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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER TWO:
“THE CHIEF AGENT OF LIFE
A RESPONSIBLE BROTHER”

Key Word: Sympathy
Theme Verse: 10

Hebrews 2:1-4 – No Escape If Neglect Salvation

HE2:1 Because of the above it is even more important 36 to pay greater attention to the things we have heard 37 [from the Son] so that we never drift away. 38

36	Because of the above it is even more important: [AMP] Or, KJV: we ought to; NEB: we are bound. The previous established fact that God speaks through a Spokesman superior to all the angels is the reason Paul now proceeds.

37

To pay greater attention to the things we have heard: [PME] Or, WMS: pay much closer attention to the message once heard; NEB: to pay all the more heed to what we have been told; BER: more careful attention. If a Jew listened to the words previously spoken by means of the Hebrew Prophets, there is even more reason to listen carefully to the message from God’s Son. Moses warned of this need to listen to the promised Prophet. [Deuteronomy 18:18, 19] See Luke 8:15 regarding listening with obedience.

38

So that we never drift away: [ASV] Or, KJV: slip; ABUV: drift past them; WMS: drifting to one side; NEB: drifting from our course; BAS: might be slipping away; ALF: diverted from them. The image is of a boat unmoored which slowly drifts away with the tide. Compare the confession of the psalmist. [Psalm 73:2] See notes on Hebrews 3:12 and 2 Peter 3:17. [Revelation 2:4] No Christian is so secure that they could never be misled of backslide. Paul’s makes clear that a Christian can drift away.

HE2:2 For if those things spoken through angels was a word to be relied on 39 – and every transgression and disobedient act received appropriate justice with due punishment 40 –

39

For if those things spoken through angels was a word to be relied on: [KJV] Or, MON: stood firm; WMS: proved to be valid; ALF: binding; BAS: fixed; NAS: unalterable. The Jews knew the Law of Moses was actually delivered by angels, primarily the Angel of Yehowah. [Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19] For over 1,500 years the Hebrews conducted their lives throughout their generations based on what angels had said.

40

And every transgression and disobedient act received appropriate justice with due punishment: [KJV] Or, WMS: every violation and infraction; NOR: just punishment. Paul’s words have a powerful warning to them. Compare notes on Hebrews 10:28, 29. If such were the case with the Hebrews and the just punishment of the Law, how much more so the need to obediently listen to the Son?

HE2:3 how shall we ever escape 41 if we show ourselves unconcerned of so great a salvation 42 that it was first spoken by the Master [Jesus] 43 – and well confirmed to us by those who actually heard him 44 –

41	How shall we ever escape: [KJV] Or, TCN: how can we, of all people, expect to escape. See notes on Hebrews 10:29.

42

If we show ourselves unconcerned of so great a salvation: [WMS] Or, KJV: neglect; TCN: disregard; NEB: ignore. How can the Jews – who lived their lives around the holy words delivered by angels – now ignore that salvation proclaimed by Jesus himself. Compare the notes on the parable at Matthew 22:5.

43	It was first spoken by the Master [Jesus]: [KJV] Or, CON: declared at first by; CON: declare at first; NEB: first announced through the lips of the Lord himself. [Mark 1:14] What Jesus spoke and taught is recorded in the Gospels.

44

Confirmed to us by those who actually heard him: [KJV] Or, RHM: BAS: made certain; WEY: made sure; WMS: valid. Compare the notes on 1 John 1:1-3. [Luke 1:2] God had prepared “eyewitnesses” [Acts 10:41; 2 Peter 1:16] who were willing to martyr their lives for their testimony. The writer here has been able to speak to eyewitnesses.

HE2:4 while The God provided His own joint testimony in the form of signs 45 and miracles, 46 as well as a variety of dynamic powers, 47 distributing the holy Pneuma just as He willed? 48

45	While The God provided His own joint testimony in the form of signs: [WMS] Or, RHM: God jointly witnessing; WEY: God corroborated; PME: plainly endorsed. As if the testimony of humans was not enough, The God of Jesus provided him signs among the people.

46	Miracles: Or, KJV: wonders; TCN: marvels; KNX: portents. Many testified that the works of Jesus were from God. [John 9:3, 31-33; Acts 2:22]

47	As well as a variety of dynamic powers: [BER] Or, KJV: divers miracles; TCN: many different miracles; KNX: manifesting his power so variously. The list of Jesus’ miracles surpasses all those of all the holy men of the Hebrew Bible.

