Series: Paul’s Letters
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV
Hebrews 1:8-9 ESV
Hebrews 1:10-13 ESV
Hebrews 2:5-8 ESV
Hebrews 2:17-18
The question of the day, “Who wrote the book of Hebrews?” Is unclear. Sources consulted say that prior to 1500 Paul was thought to be the author. Since that time scholars believe it might not have been Paul, but it could have been another early church leader (Apollos, Barnabas, Silvanus known as Silas, Priscilla, or Luke.) Personally I lean toward Luke.
However I included it in this series because while Paul may not be the author we do not know for certain he was not the author.
The style of the text of Hebrews does give a few clues.
The original language of the book of Hebrews is also unclear. Some scholars believe it was originally written in Hebrew and translated to Koine Greek (known as the common Greek of the day).
Ultimately, the key is that the Spirit of God inspired the author and that inspiration could have been in any language. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The intention of the book of Hebrews was to remind believers to endure, hold onto their faith, love, and practice sound doctrine.
Hebrews 1:1-4 begins with a story summary. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”
We are reminded that throughout scripture we are guided to the story of God’s love and redemption for the world. That plan included (includes) the righteousness of God given to humanity through the Son.
In Hebrews 1:8-9, the author wrote,
“But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
From an early age many of us heard the message of love and salvation God offers to all through His Son. At one point in ministry an age of accountability was suggested as a guideline. While always aware of the age when a young child can fully understand the message of the Gospel, I learned a “hard” lesson years ago. One of my sons had just turned four when he started telling me “I want Jesus in my heart” and he spoke of making a public proclamation and being baptized. I encouraged him but without knowing it I found out I wasn’t fully listening. About that time a visiting Pastor we knew came to our church to do a revival.
One evening after the service my young son (who was small for his age) approached the visiting pastor and gently tugged on his suit coat. He said, “I want Jesus and my Mom and Dad won’t let me have Jesus.”
Our friend looked at me and said, “Oh really? And why not?” (He was actually halfway laughing). He further questioned my son and he assured him that he heard his request loud and clear. The next service ended with an altar call and my son proudly walked up front by himself and proclaimed his love for Jesus. My son was baptized at the age of four years old. To this day (more than forty years later) he has never waivered. I learned that only God knows the time and place.
God is in charge and I am not.
In Hebrews 1:10-13 we are told,
“And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment,
like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed.But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”
And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?”
Once again, God is in charge. I am not. Therefore, what is man?
In Hebrews 2:5-8, we read, “For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?
You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor,
putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.”
The author reminds us that God has a plan for humanity and that plan is UNchanging! Using the story about my son is a perfect example. God created him and had a plan for him. In these verses we are clearly told that man is temporarily lower than Angels who are celestial beings. At the same time everything on earth is under his feet. Even at the age of four my son yearned to be connected to God and God’s plan for him.
In Hebrews 2:17-18 the author wrote, “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being.”
Jesus came and lived just like we live. He hungered. He suffered pain. He would get tired.
Because of that, Jesus understands. Jesus knows exactly what it’s like to be human. Yet Jesus is fully divine.
I was nine years old the day I made the trek down the isle to accept Jesus. Since that day, every day I know my need for Jesus is great. I love Jesus…I can’t begin to imagine what life would be like without Jesus. I am thankful…ever so thankful that Jesus changed my life,
In God, Deborah
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