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A Brief IntroductionHeb. 1:1 - Chapter OneAn Ever-So-Brief Introductionto HebrewsOur introductory study of Hebrews will addressa few of the most important questions that arenormally considered when studying the book ofHebrews. We have intentionally avoided attentionto detail in these opening paragraphs, choosing,instead to get right to the meat of the text.Just before beginning your study, please do threethings:1.) Look over our Goals for the Course in the Appendix. Do not expect to understand fully thesegoals at this time. They will become clear as weprogress. Just get an overview of the things whichare important to the tone of this study.2.) Look over Hebrews – A Quick Overview. This isalso at the back for quick reference and easier reproduction.3.) Read the footnote 1 at the end of this book.Who wrote the book of Hebrews?It appears that it was the author’s intent to remaingenerally anonymous, though there are hints in thebook that indicate our author knew some of hisreaders and they knew and loved him. For the recipients knew he was “in bonds.” They knew Timothyas well. The book appears to have been written fromItaly. (Heb. 13:22-25)Typically, the more influenced one is by mid nineteenth century textual criticism, the more one willlean away from Pauline authorship. MacDonaldinsists that, in spite of the generalizations of early fathers, “Few today, however, would maintainPauline authorship. Origin agreed that the contentswere Pauline, and there are some Pauline touches init, but the style in the original is very different fromPaul’s.” He adds that this does not rule out Paulineauthorship. Typically, the more one leans on traditional sources, the more likely he will lean towardPaul’s hand in the letter. Clearly, it serves no purposeto spill any blood over the issue.The pursuit of the human author of this “crownjewel” of the New Testament will likely rage until thereturn of Christ. It is the stuff of lively debates andits examination provides rich reward. It is our intent,however, to respect the author of Hebrews’ wishesand leave it at that. At the same time, this authorapologizes for any slip of the tongue that might reveal his own preference for the Apostle Paul!The Real StruggleThe issue of human authorship is inconsequentialwhen laid along side a far more critical question. Towhom was the book written? Beneath the superficialresponse that it was obviously written to the Hebrews, the Jews who were living in the middle of thefirst century lay deeper currents. Were these Hebrews believers? Were they unbelievers? Were they amixed group of both believers and unbelievers?When examining Hebrews, one’s position regarding the recipients forms the linchpin for his entireinterpretive model. There is simply no room forneutrality and emotions rise quickly as the discussion ensues. This will become very obvious as weexamine the famous “warning” passages of IsraelJames P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 9

with their severe declarations. If these warnings aredirected to believers, the interpreter must do someserious footwork in order to keep the doctrine ofeternal security, taught everywhere else, in tact. If,on the other hand, these warnings are essentiallyfor unbelievers, the interpreter is still obligated toexplain the occurrence of certain phrases such as“partakers of the Holy Spirit” which can be made toapply only to brethren in Christ.Make no mistake. The issue is worth addressing,and these notes leave no room for debating thisinstructor’s position . [Note: In this author’s personal opinion, the idea that Hebrews is not first andforemost an evangelistic thesis is incredible. Thismentality robs us of our ability to use the book asGod intended us to and places heavy demands uponus to invent complex schemes in order to interpretthe warning passages.]Gromacki notes: “As indicated before, the readershad been saved for a rather long period of time(5:12)” and writes the issue off by noting that theyhad been severely persecuted and even killed,(12:3-4). Based on that reasoning we are to assumethat the book was written to Christians. It wouldbe unwise to dispute that many such Hebrews didendure such suffering, but this does not imply thatthe book was intended only for them. The recipientsof this book were a mixed group consisting of bothunregenerate and newly regenerated Jews. Ratherthan mounting defenses for this position in advanceof our study they are integrated with the passages inquestion.It would be to our advantage to carry things onestep further. Our purpose will also be to show thatat least a portion of the recipients of this thesis wereparticipants in a Qumran like cult. The evidence thatconnects us to this conclusion rises out of information we glean from the Dead Sea scrolls. The strikingrelevance of Hebrews to these people is difficult toignore.A Few More Appetizers for Our PlateIt is generally assumed that this thesis-turned-letterwas written within a twenty year period between50 and 70 A.D though some commit to dating aslate as 95 . Hester leans with Robertson in assigning A.D. 69 as most acceptable. Most folks settle inaround the year 68 and most are convinced that thedestruction of Jerusalem and its temple (A.D. 70)had clearly not occurred at the writing of Hebrews.They also cite the sense of urgency in this book thatadmonishes these Jews to decide while it is “Today”.This will be noted in our study.The doctrinal contributions of this book are ofinestimable value. The doctrine of faith is expandedand defended as it is nowhere else in the Bible. Theperson of Jesus Christ, however, is the centerpiece ofthis book and His superiority in every arena will benailed down so tightly that there will be no wiggleroom left for even the most imaginative cultist. And,as the beauties and glories of our Savior are unfolded one at a time we will immerse ourselves in thestunning tapestry of the priesthood which is aboveall other priesthoods. We will be exhilarated by ourdiscoveries as we examine a book written expresslyfor exhortation (13:22). But, be forewarned! Startinginto Hebrews is like jumping off into the deep endof the pool! From the moment we look at verse onewe will see ourselves as trifling children walkingthrough the treasure troves of a great Monarch.The First Subject of Hebrews Is RevelationBefore we dig in too deeply, take an overview ofverses 1-4:(Heb 1:1-4 KJV) God, who at sundry times and in diversmanners spake in time past unto the fathers by theprophets, {2} Hath in these last days spoken unto usby his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things,by whom also he made the worlds; {3} Who being thebrightness of his glory, and the express image of hisJames P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 10

