread and wine on the table! Do you mean to say that you have left all this for that?”

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HebrewsHebrewsThe Epistle to the Hebrews is really an answer to the

question, “What do you have?” In a word the answer is Christ. In Him we have:

One who is greater than the prophets. One who is greater than the angels. One who is greater than Moses. One who is greater than Joshua. One whose priesthood is superior to that of Aaron. One who serves in a better sanctuary. One who has introduced a better covenant. One who is the antitype of the typical furniture and veil. One whose once-for-all offering of Himself for sin is superior

to the repeated sacrifices of bulls and goats.

Just as the stars fade from view in the greater glory of the sun, so the types and shadows of Judaism pale

into insignificance before the greater glory of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus.

6/7/09

1:1 In the past God spoke to our 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days 2 but in these last days he has he has spokenspoken to us by his Son, whom he to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the through whom he made the universe.universe.

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June 14

1:1 In the past God spoke to our 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days 2 but in these last days he has he has spokenspoken to us by his Son, whom he to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the through whom he made the universe.universe.

A Period of Over 2000 YearsA Period of Over 2000 YearsAn Unbroken Succession of ProphetsAn Unbroken Succession of ProphetsForetelling Events to Establish CredibilityForetelling Events to Establish Credibility

““Telling Forth” God’s Will, Word & CharacterTelling Forth” God’s Will, Word & Character

“ “He is There and He Is Not Silent”He is There and He Is Not Silent”Francis SchaefferFrancis Schaeffer

In the past God spoke . . .In the past God spoke . . .but now He has spoken . . .but now He has spoken . . .

(does He still speak?)(does He still speak?)

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HebrewsHebrews““In these last daysIn these last days . . .” . . .” (literally) “ “At the end of these daysAt the end of these days””

The period of partial revelation is passed and we The period of partial revelation is passed and we have now entered the time of the full and final have now entered the time of the full and final revelation of God’s Word, His Will and His revelation of God’s Word, His Will and His Character.Character.

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1:1 In the past God spoke to our 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days 2 but in these last days he has he has spokenspoken to us by his Son, whom he to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the through whom he made the universe.universe.

““He is There and He Is Not Silent”He is There and He Is Not Silent”• Contradicts PantheismContradicts Pantheism• Contradicts DeismContradicts Deism• God is Personal and ActiveGod is Personal and Active• 1500 years – 3 Continents – 3 1500 years – 3 Continents – 3 Languages – 40 AuthorsLanguages – 40 Authors• 1 United Message1 United Message

PersonhoodPersonhoodHas God spoken? Has God spoken?

• ProphecyProphecy• CorrespondenceCorrespondence• EncounterEncounter

1:1 In the past God spoke to our 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days 2 but in these last days he has he has spokenspoken to us by his Son, whom he to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the through whom he made the universe.universe.

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HebrewsHebrewsChristians Believe In Christians Believe In Universal Truth.Universal Truth.

What’s wrong with this statement?What’s wrong with this statement?““I don’t think it’s right to say other I don’t think it’s right to say other

religions are wrong” religions are wrong” This is the post-modern ethos.This is the post-modern ethos.

Jesus: Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” one comes to the Father but by me.”

This is the Biblical ethos.This is the Biblical ethos.

1 In the past God spoke to our 1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,many times and in various ways,

2 but in these last days 2 but in these last days he has he has spoken to us by his Sonspoken to us by his Son, whom he , whom he appointed heir of all things, and appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the through whom he made the universe.universe.

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3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

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HebrewsHebrews Christ’s Superiority in Hebrews 1

1. Jesus Is Greater Than the Prophets 1:1–3

A. Seven character affirmations:

1. Heir of all things (v. 2)

2. Creator (v. 2)

3. Manifestation of God’s Being (v. 3)

4. Perfect representation of God (v. 3)

5. Sustainer of all things (v. 3)

6. Savior (v. 3)

7. Exalted Lord (v. 3)

3 The Son is 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful wordpowerful word. After he had provided . After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

It’s easy to It’s easy to underestimate who underestimate who

Jesus isJesus is

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3 The Son is 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory the radiance of God's glory andand the exact representation of his the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful wordpowerful word. After he had provided . After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

GodGod““incarnate”incarnate”(Dios con carne?) (Dios con carne?)

