Chapter 1:1-4

HEBREWS CHAPTER ONE VS. 1-4 (KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE SEPARATE READING TEXT)

Heb 1:1  God,G2316 who at sundry timesG4181 andG2532 in divers mannersG4187 spakeG2980 in time pastG3819 unto theG3588 fathersG3962 byG1722 theG3588 prophets,G4396 

Heb 1:2  Hath inG1909 theseG5130 lastG2078 daysG2250 spokenG2980 unto usG2254 byG1722 his Son,G5207 whomG3739 he hath appointedG5087 heirG2818 of all things,G3956 byG1223 whomG3739 alsoG2532 he madeG4160 theG3588 worlds;G165 

Heb 1:3  WhoG3739 beingG5607 the brightnessG541 of his glory,G1391 andG2532 the express imageG5481 of hisG848 person,G5287 andG5037 upholdingG5342 all thingsG3956 by theG3588 wordG4487 of hisG846 power,G1411 when he had byG1223 himselfG1438 purgedG4160 G2512 ourG2257 sins,G266 sat downG2523 onG1722 the right handG1188 of theG3588 MajestyG3172 onG1722 high;G5308 

Heb 1:4  Being madeG1096 so muchG5118 betterG2909 than theG3588 angels,G32 asG3745 he hath by inheritance obtainedG2816 a more excellentG1313 nameG3686 thanG3844 they.G846 

1:1-4  Mainpoint: Jesus, the son of God, the express image of God, is by INHERITANCE…BETTER than the angels                                                                     Make  additional notes at left and below (in workbook)

1.        You should have noted certain contrasts between what God has done in the past and what He has done in the “last days.” List as many contrasts as you can see:     Huh? Here’s what God did with Jesus that he did not do in the past: Spoke to them by his son (as a man).  (The fulfillment of the appointed Jesus to inherit all things…(which makes sense, because all things were made by him)). God’s likeness was seen by mankind in Jesus, by the pouring out of his power, through the cleansing of sin (removal). Jesus took his rightful place at the throne (right hand of God) after these things were accomplished. The name of Jesus is exalted over the angels. This is an INHERITANCE (significant).

2.    What are the “last days?”
Isa_2:2  And it shall come to passH1961 in the lastH319 days,H3117 that the mountainH2022 of the LORD'SH3068 houseH1004 shall beH1961 establishedH3559 in the topH7218 of the mountains,H2022 and shall be exaltedH5375 above the hills;H4480 H1389 and allH3605 nationsH1471 shall flowH5102 untoH413 it.

Mic_4:1  But in the lastH319 daysH3117 it shall come to pass,H1961 that the mountainH2022 of the houseH1004 of the LORDH3068 shall beH1961 establishedH3559 in the topH7218 of the mountains,H2022 and itH1931 shall be exaltedH5375 above the hills;H4480 H1389 and peopleH5971 shall flowH5102 untoH5921 it.

In eschatological terms: The Hebrew viewed this to mean the return of power to the Israel nation. The writer is implying that Jesus did bring the Last Days power. It just isn’t a return to physical power God was talking about. What greater power could there be than for one man to destroy death, take away sin, and reconciled mankind back to God?
           

3.    What does it mean for Christ to    be the “exact imprint of his nature?”
KJ-“the express image of his person” 5481: express image – engraving, that is, an exact copy---- “of his” 848-self ----“his person” 5287 -a setting under (support), that is, (figuratively) concretely essence,

All things that God is, Jesus is (exact copy) – This writer comes out full power with this statement. He is equating Jesus with God.

4.        What is the writer’s purpose in his description of Christ in verses 2-3?
See answer to #3. The writer will be making arguments as to why Jesus is the messiah. This opening statement is the conclusion of his arguments

TRANSFORMATION: What do we learn about God from this chapter?

How does this change the way you see God and      how does this change your life?            How does this encourage us to  stand in the faith?

NOTES:

This writer first off places himself within the Jewish culture….genetically. Using the word “fathers” denotes a familial relationship.  (Significant)
He also begins with the ultimate authority….GOD.

Who else talks about Jesus making the world(s)

What is the Word Of His Power?

Word: 4487 - From G4483; an utterance (individually, collectively or specifically); by implication a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever: - + evil, + nothing, saying, word. ROOT 4483 denotes “pouring forth”

Power 1411- From G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): - ability,

Purged:4160-2512: to make or do - a washing off, that is, (ceremonially) ablution, (morally) expiation: - cleansing, + purge, purification, (-fying).

Inheritance: 2816 -to be an heir to (literally or figuratively): - be heir, (obtain by) inherit (-ance).

What other event did God display His “Word of His Power”?
God spoke the world and the universes into existence in Gen 1…also mentioned in verse 2.

Why was it important to confirm Jesus over the angels?
The Hebrews regarded the angels of God as holy servants. Some angels were watchers, warriors, and messengers for God. It’s safe to assume they were esteemed to have the trust of Jehovah. Even with all their notoriety, Jesus’ ministry was greater…and he was greater.

