Home

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 TWELVE:
“DISCIPLINE AND RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE”

[“Disciplined Runners”]
Theme Verse: 7

Hebrews 12:1-3 – Run with Endurance

HE12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 573 let us cast off every weight 574 and that sin which can so easily entangle us, 575 and run with endurance that agony that lies ahead of us. 576

573	Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses: Or, WMS: so vast a crowd of spectators. [Hebrews 11:39] Compare Hebrews 10:33.

574	Cast off every weight: Or, incumbrance, impediment, burdens. Paul may allude to those weights athletes carry while exercising in order to increase their strength. [1 Corinthians 9:26; Philippians 3:13]

575	That sin which can so easily entangle us: Or, besetting, clingeth, enwrap. Most understand this “sin” to be doubt or lack of faith. [Hebrews 3:12] Doubt may result from worldly philosophy. [Colossians 2:8] Both Jesus and Paul warned of the danger of materialism. [Mark 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:9]

576

Run with endurance that agony that lies ahead of us: The Greek here for “agony” is AGONA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #73]. Or, struggle, race, course. Compare “run with endurance” to KJV: run with patience; WEY: patient endurance; GDS: with determination; RSV: with perseverance; NEB: resolution; CON: courage. Compare 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14. The Christian race is not a sprint but a marathon that continues throughout life until the “end.” Research endurance in Nazarene Commentary 2000.

HE12:2 Observe carefully the Arch- Leader 577 and Perfecter of our faith, 578 Jesus – who endured execution because of the Joy that lay before him 579 – disdained the humiliation [of the stake]. 580 [He has] sat down on the right hand of the Throne of The God. 581 [Psalm 110:1]

577

Observe carefully the Arch- Leader: Or, author, princely-leader, cause, leader, fore-runner, pioneer, guide, source. The Greek is ARCHEGON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #747]. Compare Acts 5:31 and Hebrews 2:10. “Observe carefully” is from the Greek APHORONTES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #872], fixing our gaze, looking onward, seeing afar. In track often a “rabbit” sets the pace for the pack.

578	Perfecter of our faith: Or, finisher, completer, end, example, goal. The Greek is TELEIOTEN, from TELOS, “end.” [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5051]

579

Endured execution because of the Joy that lay before him: Or, endured the cross. The Greek is STAURON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4716, a stake or post; figuratively, exposure to death]. Compare Philippians 2:8. What was this “joy”? The English word “joy” is best defined by gladness or satisfaction. We may include in this “joy” the satisfaction of removing the reproach on God’s Name by his perfect act of obedience. [Romans 5:19; 15:3; Hebrews 11:26; 13:13] Secondly, the atonement by his one sacrifice. [Hebrews 9:12, 14, 24; 1 John 2:1, 2] And, also the “joy” of an immortal or indestructible life. [1 Corinthians 15:45-50; Hebrews 7:16]

580

Disdained the humiliation [of the stake]: Or, KJV: despising the shame; WEY: looking with contempt upon its shame; MOF: thinking nothing of its shame; NEB: making light of its disgrace. Compare Paul’s thoughts at Galatians 3:13. Death on the Tree was viewed as a curse. Isaiah 53:9 foretold Messiah’s death would be associated with the “wicked.” For all appearances to the Jewish public Christ was an evildoer like the two men he died with. It is this “cup” of reproach – or the manner of his death – Jesus asked to be removed in his Garden prayers. [Luke 22:42-44]

581	[He has] sat down on the right hand of the Throne of The God: Paul alludes to Psalm 110:1 again. [Compare Hebrews 1:5 and Hebrews 10:12, 13.] His victory over a disgraceful and reproachful death leads to his exaltation as King. [Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 1:19-22]

HE12:3 Consider carefully yourselves such a person 582 who endured such contradictory hostility of sinners against themselves, 583 so that your souls may never get tired and give up. 584

582	Consider carefully yourselves such a person: Or, BAS: give thought to him; PME: think constantly of him; MON: compare yourselves with him; BER: compare your experience with his; KNX: take your standard from him. Compare Hebrews 12:2.