. . . . . . For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. . .. . .

Colossians 2:9 Colossians 2:9

Strongs Hebrew Greek Lexicon

plhvrwma , play´-ro-mah; repletion or completion, i.e. (subj.) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (obj.) what is filled (as container, performance, period):— which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness.

Hayford’s Bible Handbook

FULLNESS. (Eph. 3:19) (play-row-mah); Full number, full complement, full measure, copiousness, plenitude, that which has been completed. The word describes a ship with a full cargo and crew, and a town with no empty houses. strongly emphasizes fullness and completion.

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

John 1:18 TEVJohn 1:18 TEV

““You gave me authority over You gave me authority over all flesh, that to all whom all flesh, that to all whom You have given me, I may You have given me, I may give eternal life. Now, give eternal life. Now, Father, glorify Me together Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory with Yourself, with the glory I had with You before the I had with You before the world was.”world was.”

John 17:2John 17:2

plhrwmaplhrwma PleromaPleroma

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3 The Son is 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glorythe radiance of God's glory and and the exact representation of his the exact representation of his beingbeing, , sustaining all things by his sustaining all things by his powerful wordpowerful word. After he had provided . After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

Although Jesus existed in the Although Jesus existed in the form of God, He form of God, He 11did not regard did not regard equality with Godequality with God a thing to be a thing to be grasped, but grasped, but 22emptiedemptied HimselfHimself, , taking the taking the 33formform ofof aa bondbond--servantservant, and being made in the , and being made in the 44likenesslikeness ofof menmen. Being found in . Being found in appearance as a man, He appearance as a man, He 55humbledhumbled HimselfHimself by becoming by becoming 66obedientobedient to the point of to the point of deathdeath, , even even 77death on a death on a crosscross..

Philippians 2:6Philippians 2:6

3 The Son is 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glorythe radiance of God's glory and and the exact representation of his the exact representation of his beingbeing, , sustaining all things by his sustaining all things by his powerful wordpowerful word. After he had provided . After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

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HebrewsHebrewsAlthough Jesus existed in the Although Jesus existed in the form of God, He did not regard form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by humbled Himself by becoming becoming obedient to the point of death, obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6Philippians 2:6

3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had powerful word. After he had provided provided purification for sinspurification for sins, he sat down at the , he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

becoming becoming obedient to the obedient to the point of death, even death point of death, even death on a crosson a cross..

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3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much 4 So he became as much superior to the superior to the angelsangels as the name he has inherited is as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

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HebrewsHebrews Christ’s Superiority in Hebrews 1

1. Jesus Is Greater Than the Prophets 1:1–3

A. Seven character affirmations:

1. Heir of all things (v. 2)

2. Creator (v. 2)

3. Manifestation of God’s Being (v. 3)

4. Perfect representation of God (v. 3)

5. Sustainer of all things (v. 3)

6. Savior (v. 3)

7. Exalted Lord (v. 3)

2. Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels 1:4–14

A. Seven Scripture quotations:

1. Psalm 2:7 (v. 5)

2. 2 Samuel 7:14 (v. 3)

3. Deuteronomy 32:43 or Psalm 97:7 (v. 6)

4. Psalm 104:4 (v. 7)

5. Psalm 45:6, 7 (vv. 8, 9)

6. Psalm 102:25–27 (vv. 10–12)

7. Psalm 110:1 (v. 13)

3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much 4 So he became as much superior to the superior to the angelsangels as the name he has inherited is as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.superior to theirs.

What’s the What’s the point?point?