Brightness-541-an off flash

Glory-1391 - dignity, glory (-ious), honour

Survey

Opening Notes

Hebrews Opening Notes

Who wrote it?
The writer does not identify himself.
Scholars Suggest: Paul, Luke, Priscilla,
                           Barnabas, Apollos (Among Others)

I want it to be Paul: Based on his passion for his people.
Rom 9:2  That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 

Rom 9:3  For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 

Rom 9:4  Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 

But:
Literally: All of Paul’s letters start with “Paul” –Servant-Apostle-To The Church (Brother)-Prisoner (Of Christ)- Hebrews does not.

e.g.: Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 

And: The writer suggests he was taught by one of the apostles who was with Jesus in His ministry.

Heb 2:3 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; 

Paul states: He was NOT taught by any man.
Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 

Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Also: The writer refers to Timothy as “brother”.
Heb 13:23  Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. 
1Ti 1:2  Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith:
1Co 4:17  For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son

The reference “son” and “brother” are notable differences.

There are some similarities in the letter that appear Pauline. Ultimately, we cannot know for sure.

When Was This Letter Written?
Likely before the destruction of Jerusalem. The letter argues against the lack of transformative power by temple sacrifices. It also argues the temporal nature of the OT covenant.  The writer excludes any mention of the temple destruction (70 AD). The writer’s arguments would have been strengthened by this fact.

(Opinion) It may have been written after Paul’s death (62-67 AD).

1.   There is mention of Timothy being released from prison! Paul never mentions Timothy’s imprisonment.

Of course, ultimately we do not know the exact time the letter was written.

About The Writer:

1.   The "Timothy" reference places the writer within the sphere of Paul’s teaching, preaching and acquaintances.

2.   The writer exhibits eloquent oration skills.

3.   From original manuscripts, the writer is knowledgeable in Greek, and writes in this language. He also exhibits strong knowledge in the Hebrew old testament. This places the writer as not only Jewish, but a contemporary “Hellenistic” Jew.

Who Was This Written To? (Some Opinion)

1.   The Timothy reference infers the likely audience in an area from to Corinth to Ephesus and beyond. The writer sends greetings FROM Italy. So it was not likely written to them. Heb 13:24  Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. 

2.   Like the author, the final physical destination of the letter is unknown. Perhaps the intent is to pass the letter on to whom it applies to universally. The letter does not state who the letter is written to. It is left up to the reader to discern based on statements such as: Heb 1:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Heb 1:2  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,

Why Was This Letter Written?

In order to understand the why, let’s consider the culture of the church.

1.   Thousands were converted to Christianity in the beginning (Acts 2 and following. Even priests were converted (Acts 6)! The question becomes: Did the Jews wholly embrace the Christian conversion? It seems early on to be a powerful force: Act_2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

2.   We read about the gathering of saints in the temple. The breaking of bread may be a simple meal, not necessarily the Lord’s supper. By Acts chapter five, the apostles have been imprisoned twice and threatened. Even with that, they continue to teach: Act_5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

3.   The teaching of Jesus as the Christ is tolerated in the temple to some degree. We do not however have any evidence of worship to Jesus as equal to God within the temple. Perhaps this is why we see the “house to house” and “in every house” references. Most likely, “real” churches of Christ were being established in houses. The temple was only the starting point.

4.   The importance of what was happening within the temple is to illustrate the overall attitude toward Jesus the messiah (christ). Whatever was happening within the temple would be expected for all the Jewish nation. What is never evidenced is a declaration by the head priests to now accept Jesus as the son of God.

5.   By Acts 15 we see the church assembling to argue whether or not gentiles need to observe the old law. There was a gathering of the church, however its location is not discernible. Within this meeting there are Pharisees that argue for compliance to old law.

a.   This meeting implies a heavy influence of old covenant compliance by “strong” members.

b.   The meeting concludes that gentiles are not bound by the old law.

c.   When Paul returns to Jerusalem he is met with much resistance and violence! (Acts 21) Act 21:27  And when the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him, Act 21:28  crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover he brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath defiled this holy place. Act 21:29  For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple. Act 21:30  And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. Act 21:31  And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion. Act 21:32  And forthwith he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down upon them: and they, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul.  

6.   We see in this brief summary that even though the church had its origins and beginnings in the Jewish temple, it did not win over the nation as a new order. Leaders of the Judaeo teachings of Mosaic Law held fast to their traditions/old covenant and at best only tolerated the teachings that Jesus was the messiah and fulfillment of prophesy.

Imagine yourself to be the writer of this letter. You are convinced that Jesus is indeed the Christ, promised from the ancient writings. Jesus is the Son of God! This is no small statement. It is something that should be shouted from the rooftops!

Yet, you see the gospel is having little effect on your countrymen. Some are walking away from the faith for various reasons. It is your task to implore and reason with them as to why Jesus is the culmination of the scriptures and why leaving the faith means disaster. What would you do?