Bible Commentaries
Hebrews

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

A Commentary On

THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

By WM. MARK BAILEY

Publisher Charles Allen Bailey

Editor

Executive Editor - Joe L. Norton, Ph.D.

Copyright © 2012
Contending for the Faith Publications
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All scripture quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are taken from
The King James Version, KJV

Dedication

This volume is dedicated with devotion to my wife of thirty-nine years, Janice. Her understanding of the many hours required for me to do research and write this book has made this undertaking much easier. The untold hours she spent in reading the chapters as they were completed, plus her patience in listening to my endless talk about what I was studying, have been an invaluable source of encouragement to me—without her support this book could not have been written.

Wm. Mark Bailey

Preface

A study of the book of Hebrews is one of the most exciting and challenging studies in all of holy scripture. Since it shows the relationship between the Old Covenant and the New, it provides insight into the nature of God that we find in no other book. While exalting Jesus Christ as our true Lord and Savior, Hebrews answers many questions about God’s requirements for man and the reason behind those requirements. The inspired writer followed the same thought expressed in Judges 1:3: "earnestly contend for the faith," from which the name of this series of commentaries is taken.

As publisher of Contending for the Faith commentaries, I am excited to present to you this volume on the book of Hebrews. My brother in the flesh and brother in Christ, Wm. Mark Bailey, wrote this volume. We are both sons of Brother Alton Bailey, who preached the gospel all across the nation for about sixty years, and are grandsons of Brother E. H. Miller, also a gospel preacher, who is still quoted and referenced, even though he departed this life in December 1989.

A deep student of the scriptures, Mark studied Koine Greek at Columbus College in Columbus, Georgia. He always endeavors to research the scriptures to ensure that his conclusion about each verse is held to the context of the passage so as to convey the writer’s intent.

Mark also wrote the Contending for the Faith commentary on First Corinthians. In addition, he has authored several booklets and tracts on Masonry, Alcoholism, The Headship of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, and others. He has defended the truth in both written and public religious discussions. He presently works full-time as an evangelist and has worked with several other congregations during his preaching career.

Mark has been married to his wife Janice for thirty-nine years; he has two sons, and one grandson.

A work of this magnitude would not happen if it were not for the skill level of a professional team working together. Dr. Joe L. Norton, chief editor of these commentaries, has been tireless in his efforts to transform manuscripts into an easy-to-understand explanation of the scriptures. No one will ever know the hundreds and thousands of hours he has spent in this great work. Sister Martha Morris has proofread thousands of pages of Contending for the Faith commentaries. She is excellent at identifying content that needs rewording, catching grammatical and typographical mistakes, and verifying all scriptural references. Brother Don Kelly, with his amazing abilities, formatted and prepared this commentary for print. I personally do not know anyone who has any better computer skills than Brother Don Kelly. Along with the publisher, the writer, and this magnificent team, you hold in your hands a volume that explains the book of Hebrews verse by verse and phrase by phrase.

May the Lord bless you, a student of the scriptures, as you search the scriptures daily to make sure these things are so (Acts 17:11). Any benefit you receive from any of the volumes of Contending for the Faith commentaries will prove this effort is not in vain.

Allen Bailey
4216 Abigale Drive
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>

Introduction

The Book of Hebrews was written to first century Jewish Christians who were in danger of misunderstanding the nature and purpose of the Law of Moses, but the teaching is still relevant today. Hebrews shows the relationship between the two dispensations: an understanding of the Old Testament is necessary for a full understanding of events in the New Testament. Hebrews further shows the harmony between the two testaments: the Old Testament is the shadow, and the New Testament is the substance. James D. Bales explains the importance of understanding the relationship between the two testaments:

The relationship between the two is one of the proofs of the divine origin of the Bible. Furthermore, it emphasizes the sinfulness of sin, that it was not easy for sin to be forgiven, and that we ought to be very grateful that God has made provision for our redemption (3).

In a world that is losing its sense of sin, the teaching of Hebrews is needed. Sin separates man and God, and this isolation can be overcome only through the blood of Jesus Christ and our obedient faith in Him.