583

Who endured such contradictory hostility of sinners against themselves: Or, KJV: that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself; ASV: such gainsaying of sinners; WEY: who endured such hostility directed against him by sinners; MOF: who steadily endured all that hostility from sinful men; BER: who was willing to stand so much contradicting from the sinners against himself; NEB: who submitted to such opposition from sinners; WMS: so great opposition aimed at him by sinful men. Such was foretold by the Messianic Psalm 22:12-18. [Matthew 27:39] Compare also Isaiah 53:3 and the Jews’ reaction to Jesus the Nazarene.

584

So that your souls may never get tired and give up: Or, KJV: lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds; TCN: faint-hearted; BER: so that your souls may not wear out with despondency; RHM: souls becoming exhausted; MOF: hearts from fainting. The Greek is PSYCHAIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5590]. Compare the Nazarene at Luke 21:19. For details on soul or pysche see Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

Hebrews 12:4-6 – Forget Not the Father’s Discipline

HE12:4 In your own agony against that sin as yet you have not resisted until [you have shed] blood. 585

585

In your own agony against that sin as yet you have not resisted until [you have shed] blood: Or, KJV: ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin; RHM: against sin waging a context; MOF: in your struggle against sin. The Greek is again ANTAGONIZOMENOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #464; note the English antagoniz]. Some Hebrews, like Stephan and the disciple James had suffered unto a bloody death. [Acts 12:2; Hebrews 10:32]

HE12:5 You have forgotten the encouragement which speaks to you as sons: 586 “My son, do not belittle YHWH’s discipline, 587 nor give up when you are being reproved by Him.

586	You have forgotten the encouragement which speaks to you as sons: Possibly these Hebrews were compromising in such a way as to avoid persecution. Paul speaks to them in rebuke several times. A disciple must “prove” sonship with God. [Matthew 5:45]

587

My son, do not belittle YHWH’s discipline: Paul quotes Proverbs 3:11, 12 [LXX]. In both occurrences of the word “Lord” the article is missing: PAIDEIAS KYRIOU [discipline of Lord]. It is doubtful “a Lord” is meant. In the Hebrew Text [and likely in the original LXX] the verses contain YHWH. Thus they read: “the discipline of Yehowah” or “Yehowah’s discipline.” This seems to point to the placement of the Tetragram in the original text of Paul.

HE12:6 For whom YHWH loves He disciplines. He scourges every person He accepts as a son.” 588 [Proverbs 3:11, 12 LXX]

588

He scourges every person He accepts as a son: Or, correction, chastening, correction, training, punishes. No one becomes a child of God without enduring the Father’s discipline. The Greek is MASTIGOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1346, whip; from the Roman flagellum]. This discipline may take many forms: humiliation, rebuke, persecution, death. [Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12]

Hebrews 12:7-11 – Endure by Discipline

HE12:7 It is because of such discipline that you will continue to endure. 589 You approach The God as though you were sons. 590 For what son is not disciplined by a father? 591

589

It is because of such discipline that you will continue to endure: Or, WEY: the sufferings that you are enduring are for your discipline; BEC: what you endure is to correct you; RHM: for the sake of discipline persevere; WMS: you must submit to discipline. The Christian must expect, endure, and rejoice in God’s discipline. [1 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:20; Revelation 3:19] This discipline is a form of testing and shaping a future temple stone in the Celestial Habitat. Compare Solomon’s temple stones at the quarry in contrast to the Temple site. [1 Chronicles 22:2; 1 Kings 5:17; 1 Kings 6:7; 1 Peter 2:5]

590

You approach The God as though you were sons: Or, WEY: God is dealing with you as sons; WMS: God is treating you as sons. This is the relationship between God and His worshippers – He views them as sons or children in need of discipline, even scourging, to perfect them for their future assignment. [John 1:12; Romans 8:14; Hebrews 2:10]

591	For what son is not disciplined by a father: Compare Proverbs 13:24 and elsewhere on fatherly discipline. [Ephesians 6:1] Hebrew fathers were taught by God to use corporal punishment in their discipline. [Proverbs 20:30; 23:13]

HE12:8 However, if you are without this discipline we all share, 592 really, you are bastards and not sons. 593

592

If you are without this discipline we all share: The word “disciple” comes from “discipline.” One cannot be a disciple without this discipline. Such discipline may be self-enforced or induced by God Himself. God may allow persecution, or the endurance of a terrible affliction [consider Job], as part of His discipline. It may be some of these Hebrew Christians were compromising their faith and integrity in order to avoid oppression and persecution.