48

Distributing the holy Pneuma just as He willed: [ALF] Or, KJV: gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will; TCN: as well as imparting the Holy Spirit as He want to give Him. The God of Jesus distributed to him various powers of the holy Pneuma. On the subject of God’s Pneuma see notes on 1 Corinthians 2:16.

Hebrews 2:5-9 – New Earth Subject to the Son

HE2:5 For that future habitable world of humanity 49 – about which we are speaking 50 – is not going to be subjected to angels. 51

49	That future habitable world of humanity: [TCN] Or, KJV: the world to come; RHM: coming habitable world; WEY: coming world; TAY: the future world. That is, the “new earth” of Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13.

50	About which we are speaking: Or, NEB: our theme; PME: this world that we are now talking about.

51	Is not going to be subjected to angels: TCN: not given to angels the control of. The Messiah will reign as King with his associate Saints in the Church during his Thousand Year rule of the New Earth. [1 Corinthians 6:2, 3; Revelation 20:4; Daniel 7:27]

HE2:6 However, someone says when giving a complete testimony, 52 “What is a human that You continue to remember? Or, a son of humankind, 53 that you continue to look after?

52

Someone says when giving a complete testimony: Or, KJV: one in a certain place testified, saying; RHM: borne witness; BAS: a certain writer has given his witness; NEB: there is somewhere a solemn assurance which runs. The Scriptures in Paul’s day were great scrolls with Isaiah taking up two, thirty feet long. So, when Paul quotes it is from memory. We are impressed how close his quotations are when referring to either the Hebrew or the Greek texts of the holy Scriptures.

53

Son of humankind: Or, Son of Man. This designation occurs often in the Gospels and is always drawn from Daniel 7:13. Here is an exception, for Paul quotes Psalm 8:5-7 and applies the “son of humankind” to Jesus the Nazarene as the premier example of a perfect man after the type of Adam. [See notes on Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:47.] Paul’s quote is from the Jewish Greek Septuagint [LXX] and not the Hebrew Text.

HE2:7 You made him for a short time 54 lesser than angels; 55 and, yet You appointed him over the works of Your hands – crowning him with glory and honor.

54	For a short time: Some versions ignore this. Note GDS: for a little while. This “short time” was more than 33 years. Through “the days of his flesh” Jesus was less and God or angels.

55

Lesser than angels: [IB; KIT] Or, KJV: a little lower; CON: lower than; GDS: inferior; BER: ranked him lower than. The Greek is ELATTOSAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1642] which literally means “lessen.” During “the days of his flesh” [see notes on Hebrews 5:7] Jesus was less or lower than the angels as he was then only a perfect human. Paul’s quotation is from the third century BC Jewish Greek Septuagint for it uses ANGELOUS. The Hebrew Text uses ELOHIM or “gods.” Thus, the Hebrew would read, “made him less than gods” or “God.” [NAS] The JPS has this “divine.” ELOHIM is used of angels in the Hebrew Bible and thus they are classified as “gods.” This is something Jesus was not during the days of his flesh. The New Jerusalem Bible has it “less than a god.” Whether the Hebrew read “God” or “a god” it proves Jesus was not such while he walked the earth. Even the view that he was “lesser than angels” would still imply he was less than God for angels are also less than God. For more details on this point see Psalm 8:5 in Nazarene Commentary 2000© and the work Error of the Trinity.

HE2:8 You subjected everything down below his feet.” [Psalm 8:4-6 LXX (8:5-7)] For in subjecting everything down below his feet 56 [The God] left nothing unsubjected [to Jesus]. However, at present we do not observe everything yet subjected to him. 57

56

Subjecting everything down below his feet: Or, KJV: for in that he put all in subjection under him. Paul has in mind the future though the command was given to Adam who failed. [Genesis 1:28] Compare a similar application in 1 Corinthians 15:27. [See notes on Ephesians 1:22.] Jesus received this authority after his resurrection. [See notes on Matthew 28:18; Philippians 3:21] At first only the Church and the angelic authorities are so subjected. [Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 3:22] The “last enemy” to be subjected to the Messiah is death following the Thousand Years. [1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 20:12, 13]

57

At present we do not observe everything yet subjected to him: [AMP] Or, RHM: but now not yet do we see to him the all things subjected; WMS: as yet we do not see everything actually under his authority. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25 that Christ reigns as king waiting until The God subjects everything under His Son’s feet. Compare Peter’s application of Psalm 110:1 at Acts 2:35 and 1 Peter 3:22. [See notes on Ephesians 1:19-22]

HE2:9 But, we do behold Jesus 58 – having been made less than angels 59 – now crowned 60 with glory and honor because of suffering the death 61, so that by God’s unmerited favor [Jesus] tasted death for everyone. 62

58	We do behold Jesus: [KJV] Or, TCN: what our eyes we do see is Jesus; PME: what we actually see is Jesus. The Greek here for “behold” is HOROMEN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3708] which may also carry the idea of “discern.”

