a study of the apostle paul’s letter to the hebrews

AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)

Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Today we’ll consider verses 9-17.

As mentioned in the introduction As mentioned in the introduction of our studyof our study onon verses 1-8,, chapter 13 demon-strates demon-strates thatthat TheThe Faith-Faith-PrinciplePrinciple ofof Christ Is the Basis for a Christ Is the Basis for a Superior Way of LifeSuperior Way of Life to that to that possible under Moses. And…possible under Moses. And…

As mentioned in the conclusion of As mentioned in the conclusion of that study, since God and Jesus are that study, since God and Jesus are faithful to the faithful, Paul went faithful to the faithful, Paul went on in on in verses 9-17 to tell these to tell these Hebrew brethren how they could Hebrew brethren how they could remain faithful.remain faithful.

Do not be Do not be carried aboutcarried about withwith various and various and strange doc- strange doc- trines.trines. ForFor it’sit’s

goodgood thatthat thethe

heart be heart be established by established by grace, not with grace, not with foods which foods which have not have not profited those profited those whowho havehave beenbeen

oc-cupied with oc-cupied with them.them.

HebrewHebrews s 13:9 13:9





ThisThis couldcould bebe literallyliterally translated translated as as Stop being Stop being carried awaycarried away. In . In other words… other words…

ThisThis couldcould bebe literallyliterally translated translated as as Stop being Stop being carried awaycarried away. In . In other words… other words…

Do not be Do not be carried aboutcarried about withwith various and various and strange doc- strange doc- trinestrines.. ForFor it’sit’s




Many or all of Many or all of those whothose who hadhad alreadyalready forfor--saken saken Christ did so by Christ did so by falling prey falling prey to to differentdifferent & & foreignforeign teachings teachings. . What teachings? What teachings? Judaistic Judaistic teachingsteachings..

Many or all of Many or all of those whothose who hadhad alreadyalready forfor--saken saken Christ did so by Christ did so by falling prey falling prey to to differentdifferent & & foreignforeign teachings teachings. . What teachings? What teachings? Judaistic Judaistic teachingsteachings..





These brethren These brethren needed to needed to become those become those who were who were no longer children … carried about with every wind of doc-trine by the trickery of men ((Eph. 4:14); ); remember, being remember, being children in their children in their un-derstanding un-derstanding was partwas part ofof theirtheir problem (problem (cf. cf. 5:12—6:2).).

These brethren These brethren needed to needed to become those become those who were who were no longer children … carried about with every wind of doc-trine by the trickery of men ((Eph. 4:14); ); remember, being remember, being children in their children in their un-derstanding un-derstanding was partwas part ofof theirtheir problem (problem (cf. cf. 5:12—6:2).).





This implies an This implies an ob-vious contrast: ob-vious contrast: what what isis good is is that which that which purifies the heart purifies the heart & & conscience—the conscience—the NewNew Covenant Covenant ((9:14 & & 10: 22), not ), not that which never that which never purified the heart purified the heart and consci-ence—and consci-ence—the Old Cove-nant the Old Cove-nant ((9:9-10).).

This implies an This implies an ob-vious contrast: ob-vious contrast: what what isis good is is that which that which purifies the heart purifies the heart & & conscience—the conscience—the NewNew Covenant Covenant ((9:14 & & 10: 22), not ), not that which never that which never purified the heart purified the heart and consci-ence—and consci-ence—the Old Cove-nant the Old Cove-nant ((9:9-10).).



heart be heart be established by established by grace,grace, not with not with foods which foods which have not have not profited those profited those whowho havehave beenbeen


Paul often wrote Paul often wrote against eating against eating ((and even and even notnot eatingeating) for ) for religious reasons: religious reasons: Food does not com-mend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we don’t eat are we the worse ((1 Cor. 8:8).).

Paul often wrote Paul often wrote against eating against eating ((and even and even notnot eatingeating) for ) for religious reasons: religious reasons: Food does not com-mend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we don’t eat are we the worse ((1 Cor. 8:8).).

In order to compromise with the In order to compromise with the Jews Jews who refused to let go of who refused to let go of Judaistic rituals, Judaistic rituals, many Christians many Christians allowed their beliefs into the allowed their beliefs into the church just as Paul predicted in church just as Paul predicted in First Timothy 4:1-5 where he even where he even specifically mentioned that some specifically mentioned that some would bind eating and/or not would bind eating and/or not eating. But…eating. But…

Colossians 2:16 says, says, Let no one judge you in food or in drink, and , and Romans 14: 17 says that God’s says that God’s kingdom is not food or drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in [the] holy spirit..

We have an We have an altar from which altar from which they they who serve who serve the tab-the tab- ernacle ernacle have no have no rightright toto

eat.eat. ForFor thethe bodies of those bodies of those beasts, whose beasts, whose blood is brought blood is brought into the into the sanctuary by sanctuary by the high priest the high priest for sin, are for sin, are burned outside burned outside the camp.the camp.

HebrewHebrews s 13:10-13:10-11 11

They refers to the refers to the OT priests, while OT priests, while we refers to NT refers to NT priests (priests (i.e. i.e. Christians, Christians, 1 Pet. 2:5 & 9).).

They refers to the refers to the OT priests, while OT priests, while we refers to NT refers to NT priests (priests (i.e. i.e. Christians, Christians, 1 Pet. 2:5 & 9).).