593

You are bastards and not sons: Or, illegitimate, not true sons. Paul’s words are powerful and straightforward. He does not mince words as those foretold teachers who tickle the ears of their followers. [1 Timothy 4:1-3] Compare Deuteronomy 23:2. As the Nazarene taught, the life of the disciple was to be one of suffering and sacrifice. [Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1] God is not a doting Father who has confused pacifism with love as many parents do.

HE12:9 Indeed, we had our fathers who disciplined us 594 and we submitted to them with respect. 595 How much more should we be in subjection to the Spiritual Father and live? 596

594	We had our fathers who disciplined us: Or, corrected, chastened. Compare Proverbs 23:13.

595	We submitted to them with respect: Or, reverence, yielded, pay deference. Hebrew children particularly sons, grew up under that discipline enjoined by the Word of God [See Proverbs] with the result that they respected their parents and submitted to them.

596

How much more should we be in subjection to the Spiritual Father and live: Or, Father of our spirits. Compare Lamsa: “Spiritual Father.” God is being contrasted with human Hebrew fathers and thus it seems the phrase ought to be “spiritual Father” in contrast. On the phrase “Father of our spirits” see Number 16:22. Paul almost echoes Malachi 1:6. In Israel, under the Law of Moses, a rebellious son who disrespected his parents and refused to submit was stoned. Compare Deuteronomy 8:5; 21:18-21. Thus, under the Law, submission to parental discipline was a matter of life or death. Paul thus adds, “and live.”

HE12:10 For, indeed, these [human fathers] disciplined us for a few days according to what seemed [right] to them. 597 However, [the Spiritual Father] does so for our benefit that we may partake of His holiness. 598

597	These [human fathers] disciplined us for a few days according to what seemed [right] to them: Compare Proverbs 22:6. Though this discipline may have been wrong or mistaken or out of proportion to the need, there is nowhere in the Bible which recommends withholding such discipline.

598	[The Spiritual Father] does so for our benefit that we may partake of His holiness: Or, share His holiness. The thought is transcendental! [Leviticus 11:44; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15] Discipline must produce righteousness and holiness.

HE12:11 Of course, at the moment any discipline is not joyful but causes grief. 599 However, afterward [discipline] produces peace 600 to those who have been trained by it with a righteous reward. 601

599	Discipline is not joyful but causes grief: Grief confirms that real discipline has occurred. Such leads to glory. [2 Corinthians 4:17]

600	Afterward [discipline] produces peace: Or, ASV: peaceable fruit; BER: peaceful fruitage of an upright life; NEB: the peaceful harvest of an honest life. This “peace” may be the restful satisfaction of having submitted to and endured God’s discipline. [1 Peter 1:6]

601

To those who have been trained by it with a righteous reward: Or, KJV: which are exercised thereby; RHM: well trained; BER: those schooled in it. The word “trained” comes from a word in Greek that includes GYM. Paul again alludes to the world of the gymnasium or track. Discipline and training go hand in hand. The result is righteousness. [Philippians 1:11; James 3:18] The Christian who has been long in training and discipline becomes more and more holy and righteous in attitude, conduct, and speech. [2 Corinthians 7:1] Compare Hebrews 5:14.

Hebrews 12:12-17 – How to Make a Straight Course

HE12:12 Therefore, raise those hands that droop, and straighten out those weak knees 602 [Isaiah 35:3].