This book is of great value to us today in that it warns us against apostatizing from the faith. Some Jewish Christians addressed in this book are close to returning to the law of Moses. Although most Christians today are not tempted to go back to the law of Moses, many appeals that come to us today are an attempt to involve us in ceremonialism and carnal ordinances like those found in the Old Testament. Some religious groups place a human priesthood between Christ and us. Others are simply tired of the simplicity that is in Christ, and they yearn for a ritualistic religion.

To Whom Was Hebrews Written?

The book of Hebrews, just as with the first epistle of John, does not name the persons addressed; however, it is unmistakably written to the Jews. The entire discussion teaches the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Levitical Priesthood and the Temple sacrifices. Many times the writer quotes the Old Testament to confirm his statements. The Jews, of course, are reluctant to leave the religion they have always practiced. Edward Fudge quotes F.F. Bruce as saying:

The first readers of this Letter were reluctant to leave the familiar securities of their ancestral pattern of religious life for the hazardous adventure of following One who set such little store by His own personal security. But if men and women in the first century A.D. had not been willing to do this very thing—to obey the injunction "Let us go forth"— there would have been no future for the Christian cause on earth (Fudge, "Foreword" in Our Man in Heaven, no page number).

The most commonly accepted view is that this letter was written to the Jewish Christians of Palestine. S.T. Bloomfield writes:

The Epistle was principally intended for the Hebrew Christians in Palestine, who bore the appellation Hebrews by way of distinction from the Foreign Jews, who were called Hellenists. But whether it was meant for the Church or Churches of Palestine in general, or some Church in particular (as that of Jerusalem, or that of Caesarea), must, I apprehend, after all that has been said, be left undecided; and probably it might, in some measure, (like the Epistle of St. James,) be meant for the Jewish Christians in foreign countries as well as those in Palestine, and was therefore written in Greek, though even on that point a difference of opinion exists (462).

Authorship

The Epistle to the Hebrews is different from most of the other books of the New Testament. As with 1 John, the writer does not identify himself and begins without a greeting or an introduction. Speculation as to the authorship, therefore, is divided. Bloomfield says:

Who was the writer? Now some have ascribed it to St. Luke, or Barnabas; others, to Clement of Rome, or Silvanus, or Apollos. However, the Christian Church in general has ever ascribed it to St. Paul. Indeed, as to Barnabas, Clement, Silvanus, Apollos, and Luke, there is no external authority whatever to prove any one of them to be the writer; and internal testimony is very slender, nay, as regards Luke and Clements, quite adverse. Internal testimony is not wanting in favor of Apollos, but it only amounts to this - that if the matter depended wholly upon internal evidence, we might indeed say that there is nothing in the Epistle but what seems agreeable to the character and talents ascribed in the New Test. to Apollos. Yet this kind of evidence cannot be admitted where external evidence is entirely wanting (as is the case here), and where internal evidence of a still stronger kind may be alleged in proof of some other writer, and where external authority of the strongest kind is combined with that internal. And this leads us to advert to the evidence for the opinion which has generally prevailed in the Christian Church, that this Epistle was written by St. Paul (463-464).

Henry H. Halley mentions several possible writers:

In the King James Version it is called, in the title, The Epistle of Paul. In the American Revised Version it is anonymous, because in the oldest manuscripts, found since the King James translation was made, its author is not named. The Eastern Church accepted its Pauline authorship from the beginning. Not until the 4^th century did the Western Church accept it as the work of Paul. Eusebius considered Paul as the author. Tertullian called it The Epistle of Barnabas. Clement of Alexandria thought that Paul wrote it in Hebrew, and that Luke translated it into Greek (it is written in most excellent Greek). Origen said that the thoughts were the thoughts of Paul, and considered Paul as the probable author, but adds, "Who wrote it only God knows with certainty." Luther guessed Apollos, for which opinion there is no ancient evidence. Ramsay suggests Phillip. Harnack and Rendel Harris suggest Prisca. Some would attribute it to Luke, or Silas, or Clement of Rome. Ferrar Fenton thinks nobody but Paul could have written it, and that he wrote it originally in Hebrew, and had it translated by one of his helpers into Greek. On the whole, the traditional view held thru the centuries, and still widely held, is that Paul was the author (578).

