HF175 - Hebrews 1:1,2 (Prelude)
To: Hebraic-Foundations@YahooGroups.com
From: "Pastor Buddy Martin" <Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org>
Date: Friday, April 4, 2008
Subject: Bible Study HF175 - Hebrews 1:1,2 (Prelude)
Hebraics,
This is our initial study on the book of Hebrews. It is not my intention to cover every Scripture verbatim, but rather to highlight what seems most relevant to the study of this book.
There are some things that need to be understood concerning Hebrews. The book of Hebrews was written as a final warning to the Jewish peoples concerning Jesus Christ. In this case it is written both to Jewish believers and to Jewish people at large.
Hebrews is an inspiring book that deals with the earliest vestiges of Jewish Christianity. In 70 a.d., both Jerusalem and the temple would be set ablaze. Old Testament Judaism would no longer exist. A new Judaism would emerge from the ashes that would serve in opposition to Christianity. In these studies we will include selective information from what is commonly called Talmudic or Rabbinic Judaism.
It is also important to keep in mind that the book of Hebrews has a view to an overlapping of covenants. The former covenant is about to disappear with all its physical attributes. Because of the cross it was already a dead covenant. Only the body was left to be buried. This would happen in 70 a.d.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Hebrews was written to Jewish people. It is rich in Old Testament quotations. It is rich in Hebraic thinking. It is rich in the beliefs of the Jewish culture of that day. So, while all Christians will benefit from the richness of this book, it is good to keep in mind that it was written to a people who had had a covenant relationship with God. These things will help my readers understand why such strong warnings are to be found in Hebrews.
In these studies I will be drawing largely on the New American Standard Bible as a primary source for most quotations. Quotes from other translations will be noted. Let's begin...
This is Bible Study HF175 - Hebrews 1:1,2 (Prelude)
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Heb1:1,2)
Actually the first four verses in Hebrews serve as a overture to the entire book. However, in this first study there is much to be said by simply drawing on the first two verses.
Four things stand out in these verses. First, is the acknowledgment that God did speak to His ancient people through the prophets. All of what we call the Old Testament, was considered to be Sacred Scriptures to the Hebrew people, that is, the Scriptures were a living oracle of God to them. Yet it is these living oracles that point to God's final speaking place.
Secondly, the final speaking of God was through His Son. And this puts the Sonship of Jesus Christ right on the front page.
Thirdly, the Son is both the agent of creation and the heir of all that has been created.
And finally the statement, "In these last days.'
It is possible that in speaking of 'these last days,' the writer has in view the temple destruction shortly to come. It can equally be said that the view is towards what we commonly call 'the church age,' where God is drawing to Himself, by His grace, people from all groups and nations. This would certainly accord with God's promise to Abraham, "And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (Gen12:3c)
But in keeping with the underlying theme of Hebrews, it is very likely that the coming destruction is in view. After all both Jesus, the apostles, and even the Old Testament prophets forewarned of the destruction of the temple after Messiah came. And so, in these last days God gives His final warning to the people of covenant through His Son.
And here is the crux of the matter. The Jewish leadership had Jesus crucified over His acknowledgement of being God's own Son. It can easily be said that the Sonship of Jesus is the center piece of the book of Hebrews.
It gets even more interesting. The mystery of God's Son is found both in the sacred writings, but it was also somewhat of a belief among certain of the Hebrews during the time of Jesus. You find this in the Targum writings. Even the term 'the Word of the Lord', was given personality in the Targums. So there was a mystery in God that the Hebrews did acknowledge.
We may find it strange to say that the Old Testament people of God had experiences with Jesus Christ. Well, they did. They simply did not know Him by that name. They knew Him as "the Word of God," as "the Messenger of Yahweh," as "the Redeemer," as "the Form of God," as "the Glory of God," even as "Salvation," and especially as '"the Ever Present One," that is, "the I Am."
One writer even spoke of Him as the "Son." The sage said, "Surely I am more stupid than any man. Neither have I the understanding of a man. Neither have I learned wisdom. Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One." He went on to say, "Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His Son's name? Surely you know." (Cf. Pro30:2-4)
(The last two paragraphs above are from my writings on HF129 - The Ever Present One. Go to: http://christianchallenge.org/hebraic-foundations/HF129.html)
Rather than carry this study further, I want to give room for dialogue with our members. Feel free to ask questions, offer insights, of simply provide additional dialogue on this first study. The study will remain in place for a few days.
Blessings,
Buddy
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Lawrence "Buddy" Martin
email: Bro.Buddy <at> ChristianChallenge.Org
Web: http://www.ChristianChallenge.org
Forum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hebraic-Foundations/
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"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." (Heb12:15)