602

Raise those hands that droop, and straighten out those weak knees: Or, relaxed hands, slackened hands; feeble knees, shaky knees. Paul draws on Isaiah 35:3, a prophecy regarding the restoration of Israel after their exile in Babylon. Isaiah describes “the Way of Holiness.” Compare also another source for the idea at Job 4:3, 4, “See hear! You have given discipline to many, and you have strengthen those with weak hands. Those who stumbled, you would raise up by means of your words to them. And knees that collapsed you made firm.” [NCMM] [Isaiah 40:29]

HE12:13 Continue to make straight tracks with your feet, 603 [Proverbs 4:26] so that which is lame may not become disjointed, 604 but rather that it should be healed. 605

603

Continue to make straight tracks with your feet: Or, RHM: straight tracks be making for your feet; BER: step out straight ahead with your feet; BEC: march on without wavering; KNX: plant your footprints in a straight track. Paul may allude to Proverbs 4:26, “Make straight paths for your feet.” [LXX: ORTHAS TROCHIAS POIEI SOIS PASI] God’s Word lights the way. [Psalm 119:105]

604

So that which is lame may not become disjointed: Or, KJV: turned out of the way; KNX: may not stumble; RHM: dislocated; TCN: put out of joint. Many a sprinter has had to pull up due to an injury. Though the race may be finished it will be with great difficult with a dislocated knee, hip, or ankle. There may be echoes of Proverbs 4:27 LXX. [Galatians 6:1]

605	That it should be healed: Or, cured, made well, grow healthy, restored.

HE12:14 Pursue peace 606 [Psalm 34:14] with everyone, and also that sanctification 607 without which no person will see the Sovereign LORD. 608

606	Pursue peace: Or, follow, run swiftly after, strive for, seek eagerly, try earnestly, aim at. Paul alludes to Psalm 34:14. [Romans 12:18; 14:19]

607	[Pursue]… also that sanctification: Or, holiness, purity, consecration. Compare 2 Corinthians 7:1. [1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4; Hebrews 10:10] Research sanctification in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

608

No person will see the Sovereign LORD: The discipline produces peace and righteousness which are part of the process of sanctification. Sanctification involves two parts: God’s by means of Christ; and, personal effort as a gymnast in training. Though some are tempted to see Jesus here as “Lord” [1 John 3:2] the language lends itself more to seeing God. [Matthew 5:8; Revelation 22:4] There may be an echo of Job 19:26.

HE12:15 Carefully watch that no one fall short of God’s undeserved favor, 609 nor any root of bitterness sprout up 610 [Deuteronomy 29:18 LXX (29:17)] causing trouble and the defilement of many. 611

609

Carefully watch that no one fall short of God’s undeserved favor: Or, KJV: fail of the grace; ABU: coming short of; RHM: falling behind; MOF: misses; BER: falls short of divine grace; GDS: fails to gain God’s favor; NEB: forfeits the grace of God. Grace is not absolutely assured. It is possible to fall from Grace. [Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-29] Paul calls for alertness, not only for oneself, but other members of the Christian community. The phrase “carefully watch” is from the Greek EPISCOPOUNTES which is related to “overseer.” [1 Timothy 3:1] Surely these elders would e most on guard than none in the flock fall from Grace. [Galatians 6:1]

610	Any root of bitterness sprout up: Or, poisonous shoot, root of resentment. The phrase is borrowed from Deuteronomy 29:18 where the context is “turning away from Yahweh.” [NJB] Compare Hebrews 6:8.

611

Causing trouble and the defilement of many: Or, BER: disturbance; ALF: the greater number be defiled; MON: many become defiled; WEY: the whole brotherhood be defiled; BER: by which the majority shall be contaminated; TCN: poison the whole community. Here is the reason for shunning those who may contaminate or defile the Nazarene community. Paul states a similar principle at 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. [2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15] Note what Jesus predicted regarding the Church. [Matthew 13:33, 41; 24:12]

HE12:16 So there be no sexually immoral or profane person 612 such as Esau, who for one meal exchanged his rights as firstborn. 613 [Genesis 25:33]

612

So there be no sexually immoral or profane person: Or, NAS: immoral or godless; MOF: sexual vice; RSV: immoral or irreligious; sexual sin. “Prostitute” is from the Greek PORNOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4205, to sell, libertine] the root of which means “to buy.” For details and meaning see PORNE or PORNEIA in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The “fornicator” is one who visits prostitutes, commits homosexuality, incest, or adultery. The Greek for “profane” is BEBELOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #952, rooted in “crossing the doorway” – pagan, heathen]. Paul identifies two areas of defilement from the previous phrase: moral and religious. The later may include doctrinal.