John Wesley offers additional ideas about the author:

It is agreed by the general tenor of antiquity that this epistle was written by St. Paul, whose other epistles were sent to the Gentile converts; this only to the Hebrews. But this improper inscription was added by some later hand. It was sent to the Jewish Hellenist Christians, dispersed through various countries. St. Paul’s method and style are easily observed therein. He places, as usual, the proposition and division before the treatise (Hebrews 2:17); he subjoins the exhortatory to the doctrinal part, quotes the same scriptures (Hebrews ii:8, x.30, 38, i.6); and uses the same expressions as elsewhere. But why does he not prefix his name, which, it is plain from Hebrews iii. 19, was dear to them to whom he wrote? Because he prefixes no inscription, in which, if at all, the name would have been mentioned. The ardor of his spirit carries him directly upon his subject (just like St. John in his first epistle), and throws back his usual salutation and thanksgiving to the conclusion.

This epistle of St. Paul, and both those of St. Peter (one may add, those of St. James and of St. Jude also), were written both to the same persons, dispersed through Pontus, Galatia, and other countries, and nearly at the same time. St Paul suffered at Rome, three years before the destruction of Jerusalem. Therefore, this epistle, likewise, was written while the temple was standing. St. Peter wrote a little before his martyrdom, and refers to the epistles of St. Paul; this in particular.

The scope of it is, to confirm their faith in Christ; and this he does by demonstrating His glory. All the parts of it are full of the most earnest and pointed admonitions and exhortations; and they go on in one tenor, the particles therefore everywhere connecting the doctrine and the use (808).

The conclusion of the writer of this commentary is that the Apostle Paul is the author. This conclusion has been reached, first, because there is nothing in the epistle suggesting it would have been impossible or even unlikely for the writing to belong to him. Secondly, the book contains many similarities in CONTENT found in other letters known to have been written by him. A few of the statements are as follows:

1.    The writer of Hebrews says: "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (12:3).

a.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Galatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

b.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:13: "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."

c.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Ephesians 3:13: "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."

2.    The writer of Hebrews says: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (12:14).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Romans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

3.    The writer of Hebrews says: "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge" (13:1-4).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Ephesians 5:2-4: "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named amoung you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

4.    The writer of Hebrews says: "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased " (13:16).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Philippians 4:18: "But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, and odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God."

Thirdly, I have concluded that the Apostle Paul was the author based on many similarities in STYLE found in other letters known to have been written by him. A few examples are as follows:

1.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" (2:4).

d.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Romans 15:19: "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ."

e.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:12: "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds."

2.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (2:14).

f.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 2 Timothy 1:10: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."

g.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:26: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

3.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus" (3:1).

h.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Philippians 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

i.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

4.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat" (5:12).

Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:2: "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."

5.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" (8:1).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Ephesians 1:20: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"

6.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.…And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance…And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel" (8:6; 9:15; 12:24).

j.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Galatians 3:19-20: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."

k.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"

7.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount" (8:5).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Colossians 2:17: "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

8.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used" (10:33).

Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:9: "I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

9.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein" (13:9).

Similar words recorded by Paul in Ephesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

10.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle" (13:10).

l.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:13: "Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?"

m.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 10:18: "Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?"

11.    The writer of the Hebrew letter says: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" (13:20-21).

n.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Romans 15:33: "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."

o.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Romans 16:20: "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

p.    Similar words recorded by Paul in Philippians 4:9: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

q.    Similar words recorded by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

These points of content and style lead to the conclusion that the Apostle Paul wrote this book; however, while the authorship is uncertain, the undisputable truth is that God is the primary author, regardless of the man He used to write the book.

Place Written

Inspiration also omitted the location of the writer while he was writing the book. In the closing remarks, he says, "Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you" (13:24).

Because of his reference to "Italy," it is often assumed this letter was written in or near Italy; however, some scholars say the reference may be to Italian Christians in their own country or even in other lands.

