Hebrews E-Book

Matthew Z. Capps

• Herausgeber: Crossway
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Knowing the Bible
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 112

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2015

Beschreibung

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week study lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) Reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) "Gospel Glimpses" highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) "Whole-Bible Connections" show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) "Theological Soundings" identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on each and every page of the Bible. The book of Hebrews stands apart from other biblical books in its theologically unique portrait of Jesus Christ as the supreme revelation of God—a portrait bolstered by the author's skilled use of imagery, metaphor, and Old Testament analogy. In this study, readers will be exposed to one of the most beautifully written and stylistically polished books in the New Testament.

Leseprobe

HEBREWS

A 12-WEEK STUDY

Matthew Z. Capps

Knowing the Bible: Hebrews, A 12-Week Study

Copyright © 2015 by Crossway

Published by Crossway 1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Some content used in this study guide has been adapted from the ESV Study Bible (Crossway), copyright 2008 by Crossway, pages 2357–2386. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover design: Simplicated Studio

First printing 2015

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. 2011 Text Edition. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-4358-6 EPub ISBN: 978-1-4335-4361-6 PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-4359-3 Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-4360-9

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

TABLEOF CONTENTS

  Series Preface: J. I. Packer and Lane T. DennisWeek   1: OverviewWeek   2: Introduction: The Supremacy of Jesus Christ (1:1–4)Week   3: Jesus Is Superior to Angelic Beings (1:5–2:18)Week   4: Jesus Is Superior to Moses (3:1–4:13)Week   5: Jesus Is the Superior High Priest, Part 1 (4:14–5:10)Week   6: A Warning against Apostasy (5:11–6:20)Week   7: Jesus Is the Superior High Priest, Part 2 (7:1–8:13)Week   8: Jesus Is the Superior Sacrifice (9:1–10:18)Week   9: The Call to Faith (10:19–11:40)Week 10: The Call to Endurance (12:1–29)Week 11: Final Exhortations (13:1–25)Week 12: Summary and Conclusion

SERIES PREFACE

KNOWING THE BIBLE, as the series title indicates, was created to help readers know and understand the meaning, the message, and the God of the Bible. Each volume in the series consists of 12 units that progressively take the reader through a clear, concise study of that book of the Bible. In this way, any given volume can fruitfully be used in a 12-week format either in group study, such as in a church-based context, or in individual study. Of course, these 12 studies could be completed in fewer or more than 12 weeks, as convenient, depending on the context in which they are used.

Each study unit gives an overview of the text at hand before digging into it with a series of questions for reflection or discussion. The unit then concludes by highlighting the gospel of grace in each passage (“Gospel Glimpses”), identifying whole-Bible themes that occur in the passage (“Whole-Bible Connections”), and pinpointing Christian doctrines that are affirmed in the passage (“Theological Soundings”).

The final component to each unit is a section for reflecting on personal and practical implications from the passage at hand. The layout provides space for recording responses to the questions proposed, and we think readers need to do this to get the full benefit of the exercise. The series also includes definitions of key words. These definitions are indicated by a note number in the text and are found at the end of each chapter.

Lastly, for help in understanding the Bible in this deeper way, we urge readers to use the ESV Bible and the ESV Study Bible, which are available in various print and digital formats, including online editions at www.esvbible.org. The Knowing the Bible series is also available online. Additional 12-week studies covering each book of the Bible will be added as they become available.

May the Lord greatly bless your study as you seek to know him through knowing his Word.

J. I. Packer Lane T. Dennis

WEEK 1: OVERVIEW

Getting Acquainted

The anonymous book of Hebrews is a unique contribution to the canon of Scripture. Hebrews begins without an introduction, like many other New Testament letters, though it closes with blessings and greetings (Heb. 13:23–24). The author sheds light on the form of Hebrews by referring to his writing as a “word of exhortation” (v. 22). Hebrews is written in a pastoral voice with many practical exhortations, leading many to consider it a single sermon or sermonic discourse, addressed to converts from Judaism under pressure to revert to Jewish faith.

Hebrews is also considered one of the most beautifully written and stylistically polished books of the New Testament, a literary masterpiece. The author is a master of rhetorical debate and persuasion. He also demonstrates his profound theological prowess with his use of imagery, metaphor, allusion, Old Testament analogy, and typology. Throughout his exposition and exhortation, the author weaves a beautiful tapestry of biblical theology with the aim of exalting the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

The central motif of Hebrews is “Jesus Christ is better” (the words “better,” “more,” and “greater” appear a combined 25 times). In many ways, the glory of God as revealed in Jesus Christ is the gravitational center of Hebrews. The first 12 chapters outline a powerful theological argument for the superiority of Christ above all created things and all Old Testament counterparts, with a special focus on encouraging the reader to persevere in the faith that has Christ at its center. Through encouraging words, firm warnings, and contrasting examples, the author often calls the reader to respond to Christ in worship.

Placing It in the Larger Story

Hebrews contains 35 direct quotations from the Old Testament, along with many allusions and references. With the Old Testament background in mind, the author argues that God’s glory and redemptive plan are finally and most clearly revealed in Jesus Christ. The superiority of Jesus is demonstrated in that he is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant institution. Christ is the complete atoning sacrifice and final priest. In him we see the fulfillment of all the Old Testament hopes and promises, ushering in the long-awaited new covenant age.

Key Verse

“He [Jesus] 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 . . .” (Heb. 1:3).

Date and Historical Background

Hebrews was written in the first century, probably before AD 70. The author of Hebrews does not name himself. There has been much conjecture as to his identity; as the early Christian theologian Origen (d. c. AD 245) said, “only God knows” who he is. However, we can be sure that the author was familiar with his audience, for he longed to be reunited with them (Heb. 13:19) and is able to give them news of Timothy, Paul’s second-in-command (v. 23).