WeWe have an have an altar from which altar from which theythey who serve who serve the tab-the tab- ernacle ernacle have no have no rightright toto


An An altar was was that that upon which a upon which a sacri-fice was sacri-fice was made for sin and made for sin and in worship to Godin worship to God; ; and, as we’ll soon and, as we’ll soon see, see, the altar of the altar of this versethis verse ( (based based on typologyon typology) ) is a is a re-ference to re-ference to Christ HimselfChrist Himself ((cf.cf.

Bullinger’s Bullinger’s Figures Figures of Speechof Speech). So… ). So…

An An altar was was that that upon which a upon which a sacri-fice was sacri-fice was made for sin and made for sin and in worship to Godin worship to God; ; and, as we’ll soon and, as we’ll soon see, see, the altar of the altar of this versethis verse ( (based based on typologyon typology) ) is a is a re-ference to re-ference to Christ HimselfChrist Himself ((cf.cf.

Bullinger’s Bullinger’s Figures Figures of Speechof Speech). So… ). So…

We have an We have an altaraltar from which from which they they who serve who serve the tab-the tab- ernacle ernacle have no have no rightright toto


The assertion The assertion Paul made here Paul made here ((and that he went on and that he went on to validateto validate) is ) is simply that simply that Chris-Chris-tianstians ((like OT like OT priestspriests) ) have an have an exclusive altarexclusive altar; ; however (however (as has as has been the case been the case throughout throughout HebrewsHebrews), the ), the difference is that difference is that instead of it be-instead of it be-ing a tangible ing a tangible altar, it’s an altar, it’s an intangible one. intangible one. Furthermore…Furthermore…

The assertion The assertion Paul made here Paul made here ((and that he went on and that he went on to validateto validate) is ) is simply that simply that Chris-Chris-tianstians ((like OT like OT priestspriests) ) have an have an exclusive altarexclusive altar; ; however (however (as has as has been the case been the case throughout throughout HebrewsHebrews), the ), the difference is that difference is that instead of it be-instead of it be-ing a tangible ing a tangible altar, it’s an altar, it’s an intangible one. intangible one. Furthermore…Furthermore…



Being Being exclusiveexclusive means that means that OT OT priestspriests—yea all —yea all Jews represented by Jews represented by those priests—those priests—have have no right to Christ no right to Christ and His blessingsand His blessings ((e.g. salvatione.g. salvation). ). Now why was/is Now why was/is this true? Well, this true? Well, before we con- before we consider the reason sider the reason PaulPaul presented presented here, let’s recall here, let’s recall some other some other passages: passages:

Being Being exclusiveexclusive means that means that OT OT priestspriests—yea all —yea all Jews represented by Jews represented by those priests—those priests—have have no right to Christ no right to Christ and His blessingsand His blessings ((e.g. salvatione.g. salvation). ). Now why was/is Now why was/is this true? Well, this true? Well, before we con- before we consider the reason sider the reason PaulPaul presented presented here, let’s recall here, let’s recall some other some other passages: passages:



InIn John 6:53-56 Jesus spoke Jesus spoke figurative-ly, of course, of eating figurative-ly, of course, of eating and drinking (and drinking (i.e. assimilatingi.e. assimilating) Him; ) Him; and to do that they needed to have and to do that they needed to have

faith in Him (faith in Him (v. 64). So since to ). So since to have faith in Him meant that theyhave faith in Him meant that they

believedbelieved HisHis claimclaim toto Messiahship, Messiahship, then to continue worshipping at then to continue worshipping at

the altar of Judaism while claiming the altar of Judaism while claiming to be Christians was totally to be Christians was totally unacceptable. Why? Plainly unacceptable. Why? Plainly

because because while things like Passover while things like Passover predicted the coming of the predicted the coming of the Messiah,Messiah, the Lord’s supper the Lord’s supper

proclaims that He has already proclaims that He has already comecome ( (cf. cf. Col. 2:16f). ).

Incidentally, while the Jews could Incidentally, while the Jews could notnot eat of sin-offerings because eat of sin-offerings because such would signify that they were such would signify that they were forgiven when they were forgiven when they were notnot forgiven, Christians forgiven, Christians cancan eat of eat of Jesus because they Jesus because they havehave been been forgivenforgiven ((cf. Clarke’s on v. 11cf. Clarke’s on v. 11). Well…). Well…

Let’s consider Paul’s reasoning in Let’s consider Paul’s reasoning in this specific text, reasoning he this specific text, reasoning he applied by means of typology: applied by means of typology:

In both In both verses 10 & 11,, PaulPaul waswas alludingalluding to to Leviticus 6:30 & 16:27 where God where God said, concerning said, concerning bloody sin-bloody sin-offerings (offerings (e.g. on e.g. on The Day of The Day of AtonementAtonement), that… ), that…

In both In both verses 10 & 11,, PaulPaul waswas alludingalluding to to Leviticus 6:30 & 16:27 where God where God said, concerning said, concerning bloody sin-bloody sin-offerings (offerings (e.g. on e.g. on The Day of The Day of AtonementAtonement), that… ), that…



1. The priests The priests were were not not toto eateat ofof those those sacrifices sacrifices,, ratherrather……

2. Those Those sacrifices sacrifices were to be were to be taken taken outside the outside the camp camp of of IsraelIsrael &&

burnedburned..