Timothy was with the writer, 13:24. He had gone with Paul to Jerusalem, Acts 20:4, from whence he had accompanied Paul to Rome, Colossians 1:1. He had just been released, and Paul was planning to send him back east….hoping soon to come himself. And it looks as if he and Timothy were planning a return to Jerusalem, 13:23, where, one would infer from 13:19, the leaders addressed were Paul’s dear friends. The Epistle may have been written about the same time as the Epistle to the Philippians (Helps to the Study of the Bible 165).

Date Written

The exact date of the writing of the book is also uncertain; however, the writer does give hints as to when it was written. We know it was written before A.D. 96 because Clement of Rome was writing at that time, and he quoted freely from the book. And, too, the writer speaks of the Temple worship as still going on. Furthermore, there is no suggestion the destruction of Jerusalem has taken place; therefore, the writing must have been before A.D. 70. We also know that at least one generation of Christians has passed away. The writer says:

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;…For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (2:3; 5:12).

Further evidence is:

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward (10:32-35).

The writer further indicates the church was soon to face severe trials, placing the writing probably between A.D. 61 and A.D. 67 (12:4; 13:13).

Outline of Hebrews

1.    Hebrews One.

r.    Jesus’ Superiority over the Prophets (1:1-3).

s.    Jesus’ Superiority over the Angels (1:4-14).

2.    Hebrews Two.

a.    Danger of Neglecting Jesus’ Teaching (2:1-4).

b.    Restoration of Man’s Dominance over the World Restored through Jesus (2:5-9).

c.    Reason for Jesus Becoming Man and Dwelling Among Us (2:10-18).

3.    Hebrews Three.

a.    Jesus’ Superiority to Moses (3:1-6).

b.    Solomon’s Warning Against Christians Repeating the Rebellion of the Israelites (3:7-19).

4.    Hebrews Four.

a.    The "Rest" Promised to Ancient Israel Still Available to Spiritual Israel (4:1-10).

b.    The Christian’s Responsibility to Labor to Enter God’s Rest (4:11-16).

c.    "Spirit" and "Soul" (4:12).

d.    Jesus Christ the Great High Priest 4:14 – 5:10.

5.    Hebrews Five.

a.    Qualities of the High Priest (5:1-10).

b.    Consequences of Apostasy (5:11-14).

6.    Hebrews Six.

a.    Exhortation to Leave the Foundation to Reach Completeness in Christianity (6:1).

b.    Six Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (6:1-3).

c.    The Price of Apostasy (6:4-6).

d.    Inevitable Punishment Exemplified by Facts of Nature (6:7-12).

e.    The Encouraging Example of Abraham’s Faithfulness (6:13-20).

7.    Hebrews Seven.

a.    Superiority of Melchisedec’s Priesthood to Levitical Priesthood (7:1-10).

b.    Abolishment of Levitical Priesthood Because of Imperfections Necessitating Establishment of New Permanent Priesthood to Provide Hope through Jesus Christ (7:11-28).

8.    Hebrews Eight - The High Priest of the Heavenly Sanctuary (8:1-13).

9.    Hebrews Nine - The Structure of the Tabernacle and the Placement of its Furniture (9:1-28).

10.    Hebrews Ten.

a.    Inadequacies of the Sacrifices of the Law (10:1-4).

b.    All-Sufficiency of Christ’s One-Time Sacrifice (10:5-18).

c.    Exhortation to Draw Near and to Persevere (10:19-25).

d.    Exhortation Sharpened by Terrible Consequences of Apostasy (10:26-31).

e.    Paul’s Confidence in the Hebrew Christians (10:32-39).

11.    Hebrews Eleven.

a.    Excellency and Accomplishments of Faith (11:1-3).

b.    Examples of Faith from the Past (11:4-40).

12.    Hebrews Twelve.

a.    Benefits of the Lord’s Chastening His children (12:1-11).

b.    Admonition for Christians to Help Other Christians (12:12-29).

13.    Hebrews Thirteen.

a.    How to Please God (13:1-7).

b.    Final Plea for Stability in Christian Doctrine and Practice (13:8-17).

c.    Final Appeal and Good Wishes (13:18-25).

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