The traditional title “To the Hebrews” reflects the ancient notion that the original audience was primarily made up of Jewish Christians. One can safely assume that the audience was familiar with, and well understood, the many quotations and allusions to the Old Testament. Certainly, the author was addressing professing Christians with this letter; several times the author urges them to maintain their confession and faith (3:6, 14; 4:14; 10:23).

Outline

   I. Introduction: The Supremacy of Jesus Christ (1:1–4)

  II. Jesus Is Superior to Angelic Beings (1:5–2:18)

A. Jesus’ status as eternal Son and King (1:5–14)

B. Warning one: against neglecting salvation (2:1–4)

C. Jesus as the founder of salvation (2:5–18)

 III. Jesus Is Superior to Moses (3:1–4:13)

A. Jesus is greater than Moses (3:1–6)

B. Warning two: the failure of the exodus generation (3:7–19)

C. Entering God’s rest (4:1–13)

  IV. Jesus Is the Superior High Priest, Part 1 (4:14–5:10)

   V. A Warning against Apostasy (5:11–6:20)

A. Warning three: against apostasy (5:11–6:12)

B. The certainty of God’s promise (6:13–6:20)

  VI. Jesus Is the Superior High Priest, Part 2 (7:1–8:13)

A. The priestly order of Melchizedek (7:1–10)

B. Jesus compared to Melchizedek (7:11–28)

C. Jesus, a priest of a better covenant (8:1–13)

 VII. Jesus Is the Superior Sacrifice (9:1–10:18)

A. The earthly Holy Place (9:1–10)

B. Redemption through the blood of Christ (9:11–28)

C. Christ’s sacrifice once for all (10:1–18)

VIII. The Call to Faith (10:19–11:40)

A. Exhortation to draw near (10:19–25)

B. Warning four: against shrinking back (10:26–39)

C. By faith (11:1–40)

  IX. The Call to Endurance (12:1–29)

A. Jesus, founder and perfecter of our faith (12:1–2)

B. Do not grow weary (12:3–17)

C. A kingdom that cannot be shaken (12:18–24)

D. Warning five: against refusing the speaker (12:25–29)

   X. Final Exhortations (13:1–25)

A. Sacrifices pleasing to God (13:1–19)

B. Benediction (13:20–21)

C. Final greetings (13:22–25)

As You Get Started

What is your present understanding of how Hebrews helps us to grasp the whole storyline of the Bible? Do you have an idea as to how aspects of the Old Testament are shown to be fulfilled in Hebrews?

What is your current understanding of what Hebrews contributes to Christian theology? How does this book clarify our understanding of the major doctrines of the Christian faith?

Is there any Old Testament imagery in Hebrews that is particularly confusing to you? Are there any specific questions that you hope to have answered through this study?

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION: THE SUPREMACYOF JESUS CHRIST

Hebrews 1:1–4

The Place of the Passage

The opening verses of Hebrews present Jesus as the final and definitive revelation of God to humanity. The author begins by establishing that “Long ago, at many times and in many ways” God spoke to his people (Heb. 1:1). But now, in these last days, God has conclusively spoken through Jesus—his beloved Son, the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the world (vv. 2–3), and an exact image of the Father (v. 3). The greatness of Jesus is finally depicted by his exaltation at the right hand of God above all earthly and heavenly beings (v. 4).

The Big Picture

Hebrews 1:1–4 draws our hearts to worship in light of the radiant majesty and unrivaled power of Jesus Christ.

Reflection and Discussion

Read through the passage for this study, Hebrews 1:1–4. After reading the passage, reread the portions listed below and respond to the questions—first with regard to Jesus as divine revelation (vv. 1–2a), then on Jesus’ person, work, and status (vv. 2b–4). (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, page 2361, available online at www.esvbible.org.)

1. Jesus as Divine Revelation (1:1–2a)

God has spoken. In the introductory verses of Hebrews, the author sweeps over the span of God’s progressive revelation and lands on Jesus Christ as the climax of his communication. Considering some of the miraculous ways God spoke to the patriarchs and prophets in the Old Testament, what is the author attempting to demonstrate by contrasting how God previously spoke, and how God, through his Son, has now definitively spoken to his people (1:1–2)?

In verses 1–2, the author of Hebrews contrasts revelation in the Old Testament with the finality of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ in four areas. Compare the eras of revelation, the recipients of revelation, the agents of revelation, and the ways in which revelation was expressed.

Jesus is the definitive revelation of God in history. The implication of this truth is that God’s revelation in the Old Testament was sufficient for that era but incomplete. How does the revelation of Jesus “in these last days” affect how we read the complete canon of Scripture (Luke 24:27; John 5:39–40)?

2. Jesus: Person, Work, and Status (1:2b–4)

Many scholars believe that the titles “Son” and “heir” applied to Jesus in Heb. 1:2 are allusions to Psalm 2:7–8, a royal coronation Psalm recalling God’s pledge to David’s heir in 2 Samuel 7:12–16. In ancient Israel it was the firstborn son who had the right of inheritance. By virtue of his royal sonship, Jesus is the heir of the universe, including the world to come (Heb. 2:5–9), a position of blessing and glory. What is the author highlighting in Jesus’ unique relationship and responsibility concerning the universe?

In Hebrews 1:2–3, the author asserts that all of God’s creation belongs to Jesus because it was through his agency that all things came into existence and through his power that the universe is upheld. The preexistence, authority, power, and full deity of Jesus are evident in his role in creating and upholding the universe (1:10; see John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16). What do these truths communicate to us about the purpose of creation and Jesus’ dominion over his handiwork?