Now with that Now with that in in mind… mind…

1. The priests The priests were were not not toto eateat ofof those those sacrifices sacrifices,, ratherrather……

2. Those Those sacrifices sacrifices were to be were to be taken taken outside the outside the camp camp of of IsraelIsrael &&

burnedburned..

Now with that Now with that in in mind… mind…

We have an We have an altar from which altar from which they they who serve who serve the tab-the tab- ernacle ernacle have have no no rightright toto

eateat.. ForFor thethe bodiesbodies of those of those beastsbeasts, whose , whose blood is brought blood is brought into the into the sanctuary by sanctuary by the high priest the high priest for sin, for sin, are are burned outside burned outside the campthe camp..

I’m certain that I’m certain that what Paul went what Paul went on to say here on to say here ((i.e. how he went on i.e. how he went on to apply thisto apply this) were ) were fightin’ words to fightin’ words to the Jews, the Jews, especially to especially to those who totally those who totally rejected Jesus as rejected Jesus as the Christ. the Christ. Listen: Listen:

I’m certain that I’m certain that what Paul went what Paul went on to say here on to say here ((i.e. how he went on i.e. how he went on to apply thisto apply this) were ) were fightin’ words to fightin’ words to the Jews, the Jews, especially to especially to those who totally those who totally rejected Jesus as rejected Jesus as the Christ. the Christ. Listen: Listen:



Therefore Jesus Therefore Jesus also, that He also, that He might sanctify might sanctify the people withthe people with

HisHis ownown bloodblood, ,

suffered outside suffered outside thethe gate.gate. ThereforeTherefore let us let us go forth to Him, go forth to Him, outside the outside the camp, bearing camp, bearing His reproach.His reproach.

HebrewHebrews s 13:12-13:12-13 13

So…So…




Here’s Paul’s Here’s Paul’s point as well as point as well as the proof forthe proof for hishis assertionassertion that that insistent temple-insistent temple-servants have no servants have no right to Christ and right to Christ and His blessings:His blessings:

Here’s Paul’s Here’s Paul’s point as well as point as well as the proof forthe proof for hishis assertionassertion that that insistent temple-insistent temple-servants have no servants have no right to Christ and right to Christ and His blessings:His blessings:

When the OT priests were When the OT priests were submitting tosubmitting to thethe regulationregulation ofof

takingtaking thethe sacrificial sin-offering sacrificial sin-offering outside the camp, they ap-parentlyoutside the camp, they ap-parently

hadhad nono ideaidea thatthat theythey werewere pic-pic-turing how that one day they turing how that one day they would likewise take their own would likewise take their own

Messiah and kill Him outside of Messiah and kill Him outside of Jerusalem and thus also outside Jerusalem and thus also outside

the temple—the two main symbols the temple—the two main symbols of Judaism! So since the Mes-siah of Judaism! So since the Mes-siah was killed outside of that which was killed outside of that which

represented Judaism, that in itself represented Judaism, that in itself was a sign that Judaism would was a sign that Judaism would

cease and that God would cease and that God would ultimately accept, as His people, ultimately accept, as His people,

non-Jews as well as Jews.non-Jews as well as Jews.




Here are two Here are two other points Paul other points Paul made here: made here:

Here are two Here are two other points Paul other points Paul made here: made here:

1. Christ’s blood was shed outside Christ’s blood was shed outside the the temple instead of inside it as with temple instead of inside it as with the the OT animal sacrifices, indicating OT animal sacrifices, indicating that He that He gave gave Himself voluntarily asHimself voluntarily as ourour

sacrifice sacrifice reminiscent of reminiscent of John 2:19-21: : The Jews asked Him, “What sign do You show to us…?” Jesus answered … “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then they said, “It has taken 46 years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body—— that which He willingly gave that which He willingly gave according according to to John 10:15-18. And… . And…

2. Those who claimed to be Those who claimed to be Christians, Christians, those those whowho desireddesired thethe benefitsbenefits ofof Jesus’ Jesus’ death, were to forsake Judaism by death, were to forsake Judaism by meeting Christ where He died— meeting Christ where He died—outside outside the camp ( the camp (John 19:17-20); i.e., to ); i.e., to eat & eat & drink drink Christ,Christ, oneone had tohad to leaveleave thethe

campcamp of Israel, for to remain in that of Israel, for to remain in that camp, to camp, to stay with Judaism, would be ( stay with Judaism, would be (as as Paul Paul said in said in 10:26) to forfeit the one and ) to forfeit the one and only only sacrifice for salvation, for sacrifice for salvation, for sacrifices sacrifices made within the camp were no made within the camp were no longer longer accepted. Now moving on… accepted. Now moving on…



suffered outside suffered outside thethe gate.gate. ThereforeTherefore let us let us go forth to Him, go forth to Him, outside the outside the campcamp, bearing , bearing His His reproachreproach..

What was Christ’s What was Christ’s reproach?? ItIt waswas the verdict of the verdict of exclusion —an exclusion —an outcastoutcast, which is , which is why He was cruci-why He was cruci-fied fied outside the outside the holy cityholy city and and which also may be which also may be connected to why connected to why dying on a dying on a cross cross was consideredwas considered shameful (shameful (Gal. 3:13). ). (Outside the (Outside the city they’d let the city they’d let the bodies go un-buried bodies go un-buried for more than a day; for more than a day; cf. cf. Deu. 21:23.).)