613	Esau, who for one meal exchanged his rights as firstborn: Paul alludes to Genesis 25:33 and possibly associates Esau’s act with that which is profane. [Genesis 25:31ff]

HE12:17 Because you realize that afterward when [Esau] wanted to inherit the blessing he was rejected. For though he tearfully sought a change of mind [by his father] he found none. 614 [Genesis 27:30-40]

614	A change of mind [by his father] he found none: Compare Genesis 27:30-40. There is a point after which repentance is of no value.

Hebrews 12:18-24 – Approaching the Celestial City

HE12:18 For you have not approached something that can be felt 615 – [a mountain] burning with fire in dark clouds, thick darkness and storm,

615	For you have not approached something that can be felt: Paul now draws a contrast with Israel before Mount Sinai. [Exodus 19:12]

HE12:19 with the sound of a trumpet and a Voice speaking. 616 [Exodus 19:16, 18; Deuteronomy 4:11] When the people heard that Voice they begged off from hearing that Word. 617 [Exodus 20:18, 19]

616	A Voice speaking: The “Voice” is that of Yehowah by means of the Logos [John 1:1], his Angel [Isaiah 9:6 LXX (9:5)]. “Guard yourself carefully because of [My Angel] and obey his Voice.” [Exodus 23:20-22 NCMM]

617	They begged off from hearing that Word: Compare Exodus 20:18, 19. Paul uses LOGON [LOGOS] here. [John 1:1]

HE12:20 For they could not bear that which was commanded: 618 “Surely any beast that touches the mountain should be stoned!” [Exodus 19:12]

618

For they could not bear that which was commanded: Paul now quotes Exodus 19:12. The millions of Israelites must have had an enormous number of herds and the command likely seemed something impossible. Like Esau, these Israelites thought more of their herd than hearing the Voice of God. Both are examples of those who lack spirituality, being of a physical bent of mind. [NOTE: the KJV adds: “thrust through with a dart.”]

HE12:21 Thus, the Manifestation was so awesome 619 that even Moses said: “I am fearful and trembling.” 620 [Deuteronomy 9:19]

619

The Manifestation was so awesome: Or, KJV: so terrible was the sight; ASV: fearful was the appearance; NEB: so appalling was the sight; MOF: so awful was the sight; WEY: terrible was the scene; PME: so fearful was the spectacle; BER: the phenomenon was so dreadful; BAS: the vision so over-powering; NWT: display. The Greek PHANTAZOMENON, from which come the English “phantom” or “phantasm.” It is related to the Greek generally rendered “appearing” or “manifestation.” [EPIPHANIA]

620	I am fearful and trembling: Paul quotes Moses at Deuteronomy 9:19.

HE12:22 Rather, you have approached toward Mount Zion 621 [Psalm 2:6] and the City of a Living God 622 – to Celestial Jerusalem 623 and myriads of angels 624 [Daniel 7:10] –

621

You have approached toward Mount Zion: Or, KJV: ye are come unto mount Sion; ALF: drawn near to; MPR: come up to; NEB: you stand before; PME: you have been allowed to approach. Paul may draw on Psalm 2:6 or Psalm 110:1, 2. Likely the later as he has used in several times already. [Hebrews 1:5; 10:12, 13] Compare also Revelation 14:1.

622	The City of a Living God: Paul’s remarks indicate that heavenly city then existed. Compare Hebrews 11:10; 13:14.

623

Celestial Jerusalem: Compare Galatians 4:26. Paul continues to describe the present and future citizens as the Father, Jesus, the angels, and the Church. When the Church gains such membership the “heavenly Jerusalem” takes on a new appearance as a “New Jerusalem.” [Isaiah 65:17-19; Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10]

624	Myriads of angels: Or, NJB: millions of angels. Paul may echo or allude to Daniel 7:10. These are those angels of Matthew 25:31 and Revelation 12:7.