person, and upholding all things by the word of hispower, when he had by himself purged our sins, satdown on the right hand of the Majesty on high; {4} Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath byinheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.I. God’s Method ChangedThough it may take a few readings before the observer notices it, the substance in verses 1-4 focuseson the theme of revelation. We may well title thissection, “Christ – A Superior Revelation!” Theopening word of this book is God. His existence issimply assumed, as it is in Genesis 1:1 and in John1:1. The fact that He communicates with us is simplyassumed. We do not need to wonder about Hissupposed silence. His voice has been heard in everygeneration.His method of revelation, however, has changed. Intimes past, He spoke unto the fathers by the prophets. In these last days He has spoken unto us byHis Son. The term last days had a slightly differentconnotation to these readers. Jewish readers saw thebeginning of the last days period as the end of theBabylonian captivity. It should be noted, that fourhundred year period, between the end of the captivity and the coming of Christ, was painfully silent.From the Jews’ point of view it was very disconcerting. The voice that they had been accustomedto hearing from heaven through the proclamationsof the prophets had long become silent. One hundred, two hundred, three hundred, and now, fourhundred years have ticked off while Israel wanderedin darkness, never recuperating from a captivitythat had separated whole generations of Jews fromtheir prophecies and revelations. Then, at the exactmoment in time, when the tension was at its highest,God spoke again from heaven. Only this time, Hismethod of revelation had changed. The prophetswere replaced with His Son.II. God’s Revelation Described.Why is God’s last days Revelation superior to therevelations given in “times past” in various timesand ways?1. Like the former prophets of old the Son spokeGod’s Word, but unlike them, He is God’s Word .Joseph Smith and Muhammad can make no suchclaims. Nor can any other true prophet who everlived.2. What separates Christ from the prophets is thefact that He represents a higher genre. He is a son.With the higher genre comes a higher authority, ormore specifically, a greater accountability to heedthe message! These Hebrew recipients may not setHis message aside – and neither may we!3. While there were many prophets, there is but oneson. Later in Hebrews we will see the great importance of this “many to one” comparison. You maytake a peek now at Hebrews 7:15 through 23 and ff.4. The word spoken by the Son is different than thewords spoken by the prophets because His word iscomplete and un-fragmented. While the spirit ofMessiah has taken over the spirits of the prophets(such as David) in the Old Testament, these wordsof Messiah are unfiltered, unmasked. The usual process of Old Testament inscripturation was certainlyaccurate and inspired in every sense, but the revelation of Messiah Himself, in His own person, withoutthe usual inscripturation through a prophet, shedsa richer, deeper light on God’s truth than man hadever seen before! God is the revelation!5. Finally, His word is the last Word. He has spokenunto us once and for all (aorist), thus, signifyingthe end of progressive revelation as it was knownin times past. The difference is in the permanenceof the New Covenant. While the Old Testamentlooked forward to this New Covenant, the fact thatit is revealed in an eternal Person, means that it is anunchanging revelation which will never be replaced.As we will notice later in our study, the Book ofMormon, supposedly written in A.D. 400, not onlyregresses into Old Covenant teachings, it seeks to replace the New Covenant with yet another covenant.James P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 11