What was Christ’s What was Christ’s reproach?? ItIt waswas the verdict of the verdict of exclusion —an exclusion —an outcastoutcast, which is , which is why He was cruci-why He was cruci-fied fied outside the outside the holy cityholy city and and which also may be which also may be connected to why connected to why dying on a dying on a cross cross was consideredwas considered shameful (shameful (Gal. 3:13). ). (Outside the (Outside the city they’d let the city they’d let the bodies go un-buried bodies go un-buried for more than a day; for more than a day; cf. cf. Deu. 21:23.).)



suffered outside suffered outside thethe gate.gate. ThereforeTherefore let us let us go forth to Him, go forth to Him, outside the outside the camp, bearing camp, bearing His reproachHis reproach..

As those outside As those outside the camp carried the camp carried a stig-ma because a stig-ma because of un- of un- cleannesscleanness

((Lev. 13:45-46)) or or excommuni-cation excommuni-cation ((Num. 15:30) or ) or guilt demanding guilt demanding death (death (Lev. 24:14 & & Num. 15:35), early ), early Christians were Christians were ex-horted to ex-horted to remain faithfulremain faithful toto ChristChrist and and acceptaccept a similara similar fatefate of of disgrace. I.e…. disgrace. I.e….

As those outside As those outside the camp carried the camp carried a stig-ma because a stig-ma because of un- of un- cleannesscleanness

((Lev. 13:45-46)) or or excommuni-cation excommuni-cation ((Num. 15:30) or ) or guilt demanding guilt demanding death (death (Lev. 24:14 & & Num. 15:35), early ), early Christians were Christians were ex-horted to ex-horted to remain faithfulremain faithful toto ChristChrist and and acceptaccept a similara similar fatefate of of disgrace. I.e…. disgrace. I.e….




These brethren These brethren were were expected to expected to identifyidentify with with Moses who Moses who es- teemed the reproach of Christ

greater rich- es than the treasures of Egypt ( (11:26)); ; Pet-er wrote, Pet-er wrote, blessed are you when you are re- proached for Christ ( (1 Pet. 4:14).).

By the way… By the way…

These brethren These brethren were were expected to expected to identifyidentify with with Moses who Moses who es- teemed the reproach of Christ

greater rich- es than the treasures of Egypt ( (11:26)); ; Pet-er wrote, Pet-er wrote, blessed are you when you are re- proached for Christ ( (1 Pet. 4:14).).

By the way… By the way…




While Paul was While Paul was ob-viously telling ob-viously telling them tothem to go forth …

outside the camp of Jerusa-lem of Jerusa-lem figuratively, it figuratively, it wouldn’twouldn’t bebe longlong un-til they’d have un-til they’d have to take this to take this advice lit-erally. advice lit-erally. In fact… In fact…

While Paul was While Paul was ob-viously telling ob-viously telling them tothem to go forth …

outside the camp of Jerusa-lem of Jerusa-lem figuratively, it figuratively, it wouldn’twouldn’t bebe longlong un-til they’d have un-til they’d have to take this to take this advice lit-erally. advice lit-erally. In fact… In fact…

I like what A. Barnes wrote: I like what A. Barnes wrote: The The objectobject of theof the writerwriter seemsseems toto bebe toto comfortcomfort thethe HebHeb--rew Christians on rew Christians on the supposition that they would be the supposition that they would be driven by persecution from the city driven by persecution from the city of Jerusalem, doomed to wander asof Jerusalem, doomed to wander as exiles.exiles. HeHe tells themtells them thatthat theirtheir LordLord was led from that city to be put to was led from that city to be put to death, so they should be willing to death, so they should be willing to go forth also, for theirgo forth also, for their permanentpermanent

homehome waswas not Jerusalem, but not Jerusalem, but Heaven. So in view of that blessing, Heaven. So in view of that blessing, they should be willing to be exiled they should be willing to be exiled

from that city and be made from that city and be made wanderers on the earthwanderers on the earth.. (Slightly Paraphrased)

Moving on… Moving on…




Why did Paul Why did Paul exhort these exhort these brethren to go brethren to go forth outside the forth outside the camp and bear camp and bear Jesus’ reproach? Jesus’ reproach? Because… Because…

Why did Paul Why did Paul exhort these exhort these brethren to go brethren to go forth outside the forth outside the camp and bear camp and bear Jesus’ reproach? Jesus’ reproach? Because… Because…

Here we have Here we have no continuing no continuing city, but we city, but we seek the one to seek the one to come.come.


HereHere we have we have no continuing no continuing city, but we city, but we seek the one to seek the one to come.come.

This word This word obviously means obviously means in this situa-tionin this situa-tion or or under these under these circumstancescircumstances.. ((cf. Thayer #5602cf. Thayer #5602). ). What situation or What situation or circum-stances? circum-stances? The state of The state of Jewish govern-Jewish govern-mental rule. I.e… mental rule. I.e…

This word This word obviously means obviously means in this situa-tionin this situa-tion or or under these under these circumstancescircumstances.. ((cf. Thayer #5602cf. Thayer #5602). ). What situation or What situation or circum-stances? circum-stances? The state of The state of Jewish govern-Jewish govern-mental rule. I.e… mental rule. I.e…

Here we have Here we have no no continuing continuing citycity, but we , but we seek the one to seek the one to come.come.