HE12:23 to a great praise-assembly 625 and to the Church of those firstborn persons 626 who have been inscribed in [the] heavens, 627 to a God who is Judge of everyone, 628 and to the spiritual lives of those righteous who have been perfected, 629

625

A great praise-assembly: Or, general assembly, festal gathering, festal assembly, solemn gathering. The Greek is PANEGYREI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3831, mass meeting, universal companionship]. The English word “panegyric” means a “praise assembly.” Compare something similar at the creation at Job 38:7.

626

To the Church of those firstborn persons: Or, KJV: church of the firstborn; GDS: God’s elder sons; CON: congregation of the firstborn. The following phrase would seem to confirm that this Church is that of Matthew 16:18. On the idea of a firstborn of many return to Hebrews 2:10-12. Often the Church [or, the remnant of it] are called the “firstfruits.” [Romans 8:23; 11:16; James 1:18; Revelation 14:3, 4] The designation “Congregation of the Firstborn” could mean that “Firstborn” at Hebrews 1:6, the glorified Lord Jesus. [Colossians 1:15-19; Revelation 1:5] Paul may also echo those “firstborn” [almost 18,000 in number] who survived the Passover night in Egypt. [Exodus 12:21-23, 28-30; Leviticus 12:1-3; 27:6; Numbers 18:15, 16] Also, Yehowah called the entire nation of Israel as his “firstborn.” [Exodus 4:22]

627	Who have been inscribed in [the] heavens: Or, KJV: written in heaven; ASV: enrolled in heaven; GDS: enrolled as citizens in heaven; MOF: registered in heaven. Every member of the Church called and chosen has their name temporarily written in heaven. [Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 21:27]

628	To a God who is Judge of everyone: Paul echoes Genesis 18:25 and Psalm 94:2. [Isaiah 33:22] God has committed the judging to the Son. [John 5:22] See the subject of judgment in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

629

The spiritual lives of those righteous who have been perfected: Or, KJV: the spirits of just men made perfect; RHM: spirits of righteous ones made perfect; BER: righteous ones who have reached perfection. The text is a problem and the bias of various translators reveals itself. Since Paul has already shown that the ancients have not yet been perfected, he cannot have these in mind. [Hebrews 11:40] Paul does mention those “made perfect” – the Saints. [Hebrews 10:14] This “perfection” is that attained by God’s act of justification based on their faith in Christ’s blood. The Greek PNEUMASI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4151] has a range of meaning including life and mind [disposition]. Those who have been justified, declared righteous, or pronounced not guilty, God imputes “everlasting life” to the Elect. [John 5:24; Ephesians 2:1-7; 1 John 3:14] Thus, Paul could mean that future spirit-life “reserved in the heavens.” [1 Peter 1:4] Or, he may mean their “spiritual lives” as spirit-begotten Christians. [John 3:3-8; note PNEUMA at the beginning of verse 8.] For details see Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

HE12:24 and to Jesus, to a mediator of a New Covenant 630 [Jeremiah 31:31] – and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks in a better way than Abel. 631

630	Jesus, to a mediator of a New Covenant: From Jeremiah 31:31. Compare Hebrews 9:15. [1 Timothy 2:5]

631

The blood of sprinkling which speaks in a better way than Abel: Paul alludes to a combination of verses [a conflate] Exodus 29:12 and Genesis 4:10. Compare also Hebrews 12:24. [Hebrews 9:19, 21; 10:22; 11:4] Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance. Christ’s blood speaks regarding forgiveness and everlasting life.