Angels = the Angels = the agents of OT agents of OT

revelationrevelation

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HebrewsHebrewsAngels In The New Testament

Personality Angel’s Action Biblical Reference

Zacharias Revealed to Zacharias the forthcoming

birth of John the Baptist Luke 1:11–20

Joseph Assured Joseph of Mary’s purity; warned

him of Herod’s plot; told Joseph about

Herod’s dream Matt. 1:20–25

Matt. 2:13

Matt. 2:19, 20

Shepherds Announced Jesus’ birth to them Luke 2:8–15

Jesus Ministered to Jesus during His

temptations; strengthened

Him in the Garden of Gethsemane;

rolled away the stone

from the tomb and announced

His resurrection Matt. 4:11Luke 22:43Matt. 28:2–6

Angels In The Acts of the Apostles

Personality Angel’s Action Reference

Apostles Predicted Jesus’ return; Acts 1:10, 11

Released the Apostles from prison Acts 5:17–20

Philip Sent Philip into the desert to meet the Eunuch Acts 8:26

Cornelius Instructed Cornelius to send for Peter Acts 10:3–8

Peter Released Peter from prison Acts 12:7

Herod Judged Herod because of his blasphemy Acts 12:23

Paul Reassured Paul in a storm at sea Acts 27:23, 24

5 For to which of the angels did God ever 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father " ? Or again, "I will become your Father " ? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?be his Father, and he will be my Son"?

6 And again, when God brings his 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."God's angels worship him."

7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He 7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."flames of fire."

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HebrewsHebrews• Jesus is greater than the angels because He is the eternal Son of

God Whom the angels worship and serve.

• Angels serve God’s people (Heb. 1:14),

• even though we may not recognize them (Heb. 13:2; Gen. 18).

• Angels give special care to children (Matt. 18:10)

• and intervene in the lives of God’s servants when they need special help (Acts 5:17–21; 12:1–10).

• When believers die, the angels escort them to glory (Luke 16:22);

• and when Christ returns, angels will accompany Him (Matt. 25:31).

• We must not worship angels (Rev. 22:9) or pray to them; but we can trust God to send them when we need them most.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father " ? Or again, "I will become your Father " ? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?be his Father, and he will be my Son"?

6 And again, when God brings his 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."God's angels worship him."

7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He 7 In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire."flames of fire."

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8 But about the Son he says, "Your 8 But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."oil of joy."

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10 He also says, "In the beginning, O 10 He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.your hands.

11 They will perish, but you remain; they 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.will all wear out like a garment.

12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will remain the same, and your years will never end."never end."

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13 To which of the angels did God ever 13 To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your your enemies a footstool for your feet"?feet"?

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? salvation?

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HebrewsHebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, 2:1 We must pay more careful attention,

therefore, to what we have heard, so therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.that we do not drift away.

2 For if the message spoken by angels 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just disobedience received its just punishment,punishment,

3 how shall we escape if we ignore such 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?a great salvation?

HebrewsHebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, 2:1 We must pay more careful attention,

therefore, to what we have heard, so therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.that we do not drift away.

2 For if the message spoken by angels 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just disobedience received its just punishment,punishment,

3 how shall we escape if we ignore such 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?a great salvation?

Continuing to live by the Continuing to live by the Old Testament is failing to Old Testament is failing to see the importance of the see the importance of the revelation Jesus broughtrevelation Jesus brought

HebrewsHebrewsThe claims of the Bible are The claims of the Bible are

unambiguousunambiguousThat it comes directly from That it comes directly from

GodGodThat it is completely uniqueThat it is completely uniqueThat Jesus is the creator of That Jesus is the creator of

the worldthe worldAre these claims true?Are these claims true?

HebrewsHebrews Not enough to realize the Bible Not enough to realize the Bible

is God’s revelationis God’s revelation Also need to realize the proper Also need to realize the proper

relationship between Old and relationship between Old and New TestamentsNew Testaments

Christians today still have this Christians today still have this problemproblem