Due to God’s plan Due to God’s plan from the very from the very begin-ning that begin-ning that Judaism be Judaism be temporary, under temporary, under the Jewish the Jewish admini-stration admini-stration there never there never would’ve or would’ve or could’ve existed a could’ve existed a continuing city——a a spiritual and spiritual and eternal kingdometernal kingdom of God (of God (cf. cf. 12:26-28).).

Due to God’s plan Due to God’s plan from the very from the very begin-ning that begin-ning that Judaism be Judaism be temporary, under temporary, under the Jewish the Jewish admini-stration admini-stration there never there never would’ve or would’ve or could’ve existed a could’ve existed a continuing city——a a spiritual and spiritual and eternal kingdometernal kingdom of God (of God (cf. cf. 12:26-28).).

Here we have Here we have no continuing no continuing city, but we city, but we seek the one seek the one to to comecome..

Now we come to Now we come to the last time Paul the last time Paul used the termused the term

mellomello : : to come == on the verge of arriving. I.e…. . I.e….

Now we come to Now we come to the last time Paul the last time Paul used the termused the term

mellomello : : to come == on the verge of arriving. I.e…. . I.e…. ……soon the old, earthly, temporary soon the old, earthly, temporary Jerusa-lemJerusa-lem wouldwould bebe supplantedsupplanted byby thethe newnew,, heav-enly, eternal heav-enly, eternal Jerusalem; and soon the old, Jerusalem; and soon the old, temporary covenant of Moses from temporary covenant of Moses from Sinai would be completely supplanted Sinai would be completely supplanted by the new, eternal covenant of by the new, eternal covenant of Christ from Zion (Christ from Zion (cf. cf. 12:18-19 & & 22-24).).

……soon the old, earthly, temporary soon the old, earthly, temporary Jerusa-lemJerusa-lem wouldwould bebe supplantedsupplanted byby thethe newnew,, heav-enly, eternal heav-enly, eternal Jerusalem; and soon the old, Jerusalem; and soon the old, temporary covenant of Moses from temporary covenant of Moses from Sinai would be completely supplanted Sinai would be completely supplanted by the new, eternal covenant of by the new, eternal covenant of Christ from Zion (Christ from Zion (cf. cf. 12:18-19 & & 22-24).).

Therefore by Therefore by Him let us Him let us continually offer continually offer the sacrifice of the sacrifice of praise to God, praise to God, that is, the fruitthat is, the fruitof our lips, of our lips, giving giving thanksthanks toto

HisHis name.name.


Therefore Therefore byby Him let us Him let us continually offer continually offer the sacrifice of the sacrifice of praise to God, praise to God, that is, the fruitthat is, the fruitof our lips, of our lips, giving giving thanksthanks toto

HisHis name.name.

This word means This word means throughthrough oror byby means ofmeans of. I.e…. . I.e….

This word means This word means throughthrough oror byby means ofmeans of. I.e…. . I.e….

Therefore Therefore by by Him let us Him let us continually offer continually offer the sacrifice of the sacrifice of praise to Godpraise to God, , that is, the fruitthat is, the fruitof our lips, of our lips, giving giving thanksthanks toto

HisHis name.name.

Instead of Instead of continu-ally continu-ally offering unpro- offering unpro- fitable and fitable and unaccept-unaccept- ableable animalanimal sacrificessacrifices to Yahweh as OT to Yahweh as OT priests did, priests did, Christi-ans (Christi-ans (as NT as NT priestspriests) are ) are expected to expected to con-tinually offer praise … to His name by means of by means of or through Christor through Christ—the once-for-all-—the once-for-all-time profit-able time profit-able and acceptable and acceptable physical sacrifice.physical sacrifice.

Instead of Instead of continu-ally continu-ally offering unpro- offering unpro- fitable and fitable and unaccept-unaccept- ableable animalanimal sacrificessacrifices to Yahweh as OT to Yahweh as OT priests did, priests did, Christi-ans (Christi-ans (as NT as NT priestspriests) are ) are expected to expected to con-tinually offer praise … to His name by means of by means of or through Christor through Christ—the once-for-all-—the once-for-all-time profit-able time profit-able and acceptable and acceptable physical sacrifice.physical sacrifice.

Therefore Therefore by by Him let us Him let us continually offer continually offer the sacrifice of the sacrifice of praise to Godpraise to God, , that is, the fruitthat is, the fruitof our lips, of our lips, giving giving thanksthanks toto

HisHis name.name.

Peter agreed with Peter agreed with Paul when he Paul when he wrote wrote to to Christians, saying,Christians, saying, you … are … a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ( (1 Pet. 2:5).).

Peter agreed with Peter agreed with Paul when he Paul when he wrote wrote to to Christians, saying,Christians, saying, you … are … a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ( (1 Pet. 2:5).).

Therefore by Therefore by Him let us Him let us continually offer continually offer the sacrifice of the sacrifice of praisepraise to God, to God, that is, that is, the fruitthe fruitof our lipsof our lips, , giving giving thanksthanks toto

HisHis name.name.

Giving God Giving God praise is called a is called a sacrifice here in here in order to re-tain order to re-tain the contextual the contextual parallelism; i.e., parallelism; i.e., just just audibly audibly extolling Godextolling God isn’t isn’t much of a sac-much of a sac-rifice, but by rifice, but by calling that action calling that action the fruit of our lips, Paul par-, Paul par-alleled it with alleled it with thethe fruit of the fieldfruit of the field— — the firstfruitsthe firstfruits and and the fruit of the fruit of animal-loinsanimal-loins——the the firstbornfirstborn..

