Hebrews and the Sabbath Rest
In chapter four the author turns to an elaboration of a very Jewish concept, that of God's rest. He addresses the issue not in the manner of a theologian, with definitions and detailed analysis, but as a pastor warning his flock not to miss it. While his point is well made, and still highly relevant to all believers, we are so removed from his time, language and culture that we must do the work of the theologian so that we may enjoy the passionate teachings of the pastor. To this end we begin by learning the meaning of "rest".
Hebrews Rhetorical Problems 2
The author of Hebrews begins by arguing for the superiority of Christ. His argument comes to complete fruition in showing the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical. From 4.14-8.13 the argument shows how the Levitical priesthood and old covenant are to be replaced by a new and improved priesthood and covenant. After painstakingly proving that Jesus Christ, our Savior, is also the expected king, the author desires to prove that He is also our High Priest. Jesus’ lineage proved He was an heir to David’s throne, the quoted enthronement psalms reveal His Messiahship, but how can the believer be justified if there is no high priest to intercede?
Final Greetings
Paul closes his epistle with a standard Roman greeting. First, he greets all those who will receive the letter, then sends greeting from his house which, in this case, includes a number of Christian converts among the guards which, from what we can determine from history, was likely the elite Praetorian guard. What more can be said about these three verses? After looking at these verses there is something that came to mind. Notice whom Paul greets in verse 21. The word “saints” is easy to overlook, but does raise a question: who are these saints?
Whatever Is
This passage has been quoted at weddings and funerals, it graces quilts and placards in homes, and is probably the second most memorized verse in Scripture (the first being John 3:16). That may be in part due to its repetitive nature, but mostly because of its very uplifting and positive message. The Greek word translated “whatever is” appears seven times in the original language, but it what this phrase points to that lifts the hearts of readers. Ancient writers were fond of listing virtues, and Paul is no exception. Truthfully, I think modern readers are equally inspired be them.
Moses
Chapter two ended with a reference to Jesus being our high priest, and chapter three picks up that thread in the very first verse. "Take note of Jesus," the author instructs, "the apostle and high priest whom we confess." Unfortunately, he drops the thread here and does not pick it up again until chapter four. We have to wait to learn of the significance of the high priest reference, but that doesn't mean we don't have something important to learn before then. Even as Jesus is superior to the prophets, angels, and the high priest of Israel, he is also superior to Moses.
Hebrews Rhetorical Problems 1
As we mentioned yesterday, Hebrews is a mystery book in may respects. Though we can surmise it was written to a primarily Jewish audience, we have no indication as to who authored this most eloquent argument for Christianity from the Jewish tradition. Because we don't know where the audience resided, or who was communicating to them, there is great difficulty in deriving what it is the author is trying to have his audience overcome.
Giving and Receiving
Paul continues to remember fondly the way in which they assisted him on his first missionary journey. Though the church at Antioch had commissioned him, it was the Philippians who gave him food, travel gear and financial assistance. As a tent-maker, Paul usually financed his own trips but when Silas and Timothy showed up with aid it permitted Paul to work for the gospel full time (Acts 18.5). Is it any wonder Paul had a special place in his heart for this church? They emulated the God they served through the giving of provision above and beyond Paul’s needs.
Church Conflict
Sometimes it happens, even among believers. Arguments arise and fellowship can be broken. There was a situation just like this among a pair of believers at the church in Philippi. We don’t know the nature of the argument, but if Paul had heard about it while in prison it had to be a doozy. The two Greek immigrants (we know their nationality based on their names, and since Philippi was a Roman city they were likely legal immigrants) could not work out their problem together, so Paul asked the church to help them. At least that’s one reading.
Hebrews 1 and 2
There are many ways to communicate. One may whisper a secret, write memoirs, and give lectures but the most formal communication is through an announcement. Whether it is a birth announcement, a wedding announcement, a presidential announcement or any other they all have a sense of formality, elegance and importance. The author of the homily we call Hebrews has an announcement of his own to make. Rather than printing it on parchment or assembling a press conference he chose to write a sermon. His medium might not have been what most would choose, but you cannot accuse him of hiding his intentions
Introduction to Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews has long been both inspirational and mysterious. Inspirational in its message of the superiority of Jesus, the New Covenant and salvation; in the list of the great men and women in the Hall of Faith. It's mystery lay in some of its teachings and in its authorship. In the three most important considerations concerning the book, authorship is in there somewhere. No one really knows who wrote Hebrews, but the bulk of tradition holds to a Pauline authorship. Although there are differences in style, these can be explained by the shift in literary genre.
Joy of Family
We are nearing the end of Paul’s letter and our study. Today’s passage marks the beginning of Paul’s final salutations and he once more emphasizes his joy in keeping with his theme of rejoicing. Why so joyful? Because his family is there for him. They were willing to help him in ministry at the beginning of his Christian life, and they were still willing to help him though he was a prisoner in a government that was hostile to Christianity. Paul’s fate was unknown, and this truth was ever present. Such times make a man ponder what is really important.
Imitation Game
During my first year at Colorado Christian University I had an amazing teacher for my New Testament course. He made a dramatic impact on my growing faith. He had a way of bringing truth to light, and while doing so he made this kind of motion with his hand. All five fingers were extended naturally, not as a flat palm more of a half circle with the knuckles on top. He would move his hand forward while turning it over, palm up. Without realizing it, I had picked up the affectation. It was only after friends started joking about it that I began to consciously try to stop.