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PHall | October 15, 2009
It is a wise hermeneutical practice when trying to understand difficult passages to: Focus first on the context. Interpret difficult passages by easier passages. Interpret in light of examples. For example, when looking at this passage about it being impossible to restore, we only need to look at overall context of chapters 5-6 in Hebrews, […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
A causal translation reads as most do, including the NASB – it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. A temporal translation, which is the minority view, translates such: IVS (International Standard Version) – and who have fallen […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
Notice how there are six individual teachings that can be combined into three sets of two: Repentance from dead works – Faith toward God; Instruction about washings – Laying on of hands; Resurrection from the dead – Eternal Judgment 1. What are they? Repentance from dead works – What does this phrase, “dead works,” mean? […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
“But teleios, the adjective, and its kindred words have a technical meaning. Pythagoras divided his students into …the learners, and …the mature. Philo divided his students into three different classes…those just beginning, …those making progress, …those beginning to reach maturity.” (Barclay, Hebrews, p.52)] Combining 5:11-14 with 6:1-2, we see that spiritual maturity combines knowledge of […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
1 [Extended Notes] Therefore leaving the elementary teaching [lit., the word of the beginning] about the Christ [i.e., Messiah], let us press [present] on to maturity [or, perfection; teleiotēs (5047); found only here and Col.3:14; related to the word translated “perfect” in 5:9 in referring to Jesus], not laying again a foundation of repentance from […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
Question – In understanding omniscience, an interesting question is, “is some knowledge only obtained empirically?” Is it possible the Father “cannot sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15)? Is it possible that Jesus can only because he experienced humanity and was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Apparently there is […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
This does not mean that Jesus succeeded Melchizedek, but rather that Jesus’ priesthood is like Melchizedek’s. To the early Jewish Christians, Jesus’ priesthood was problematic. Jesus fit the role of a legal king, because He was the descendant of David. However, being in the Davidic line removed Him from the Aaronic line. I believe here […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
Often we think of the physical birth of Jesus as the only day He was begotten. That is not accurate. Paul quotes this Psalm (2) in (Acts 13:33) reference to the resurrection of Jesus. Contextually, that is when Jesus became enthroned as king. Here in Hebrews five, it refers to the same time period, but […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
“Herod the Great nominated no less than six high priests; Archelaus, two. The Roman legate Quirinius and his successors exercised the right of appointment, as did Agrippa I, Herod of Chalcis, and Agrippa II. Even the people occasionally elected candidates to the office. The high priests before the Exile were, it seems, appointed for life […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
There has been a progression of thought proving Jesus is “better” than His predecessors. He has been proven better than the angels, better than Moses, and now better than Aaron will be next proved. Vv.1-4 – All High Priests Appointed by God Vv.5-10 – Jesus Appointed High Priest by God Vv.11-14 – Tangent: Grow Up […]