Giving God Giving God praise is called a is called a sacrifice here in here in order to re-tain order to re-tain the contextual the contextual parallelism; i.e., parallelism; i.e., just just audibly audibly extolling Godextolling God isn’t isn’t much of a sac-much of a sac-rifice, but by rifice, but by calling that action calling that action the fruit of our lips, Paul par-, Paul par-alleled it with alleled it with thethe fruit of the fieldfruit of the field— — the firstfruitsthe firstfruits and and the fruit of the fruit of animal-loinsanimal-loins——the the firstbornfirstborn..


HisHis name.name.

ThisThis phrasephrase isis fromfrom a term found a term found 23 times in the NT 23 times in the NT and which is and which is always translated always translated asas confessing oror pro-fessing … … except here. So… except here. So…

ThisThis phrasephrase isis fromfrom a term found a term found 23 times in the NT 23 times in the NT and which is and which is always translated always translated asas confessing oror pro-fessing … … except here. So… except here. So…

The idea Paul meant to express was The idea Paul meant to express was con-con- fessingfessing or or professing His professing His namename, not , not giv-ing thanks to His

name.. If If giving thanks were the were the best rendering, then it should read best rendering, then it should read as as giving thanksgiving thanks to Himto Him , not , not to His name. So…. So…

This statement isn’t about This statement isn’t about speaking speaking toto God, but about God, but about speaking speaking aboutabout God … through God … through Jesus. Yes…Jesus. Yes…

Thanksgiving in a prayer is a way Thanksgiving in a prayer is a way in which to praise God; that just in which to praise God; that just wasn’t Paul’s point here. wasn’t Paul’s point here. But… But…

While we’re thinking about While we’re thinking about offerings of gratitude, it’s offerings of gratitude, it’s

interesting to note that interesting to note that while the while the thank-offerings were only pre-thank-offerings were only pre-

sentedsented onon certaincertain occasionsoccasions ((Lev. 7:11ff), the praise of Christians may ), the praise of Christians may be, yea is expected to be, offered be, yea is expected to be, offered

continually.continually.

One other interesting point is that One other interesting point is that it’s quite evident that Paul was it’s quite evident that Paul was

alluding to a quote from one of the alluding to a quote from one of the Jews’ most re-spected rabbins Jews’ most re-spected rabbins

(Rabbi Menachem) who wrote, (Rabbi Menachem) who wrote, In In the time of the Messiah, all the time of the Messiah, all

sacrifice shall cease except the sacrifice shall cease except the sac-rifice of praisesac-rifice of praise..

ByBy quotingquoting thisthis,, PaulPaul waswas indicatingindicating that this verythat this very declaration wasdeclaration was beingbeing fulfilled, fulfilled, meaningmeaning thatthat nownow ((inin

thatthat generationgeneration)) was the time of the was the time of the Messiah. And, since this was true, Messiah. And, since this was true, then…then…

1. Jesus was the Messiah.Jesus was the Messiah.

2. TheThe Jewish sacrificial system was Jewish sacrificial system was be-being abolished. ing abolished. And… And…

3. No other sacrifice would be No other sacrifice would be accepted accepted by God, except the sacrifice of by God, except the sacrifice of praise praise for the for the sacrifice Hesacrifice He Himself Himself supplied.supplied.(Cf. Adam Clarke’s comments at this place.)

But do not But do not forget to do forget to do good and to good and to shareshare,, forfor withwith

suchsuch sacrifices sacrifices God is well God is well pleased.pleased.


ButBut do not do not forget to do forget to do good and to good and to shareshare,, forfor withwith


This means This means on the on the otherother handhand;; i.e.,i.e., they were they were cautioned to not cautioned to not allow their work allow their work ofof praisepraise toto consume their consume their time to the ne-time to the ne-glect of the more glect of the more physical things; physical things; yes, even the New yes, even the New Cove-nant Cove-nant requires a few requires a few things of a things of a physical nature. physical nature. This is con- firmed This is con- firmed elsewhere:elsewhere:

This means This means on the on the otherother handhand;; i.e.,i.e., they were they were cautioned to not cautioned to not allow their work allow their work ofof praisepraise toto consume their consume their time to the ne-time to the ne-glect of the more glect of the more physical things; physical things; yes, even the New yes, even the New Cove-nant Cove-nant requires a few requires a few things of a things of a physical nature. physical nature. This is con- firmed This is con- firmed elsewhere:elsewhere:



In In Philippians 4:10-20 Paul Paul referred to the referred to the physical aid that physical aid that the Philippian the Philippian breth-ren sent breth-ren sent him as him as an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God ((v. 18).).

In In Philippians 4:10-20 Paul Paul referred to the referred to the physical aid that physical aid that the Philippian the Philippian breth-ren sent breth-ren sent him as him as an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God ((v. 18).).


suchsuch sacrifices sacrifices God is well God is well pleasedpleased..

Nothing should’ve Nothing should’ve been more been more importantimportant to to these brethren these brethren ((especially at this especially at this pre-carious timepre-carious time) ) than to make than to make their Creator and their Creator and Judge happy with Judge happy with them.them.