59	Having been made less than angels: [IB; KIT; Diaglott] Or, KJV: lower. See notes above. Jesus in the flesh was less than, or lower than, an angel. Or, according to the Hebrew Text, “less than God(s).”

60

Now crowned: Or, KJV: crowned. Crowned as a King upon his enthronement in heaven. [Daniel 7:13; Revelation 3:21; Ephesians 1:19-22] Paul applies Psalm 2:7 to the resurrection of Christ at Acts 13:33. Thus, Psalm 2:6 would also apply upon Christ’s ascension in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13. Compare also Peter’s application of Psalm 2:1, 2 at Acts 4:24-27.

61

Because of suffering the death: Most versions omit the article [“the death”] but this was a particular type of death – a sacrificial one on behalf of humanity. That the Messiah would suffer and die is foretold in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. It is strongly inferred in Daniel 7:13 and Daniel 9:26, 27. On the word “suffering” read 1 Peter where the word occurs most often.

62

By God’s unmerited favor [Jesus] tasted death for everyone: Or, KJV: should taste death for every man; RHM: in behalf of every one he might taste of death; GDS: he might taste the bitterness of death on behalf of every human being; WMS: he might experience death for every human being. [Isaiah 53:5; 1 Timothy 2:6]

Hebrews 2:10-13 – Sons Perfected by Suffering

HE2:10 For it was fitting for [The God] 63 – for whom the Universe exists and from whom the Universe originates 64 – in bringing many sons to glory, 65 to perfect the Chief Leader of their salvation 66 by means of sufferings.

63	For it was fitting for [The God]: [WEY] Or, GDS: for it was appropriate that he; AMP: for it was an act worthy of God. It portions of the Christian Bible there are numerous “dangling participles” in English. For clarity the “he” is identified.

64

For whom the Universe exists and from whom the Universe originates: Literally this is: “through whom the all things and through whom the all things.” Or, KJV: for whom… and by whom; TCN: for whom and by whom the universe exists; WMS: who is the Final Goal and the First Cause of the universe. Compare notes on Romans 11:36. Compare also 2 Corinthians 8:6. It is clear Paul does not have the Son in mind as the Creator, but rather, the Father.

65	In bringing many sons to glory: [KJV] Or, TCN: when leading; GDS: in guiding his many children. Compare notes on Romans 8:14-19. [2 Corinthians 6:18] See notes on 1 John 3:2. [John 1:12, 13] Paul means those “sons of the Kingdom” [see notes on Matthew 13:38] the Saints of the Church.

66

To perfect the Chief Leader of their salvation: [KJV] Or, ASV: author; RHM: princely leader; MON: pioneer; WMS: leader; KNX: prince. ARCHEGON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #747] and literally means “chief leader.” Compare Isaiah 9:6 in the LXX (9:5). On the word “perfect” other versions use: GDS fully qualified; AMP bring to maturity. The Greek is TELEIOSAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5048] and is from “end” meaning perfect, complete, mature. The Master Jesus needed to attain perfection or completion as God’s offering by means of the human experience, ending in a death of suffering. No human has ever been tested to the extent of the Nazarene. [See notes on Hebrews 5:8.]

HE2:11 Because [Jesus] the One sanctifying, 67 and those who are being sanctified, 68 all originate from One [God]. 69 So for this reason [Jesus] has no cause to be ashamed in calling [those sanctified] “brothers” 70

67	[Jesus] the One sanctifying: Or, KJV: he that sanctifieth; ABUV: the sanctifier; RHM: he that maketh holy; NEB: a consecrating priest. Jesus as the Suffering Servant is the instrument of sanctification.

68

Those who are being sanctified: [KJV] Or, ABU: the sanctified; RHM: they who are being made holy; WMS: those who are being purified; NEB: those whom he consecrates. [John 17:17, 19] Compare notes on Hebrews 13:12; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13. He means the members of the Church. Sanctification is a process involving God and the Saint.