God has spoken unto us once and for all throughHis son.These five statements argue the important fact thatall those earlier prophets were really pointing to theone Prophet. The road ahead promises to reveal newsecrets about this marvelous Prophet.James P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 12

The Son Appointed HeirWhat does it mean to us when we learn that Godhas spoken to us by a Son? Let’s line up some keywords.Heb. 1:2 - Chapter TwoThe Son Appointed HeirIntro: Find your way to Hebrews 1 and prepare toread verses 1 and 2 one remaining time:(Heb 1:1-2 KJV) God, who at sundry times and in diversmanners spake in time past unto the fathers by theprophets, {2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us byhis Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, bywhom also he made the worlds;In a former church a man reaching retirement ageshared an incident from his childhood school days.The class had just begun to examine the worksof Shakespeare when one of the rather backwardyoung men from the hill country began to questionthe worth of it all. He wanted to know why anyonewould bother with such stuff, and what good wouldthe knowledge of Shakespeare do for anyone anyway. His teacher had one response and it was to thepoint. Her words were “May God have mercy on youif you never live to understand the answer to yourquestion.”That same remark is appropriate when it comes tounderstanding the difference between a Son and aprophet. There is such a gap, such an ocean, such aninfinite distance between Jesus Christ and all whoever came before Him or after Him that no simplepastor or teacher could ever express it. But, we catcha glimpse, a small glimpse, in the very words whichwe have just read. And we must look one final timeat these words before we move on. Mull over thesewords “ hath in these last days spoken unto us byHis [or a] son.”I. What Does It Mean to Be a Son?A. Access. To be a son implies access.John Owen wrote so beautifully: “The Lord JesusChrist, by virtue of the union of His Person, wasfrom the womb filled with a perfection of graciouslight, and knowledge of God and His will.” Thisinstructor agrees with Owen, but only to a point. Wemust never think that the Lord Jesus Christ kneweverything there was to know at any given point intime. As God, He was omniscient. But when Christcame as the Son of God He laid aside the independent use of His divine privileges and, submittingHimself totally to the will of the Father, only exercised those divine privileges and powers which wereappropriate at the time to doing the Father’s will.So, while we must not say on the one hand thatChrist was born with instantaneous knowledge ofall things we must understand that as surely as anearthly son has access to his father in a way whichno others have there was a relationship betweenChrist and the Father which no prophet could everexperience. The closest prophet to come to this, wewill see in our study of Hebrews, was Moses, but noteven Moses could approach at will the living God.That privilege to approach a father at will is reservedfor sons.During the Clinton Administration we had a lot ofmedia talk about access. Lincoln’s White House bedroom was unofficially renamed the Lincoln Bed andBreakfast. The Chinese Central Committee contributed openly to the Democratic Central Committee,James P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 13