Nothing should’ve Nothing should’ve been more been more importantimportant to to these brethren these brethren ((especially at this especially at this pre-carious timepre-carious time) ) than to make than to make their Creator and their Creator and Judge happy with Judge happy with them.them.They needed to imitate Enoch whoThey needed to imitate Enoch who pleased God ((11:5, same Greek term, same Greek term), ), something this verse teaches was to something this verse teaches was to be accomplished by be accomplished by praising Him with praising Him with their lipstheir lips andand serving Himserving Him with their with their lives. So…lives. So…

They needed to imitate Enoch whoThey needed to imitate Enoch who pleased God ((11:5, same Greek term, same Greek term), ), something this verse teaches was to something this verse teaches was to be accomplished by be accomplished by praising Him with praising Him with their lipstheir lips andand serving Himserving Him with their with their lives. So…lives. So…

Combining Combining verses 15 & 16, Paul was , Paul was in essence saying in essence saying that praise of God that praise of God in word in word andand deed deed are inseparable, are inseparable, or, as or, as First John 4:20 puts it, puts it, If someone says “I love God” yet he hates his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

Combining Combining verses 15 & 16, Paul was , Paul was in essence saying in essence saying that praise of God that praise of God in word in word andand deed deed are inseparable, are inseparable, or, as or, as First John 4:20 puts it, puts it, If someone says “I love God” yet he hates his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?


HisHis name. But do name. But do not forget to do not forget to do good and to good and to share,share, for withfor with

such sacrifices such sacrifices God is well God is well pleased. pleased.

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.


Obey Obey those who those who have rulehave rule over over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

As discussed at As discussed at verse 7, this , this phrase refers to phrase refers to leaders. Since he leaders. Since he called Jesus called Jesus the chief shepherd in in verse 20, Paul , Paul pro-bably had pro-bably had elders in mind, elders in mind, but that isn’t a but that isn’t a necessary conclu-necessary conclu-sionsion;; i.e.i.e., , thisthis injunc-tion injunc-tion applies to all applies to all leaders.leaders.

As discussed at As discussed at verse 7, this , this phrase refers to phrase refers to leaders. Since he leaders. Since he called Jesus called Jesus the chief shepherd in in verse 20, Paul , Paul pro-bably had pro-bably had elders in mind, elders in mind, but that isn’t a but that isn’t a necessary conclu-necessary conclu-sionsion;; i.e.i.e., , thisthis injunc-tion injunc-tion applies to all applies to all leaders.leaders.

Obey those who Obey those who have rulehave rule over over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

As a reminder, As a reminder, while while verse 7 was was about leadersabout leaders of of their past, their past, verse 17 is about those is about those who were still who were still alive and alive and presently leading presently leading them: them: have rule = = are ruling..

As a reminder, As a reminder, while while verse 7 was was about leadersabout leaders of of their past, their past, verse 17 is about those is about those who were still who were still alive and alive and presently leading presently leading them: them: have rule = = are ruling..

ObeyObey those who those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

This means This means exactly that: exactly that: to to listen to and listen to and comply withcomply with. Paul . Paul commanded this commanded this be-cause, in the be-cause, in the world of men, world of men, rulers are allowed rulers are allowed to possess their to possess their authority by theirauthority by their subjects; so if subjects; so if those subjects re-those subjects re-fuse to obey fuse to obey them, those them, those rulers cannot be rulers cannot be effective—they effective—they cannot rule.cannot rule.

This means This means exactly that: exactly that: to to listen to and listen to and comply withcomply with. Paul . Paul commanded this commanded this be-cause, in the be-cause, in the world of men, world of men, rulers are allowed rulers are allowed to possess their to possess their authority by theirauthority by their subjects; so if subjects; so if those subjects re-those subjects re-fuse to obey fuse to obey them, those them, those rulers cannot be rulers cannot be effective—they effective—they cannot rule.cannot rule.

ObeyObey those who those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

Applying that Applying that here, if these here, if these members refused members refused to listen to and to listen to and comply with the comply with the teachingsteachings &&

admoni- admoni- tionstions of of their leaders,their leaders, then then the God-ordain-the God-ordain- ed ed government of government of the church the church would’ve been would’ve been rendered inef-rendered inef-fective. Why? Be-fective. Why? Be-cause God will not cause God will not forceforce HisHis wayway

againstagainst man’s man’s free-will.free-will.

Applying that Applying that here, if these here, if these members refused members refused to listen to and to listen to and comply with the comply with the teachingsteachings &&

admoni- admoni- tionstions of of their leaders,their leaders, then then the God-ordain-the God-ordain- ed ed government of government of the church the church would’ve been would’ve been rendered inef-rendered inef-fective. Why? Be-fective. Why? Be-cause God will not cause God will not forceforce HisHis wayway

againstagainst man’s man’s free-will.free-will.

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and and be be submissivesubmissive,, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

ThisThis isis differentdifferent

from from obey onlyonly inin that that be-ing be-ing submissive car-submissive car-ries with it an ries with it an atti-tudeatti-tude ofof

humilityhumility;; i.e., i.e., although one can although one can obey without obey without being submissive, being submissive, one one cannotcannot bebe

submissivesubmissive without obeying.without obeying.

ThisThis isis differentdifferent

from from obey onlyonly inin that that be-ing be-ing submissive car-submissive car-ries with it an ries with it an atti-tudeatti-tude ofof

humilityhumility;; i.e., i.e., although one can although one can obey without obey without being submissive, being submissive, one one cannotcannot bebe

submissivesubmissive without obeying.without obeying.