69

All originate from One [God]: [MOF] Or, KJV: are all of one; CON: have all one Father; BAS: are all of one family; NEB: of one stock; TCN: al spring from One. If both the Son and his “brothers” are from one source or origin it means Jesus had an “origin” [Micah 5:1, 2; Proverbs 8:22]. The Saints are “brothers” of the Son, but “sons” of God. If Jesus were God they would not be sons of God but rather brothers of God. [See notes on John 1:12, 13.]

70	No cause to be ashamed in calling [those sanctified] “brothers”: [KJV] Or, WEY: to speak of them as his brothers; NEB: does not shrink from calling men his brothers; KNX: to own them as his brethren. Compare notes on Matthew 12:50 and Romans 8:29. [Matthew 25:40]

HE2:12 when he says, “I will declare Your Name to my brothers. 71 In the middle of the Church 72 I shall sing hymn to You.” [Psalm 22:22 LXX (21:23)]

71

I will declare Your Name to my brothers: Paul quotes the Messianic Psalm 22:22. This “name” would have been Yehowah literally, however, the word “name” may also have the expanded meaning of character, attributes, fame, reputation, or authority. The “I” in the Psalm is the one who called from the stake, “My God, my God…” Regarding this “name” compare John 17:6. Nowhere is it ever suggested the humans are “brothers” of The God.

72	In the middle of the Church: The “brothers” compose the Church or Congregation. In future heavenly glory the Lamb will sing praise to His God while his Bride, the Church, listens to his hymn to the Almighty sung in sublime voice.

HE2:13 And again: “I will make my trust in Him.” [Isaiah 8:17] And again, “Behold, I and the little boys whom The God gave to me.” 73 [Isaiah 8:18]

73

I and the little boys whom The God gave to me: Or, KJV: I and the children which God hath given me. The Greek is PAIDIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3813] which means “little boys.” It is a term Jesus used of his apostles. Paul quotes Isaiah 8:17, 18. Compare notes on 1 John 3:1. It is “The God” who gave these disciples to His Son. [John 17:6] The God in Isaiah is Yehowah.

Hebrews 2:14-18 – Tested Son Partook of Flesh to Liberate

HE2:14 Therefore, since the “little boys” shared blood and flesh, 74 [Jesus] also partook of the very same things 75 so that by means of his death he might render completely ineffective 76 the Devil who caused death. 77

74	Since the “little boys” shared blood and flesh: Or, KJV: forasmuch then as the child are partakers of flesh and blood; KNX: a common heritage of; WEY: are all alike sharers in perishable human nature; PME: a common physical nature as human beings.

75

[Jesus] also partook of the very same things: Or, KJV: he also himself took part of the same; MOF: he himself participated in their nature; PME: he also became a human being. Jesus was not a god-man [THEOS-ANTHROPOS] for no such term appears in the Bible. Our Master was a full human person after the likeness of the first perfect man, Adam. [Romans 5:14; Philippians 2:5-7] Those who teach Jesus was not fully human but a godlike ghost in a materialized body are antichrists. [See notes on 1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7]

76

By means of his death he might render completely ineffective: [TCN] Or, KJV: might destroy; ASV: bring to nought; WMS: put a stop to the power of; BER: neutralize; GDS: dethrone; RHM: paralyze him; MOF: crush him. The death of Christ accomplishes two things: the end of the Devil and the liberation from fear of dying. There are other reasons, however. [See notes on Romans 14:9.] Genesis 3:15 – the first Biblical prophecy – foretold the ultimate end of the Serpent. [Luke 10:18] Compare this phrase with the notes on 1 John 3:8.

77

The Devil who caused death: Or, KJV: had the power of death, that is, the devil; RHM: dominion of death; TCN: whose power lies in death; WEY: authority over death; NEB: death at his command; CON: the lord of death. Jesus taught the same. [John 8:44; 1 John 3:8] Not only did Satan sow death among mankind but he may also cause the death of certain people. [Job 1:19; 2:6; Revelation 6:9] Death is described as “the last enemy.” [1 Corinthians 15:24-28] If humankind was by divine nature immortal in their soul, death would not be an enemy but the ultimate friend leading to another existence. The Bible does not teach such. For details See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes in the booklet WHERE ARE THE DEAD?