Hebrews 12:25-29 – Do Not Beg Off From the Speaker

HE12:25 Be careful you do not beg off from the One speaking. 632 For if those [Israelites] who begged off did not escape the divine warning 633 on earth, how much more will we if we reject the One who speaks from heaven. 634

632

Be careful you do not beg off from the One speaking: Or, KJV: see that ye refuse not him that speaketh; GDS: take care not to refuse to listen; BER: be careful not to reject the Speaker; PME: be sure you do not refuse to hear the voice of God. This phrase takes us back to Hebrews 1:1, 2 and that Son by which The God now speaks. [Hebrews 2:3]

633	If those [Israelites] who begged off did not escape the divine warning: Compare Hebrews chapters 3 and 4. [Exodus 20:19]

634

How much more will we if we reject the One who speaks from heaven: During the period of the Hebrews The God [Yehowah] spoke by means of the Logos, or Angel of Yehowah. During the “days of his flesh” The God spoke by means of His Son, Jesus Christ the Nazarene. From heaven, the glorified Lord was yet to speak to the beloved John from heaven in the creation of the Apocalypse.

HE12:26 That Voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, 635 saying, “Yet one more time I set in commotion not only the earth but also the heavens.” 636[Haggai 2:6]

635	That Voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised: Compare Exodus 20:18 and Hebrews 12:18, 19.

636

Yet one more time I set in commotion not only the earth but also the heavens: Paul makes an interesting application [an inspired one] of Haggai. At Mount Sinai Yehowah shook the earth in a seismic event. Paul sees another more severe earthquake which will affect earth and heaven [atmosphere, space, and the spiritual heavens]. Haggai includes the sea as though this a global phenomenon. Compare Revelation 6:12; 8:5; 11:13; 16:18.

HE12:27 But, the “Yet one more time,” makes it clearly evident the transference of the things being shaken as those things which have been made, 637 so that the things unshaken might remain. 638

637

Transference of the things being shaken as those things which have been made: Or, created things, created universe. The word “transference” is from the Greek METOTHESIN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3331] is also rendered: removal, removing, passing away. Paul draws an inspired conclusion from this phrase that the earthly creation – or the things made – will be once again shaken. Compare 2 Peter 3:10.

638	So that the things unshaken might remain: Compare 2 Peter 3:13.

HE12:28 Realizing, therefore, that we are to receive an unshakable Kingdom, 639 may we continue having unmerited favor 640 through which we may render acceptable worship-service to The God 641 with godly reverence and awe. 642

639	We are to receive an unshakable Kingdom: Or, BAS: a kingdom which will never be removed. That is a realm, domain, or kingdom which will not experience any transference or removal. Compare Daniel 7:27 and Revelation 5:10.

640	May we continue having unmerited favor: Or, KJV: let us have grace; ALF: let us have thankfulness; WEY: cherish thankfulness; NAS: show gratitude; MOF: render thanks; CON: be filled with thankfulness. Paul may allude back to Hebrews 12:15 and the need to remain within God’s Grace.

641	Through which we may render acceptable worship-service to The God: Or, KJV: whereby we may serve God acceptably; WMS: continue to serve God acceptably. Compare John 4:23, 24.

642	With godly reverence and awe: Or, godly fear, holy awe, respect. [2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12]

HE12:29 “For our God is a consuming fire.” 643 [Deuteronomy 4:24]

643	For our God is a consuming fire: Or, devouring fire, all-burning fire. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 4:24. Compare Hebrews 10:27, 31. Paul speaks more like a Hebrew Prophet than that God epitomized by John. [1 John 4:8]

Review Questions on Chapter Twelve

Summary of Chapter Twelve

With chapter twelve Paul begins to close his subject on the High Priest Jesus Christ. The Nazarene Master is the one to focus on in a race to be run with endurance. He warns them that they cannot escape God’s discipline, for He scourges anyone he accepts as a son. He compares this discipline to their Hebrew fathers. He then exhorts to rise and run a straight course. He uses the Israelites and Esau as bad examples and the danger of falling from Grace. Paul contrasts the Israelites at the foot of Sinai with the Christian Church approaching Mount Zion. He warns them not to beg off from hearing the Voice of the One now speaking, reflecting back to Hebrews 1:1, 2. He then assures them of a future Kingdom that will never be removed no matter the seismic events which occur in heaven and earth.