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they they watchwatch for for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

This word literally This word literally means means to lose to lose sleep oversleep over and and refers to the idea refers to the idea of of staying awake staying awake to nurse a critical to nurse a critical casecase; and this is ; and this is exactly what exactly what leadersleaders areare

expected to do—expected to do—to carefully watch to carefully watch over the con-over the con-gregationgregation ((cf.cf. Acts

20: 28ff). So… ). So…

This word literally This word literally means means to lose to lose sleep oversleep over and and refers to the idea refers to the idea of of staying awake staying awake to nurse a critical to nurse a critical casecase; and this is ; and this is exactly what exactly what leadersleaders areare

expected to do—expected to do—to carefully watch to carefully watch over the con-over the con-gregationgregation ((cf.cf. Acts

20: 28ff). So… ). So…

1. Their leaders needed to Their leaders needed to remember remember that they had this duty; that they had this duty; or,or, if if they did they did not fulfill their duty, they not fulfill their duty, they needed to needed to step step downdown fromfrom theirtheir positions.positions. And…And…

2. The members weren’t to get The members weren’t to get aggra-aggra- vated with their leaders for vated with their leaders for doing doing their job of their job of watchingwatching them by them by teach-teach- ing or approaching them out of ing or approaching them out of con-con- cern; for by becoming irritated cern; for by becoming irritated or by or by not listening to them, they’d not listening to them, they’d bring bring much grief, not only to their much grief, not only to their leaders, leaders, but also to themselves. but also to themselves.

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with with griefgrief, for , for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

This word refers This word refers to to the miserable the miserable feelingfeeling of one of one who’s trying to who’s trying to fulfill a thankless fulfill a thankless tasktask, all the while , all the while reflecting on how reflecting on how unappreciated unappreciated and perhaps even and perhaps even op-posed his work op-posed his work may be. So… may be. So…

This word refers This word refers to to the miserable the miserable feelingfeeling of one of one who’s trying to who’s trying to fulfill a thankless fulfill a thankless tasktask, all the while , all the while reflecting on how reflecting on how unappreciated unappreciated and perhaps even and perhaps even op-posed his work op-posed his work may be. So… may be. So…

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitableunpro-fitable for for you.you.

Why would Why would causing grief to causing grief to their leaders their leaders proveprove toto bebe unprofit-able unprofit-able ((disastrousdisastrous) for ) for the members? I the members? I can think of at can think of at least two reasons least two reasons that are im-plied that are im-plied here: here:

Why would Why would causing grief to causing grief to their leaders their leaders proveprove toto bebe unprofit-able unprofit-able ((disastrousdisastrous) for ) for the members? I the members? I can think of at can think of at least two reasons least two reasons that are im-plied that are im-plied here: here:

1. As just alluded to, it could’ve As just alluded to, it could’ve caused caused them to fulfill their duties in a them to fulfill their duties in a re-re- sentful manner ( sentful manner (cf.cf. 2 Cor. 9:7), ), bring-bring- ing on nothing but hostility ing on nothing but hostility among among everyone concerned. And… everyone concerned. And…

2. It could’ve caused the loss of It could’ve caused the loss of souls souls when the time of accounting when the time of accounting would would come. Why? Because just as come. Why? Because just as submit-submitting to parents and civil leaders ting to parents and civil leaders is ul-is ultimately submitting to God, so timately submitting to God, so sub-submitting to congregational mitting to congregational leaders is leaders is submitting to God ( submitting to God (cf. cf. John 13:20).).

As referred to in our last study, As referred to in our last study, Paul oncePaul once urgedurged the Thessalonian the Thessalonian brethren:brethren: Appreciate [[respect,, NIVNIV]] those who diligently labor among you and … give you instruction … esteem them very highly in love because of their work((1 The. 5:12-13, NASB, NASB). However…). However…

When leaders must be approached, When leaders must be approached, they should be approached like they should be approached like anyone else (anyone else (Matthew 18:15-17). ). So… So…

Obey those who Obey those who have rule over have rule over you you and be and be submissive,submissive, for for they watch for they watch for your souls as your souls as those who must those who must give account. give account. Let them do so Let them do so with joy and not with joy and not with grief, for with grief, for that would be that would be unpro-fitable for unpro-fitable for you.you.

The point here is The point here is that the members that the members of the church of the church were ob-ligated were ob-ligated by God to by God to cheerfully obey cheerfully obey their religious their religious leaders, unless leaders, unless they could clearly they could clearly and biblically and biblically demonstrate that demonstrate that those leaders those leaders were in error; by were in error; by doing this, the doing this, the leaders wouldleaders would be be able to ful-fill able to ful-fill their duties and their duties and give account to give account to God … with joy.God … with joy.

The point here is The point here is that the members that the members of the church of the church were ob-ligated were ob-ligated by God to by God to cheerfully obey cheerfully obey their religious their religious leaders, unless leaders, unless they could clearly they could clearly and biblically and biblically demonstrate that demonstrate that those leaders those leaders were in error; by were in error; by doing this, the doing this, the leaders wouldleaders would be be able to ful-fill able to ful-fill their duties and their duties and give account to give account to God … with joy.God … with joy.

a study of the apostle paul’s letter to the hebrews

Documents

superior pact

superior person

superior priest

superior promises

superior sanctuary

superior sacrifice

superior results

superior things