HE2:15 Also, that [Jesus] might emancipate all the living enslaved to a fear of death. 78

78

Might emancipate all the living enslaved to a fear of death: Or, KJV: deliver them; WMS: se at liberty; BEC: to free. Death has dominated humanity’s fears. Virtually all religions – high and low – among all earth’s tribes and nations feature death in one form or another. See notes on Romans 8:21. [Psalm 89:48] A world without a fear of death, living free in a paradise earth, is a longing in the breast of humankind. Humankind was hard-wired to live forever on earth and this ghost of Eden remains in a sense of immortality.

HE2:16 For, [Jesus] is not coming to the aid of angels, 79 but rather he is really coming to the aid of Abraham’s Seed. 80

79	Not coming to the aid of angels: The KJV leaves the best Greek texts with: he took not on him the nature of angels. Or, ASV: give help; RHM: laying hold; RSV: not with angels is he concerned; WEY: reaches a helping hand; TCN: not… to help of the angels that Jesus came.

80

He is really coming to the aid of Abraham’s Seed: [ASV] Or, KJV: he took on him the seed of Abraham; RHM: he is laying hold. It is interesting that Paul limits here the description of Messiah’s aid, assistance or help to the Hebrews descended from Abraham. Judging from elsewhere in Paul he means primarily the Church, the New Israel of God. See notes on Romans 9:6. [Galatians 3:29] Compare notes on Hebrews 9:15.

HE2:17 As a consequence of this, [Jesus] was obligated to be made 81 exactly like his [blood and flesh] brothers. 82 In this way [Jesus] became a merciful and faithful High Priest in matters pertaining to The God, 83 resulting in providing a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the people. 84

81	As a consequence of this, [Jesus] was obligated to be made: [RHM] Or, KJV: wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made; MON: in all points; WEY: in all respects. [Philippians 2:7] The Son was not God come to earth, but a spirit who became a human being in every aspect.

82	Exactly like his [blood and flesh] brothers: Or, KJV: made like unto his brethren; WEY: resemble. The “brothers” of Jesus were not gods or divine beings but flesh and blood human beings. [1 Corinthians 15:47-49]

83

Became a merciful and faithful High Priest in matters pertaining to The God: [KJV] Or, TCN: in man’s relations to God; MOF: in things divine; GDS: in his service to God. Paul now introduces a new designation that will be part of his ongoing theme: priesthood. The term “priest” is to occur over three dozen times. The Church itself is a “holy priesthood.” [1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:5; 5:10; 20:6] By experiencing flesh and blood life on earth Jesus – and that under extreme pressure and suffering – he had a true understanding of humankind’s plight. [See notes on Hebrews 5:1; 7:26].

84

Resulting in providing a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the people: Or, KJV: to make reconciliation for the sins of the people; ASV: propitiation; ALF: expiation; WEY: atone; BEC: pay for the sins. See notes on Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [See notes on Romans 5:20; 2 Corinthians 5:18]

HE2:18 For in that [Jesus] suffered while being tempted, 85 he is able to aid all those being tempted. 86

85

[Jesus] suffered while being tempted: [KJV] Or, RHM: tested; CON: WEY: felt the pain of temptation and trial; NEB: the test of suffering. See notes on Hebrews 4:15. The ministry of Jesus began with direct temptation by the Devil. [See notes on Matthew 4:1ff.] God cannot be tempted. [See notes on James 1:13.]

86

He is able to aid all those being tempted: Or, KJV: able to succour them that are tempted; MON: able instantly to succor; WMS: gave immediate help; PME: help those. Having been tempted himself, Jesus knows how and why his “brothers” sometimes need aid or assistance to endure such tests and trials. See notes on Hebrews 7:25. [Revelation 2:10; 3:10] Temptation takes many forms: marriage can have its temptations. [1 Corinthians 7:5]; elders may be tempted. [Galatians 6:1]; faith may be tempted [1 Thessalonians 3:5]; trying to become rich may be a temptation [1 Timothy 6:9]. God by Christ provides the means of resisting temptation. [1 Corinthians 10:13]

Review Questions on Chapter Two

Summary of Chapter Two

Having established the superiority of Jesus over the angels Paul stresses the need to pay attention to the Son. Paul includes another reason: everything is to be subject to the Son, including the future earth. The Son and his “brothers” all have the same source or origin in God the Father. The Son became a flesh and blood human being to destroy the Devil as well as liberate humankind from the fear of death. The Son became a sympathetic High Priest to come to the aid of his “brothers” who are tempted.