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PHall | October 18, 2009
Melchizedek existed as a priest and king, and is recorded as existing in Genesis for one purpose only – to foreshadow the Christ. That is why the Genesis writer speaks of him, which is a tacit argument for the inspiration of Genesis. Contextually speaking, there is no connection between Melchizedek and the surrounding text in […]
PHall | October 18, 2009
It is important and comforting to remember that studying Melchizedek is not considered the elementary principles or teachings of the word of God. Why are we told the story of Melchizedek in Genesis 14? Because Jesus was coming. What is the significance of Melchizedek in the O.T.? His name means King of Righteousness and Peace […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
“It is acknowledged, almost on all hands, that this epistle was written before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. This verse is in my opinion a proof of it, and here I suppose the apostle refers to that approaching destruction; and perhaps he has this all along in view, but speaks of it covertly, […]
PHall | October 15, 2009
“Referring to the land. The allusion here is to the common practice among the Oriental and Roman agriculturists of burning bad and barren lands. An illustration of this is afforded by Pliny. “There are some who burn the stubble on the field, chiefly upon the authority of Virgil; the principal reason for which is, that […]
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 […]