all in the name of access. Jesus Christ, however doesnot need to purchase such influence. He is a son andhas full access to the Father. Secondly:B. Ability. To be a son implies the ability to understand and communicate the Father’s message.We hear from Owen once again:“The commission, mission, and furnishings of theSon as incarnate and Mediator, with abilities for thedeclaration of the mind and will of God unto theChurch, were particularly from the Father ”God spoke to and through His Son in a way we findnowhere else. We preachers are death on red-lettereditions of the Bible. We are death on them becausethey create the impression that the words writtenin red are more inspired than the words written inblack because Jesus spoke them. Those of us whoknow God’s Word know that is not true. We knowthat every word of the Bible is inspired of God andwe know that every word of the Bible is equallyinspired. We know that, in the final analysis, everyword in the Bible IS the Word of Christ. Even so,when we read those red letters we have only oneresponse, “ Never a man spake like this man.” Andour minds return quickly to the words of ChristHimself, as He spoke of Himself through the prophet Isaiah “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongueof the learned,” Isa. 50:4.Was there ever a tongue like this? Was there everspeech like this? What are we saying? We are sayingthat the sonship of Christ is reflected in His verywords, and we would roll in uncontrollable laughterat the ignorance of those imposters who claim anyshare of His glory, especially when they think tomimic or improve upon His Words!If the reader will endure a little humor, it was reported to me recently that one medical finding hasjust revealed that, on the average, the area of thefemale brain which involves communication skillshas been found to be 20% larger than on their malecounterparts. The report went on to say that this iswhy women excel in certain professions more thanmen. Not to be undone, the male radio personalityposed a question to his female partner wonderingthat, if the brain were 20% larger in the communication area, what other portion of the brain had toshrink proportionately in order to accommodate it?He went on to say that, perhaps, it was the logicalportion of the brain which suffered the loss. At thispoint the broadcast cut, wisely, to a commercial.But, consider this. All of this time we have beenannouncing that no man or woman has ever usedeven 10% of his or her brain capacity. We havewondered if maybe Adam did before the fall. But,here is another wildly different thought. Maybe thisextra capacity was reserved for the One person whowould need to take on an earthly body, the Oneperson who was the Son of God, who was so uniquein every way that no one has ever come near Him.In any case, this Son of God has an ability which theprophets never had.There is another implication of sonship:C. Adaptation. To be a Son implies that His natureis God’s nature.It is an issue of nature. Owen notes:“That Jesus Christ in His Divine nature as he wasthe eternal Word and Wisdom of the Father, not bya voluntary communication, but eternal generation,had an omnisciency (sic) of the whole nature andwill of God as the Father Himself hath, their will andwisdom being the same.”I have purposed to settle for the beauty and not todelve too deeply into the theological implications ofthat statement, but it bears reading again. This time,perk up when we come to the term eternal generation.“That Jesus Christ in His Divine nature as hewas the eternal Word and Wisdom of the Father, notby a voluntary communication, but eternal generation, had an omnisciency (sic) of the whole natureand will of God as the Father Himself hath, their willand wisdom being the same.”James P. Steel - Hebrews Bible StudyPage 14

One must never get on the bandwagon with someJohnny-come-lately who, in his own inimitablescholarship comes up with the idea that Jesus Christwas never God’s Son in eternity past. Such a teacherstands very much alone in the train of great biblicalteachers who have grappled with these wonderfuland inexplicable truths.These teachers could not find words to describewhat little the scriptures have to say about the eternal nature of the trinity, but they clung firmly to thedoctrine of eternal generation. Jesus Christ was eternally a Son, eternally proceeding from the Father. Ina word, it is the nature of the second person of thetrinity, not just some earthly role He assumed.But there is more to this matter of adaptation. It isnot just that He is adapted to the nature of God. Itis that this One who “tabernacled” among us, (John1:14) was also adapted to our natures. That is, Hehas become the bridge between two natures, thenature of God and the nature of man. He was oneof us in every way. Jesus Christ does not represent amix of two natures; He is the conjunctive expressionof them. The evidence of this follows in the nextphrase.“ whom he hath appointed heir of all things”With the insertion of this phrase, “ whom he hathappointed heir of all things” the human nature andthe messianic nature of Christ come into play. Theprophets did not have this advantage. They couldonly glance upon the nature of God from their human perspective.With this discussion, all the tension between trueChristianity and the cults comes into play. You see,we are all confronted with the dilemma, with theultimate question, is Jesus Christ God or is He man?The answer is that He is both and both truths areequally important to us. Because this union of twonatures is seamless, pervasive, and conjunctive inevery way it is virtually impossible to reduce thediscussion to textbook terms. But, if you will justremember these simple thoughts you can be sparedfrom a lot of difficulty:1. First, remember that Jesus Christ is completelyGod and therefore, as the son, has the nature ofGod. He has God’s nature.2. Secondly, Jesus Christ is completely man andtherefore has a human nature.3.Finally, you must never associate man’s fallennature with His human nature. The Adventists, forexample, fall into a terrible error here. Some Adventists assume that because Jesus had a human natureit had to be a fallen nature. Ellen White said thatJesus had a mean and sinful spirit. But Jesus wasnot fallen man. He was not in Adam as you and Iwere. He was born of a virgin, conceived of the HolySpirit. We have one final thought before we leave thediscussion of heirship:D. Authority. This Son, as heir possesses all things.Keep this distinction in mind, it is the Son who isappointed heir, not the heir who is appointed Son.Jesus Christ is never appointed a Son. That positionis never given to Him. He was only declared to bethe Son of God, and that declaration was made onseveral occasions. It was ma

James P. Steel - Hebrews Bible Study Page 9 A Brief Introduction Heb. 1:1 - Chapter One An Ever-So-Brief Introduction to Hebrews Our introductory study of Hebrews will address a few of the most important questions that are normally considered when studying the book of