A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews Don’t drift away! Don’t neglect your salvation! Don’t Depart! Don’t fall away! Don’t cast away your confidence! Don’t harden your heart! How can we neglect so great a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior! Superior Person (1:1—4:13) Superior to Prophets (1:1-3) Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18) Superior to Moses (3:1-19) Superior to Joshua (4:1-13) Superior Priest (4:14—7:28) Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12) Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—7:10) Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior! Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18) Superior Promises (8:1-13) Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15) Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28) Superior Results (10:1-18) Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25) Superior Things (10:19-39) Superior Actions (11:1-40) Superior Relationship (12:1-29) Superior Relationship (12:1-29) Today we’ll consider verses Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)

In the last installment of our studies in Hebrews, we began by ex- amining which primarily sum up Paul’s point of how that Christ’s Superior Principle of Faith Prompts Superior Actions. But, then again, these verses also ease into his main point of — that this same principle of faith is what Establishes a Superior Relationship to what anyone ever possessed before Jesus. Now…  In the last installment of our studies in Hebrews, we began chapter 12 by ex- amining verses 1-3 which primarily sum up Paul’s chapter 11 point of how that Christ’s Superior Principle of Faith Prompts Superior Actions. But, then again, these verses also ease into his main point of chapter 12 — that this same principle of faith is what Establishes a Superior Relationship to what anyone ever possessed before Jesus. Now… 

In this installment we’re going to ex- amine wherein Paul mainly discussed one of God’s purposes for al- lowing these Christians to experience persecution, especially as it related to this time of transition from one cove- nant to another. He began by reminding them that although they’ve suffered, it hadn’t really even come to equaling that of their Messiah who he had just brought up in. In this installment we’re going to ex- amine verses 4-13 wherein Paul mainly discussed one of God’s purposes for al- lowing these Christians to experience persecution, especially as it related to this time of transition from one cove- nant to another. He began by reminding them that although they’ve suffered, it hadn’t really even come to equaling that of their Messiah who he had just brought up in verse 3.

You have not yet resisted to blood- shed, striving against [the] sin. Hebrews 12:4 

You have not yet resisted to blood- shed, striving against [the] sin. To means to stand against, while to means to fight. To resist means to stand against, while to strive means to fight.

You have not yet resisted to blood- shed, striving against [the] sin. The consensus of the scholars seems to be that this refers to blood shed in death; so while many of their ancestors and their Messiah ( as well as Stephen and James ) had been slain years earlier, none of them had yet to experi- ence this, implying that their cowardice was that much more inexcusable!

You have not yet resisted to blood- shed, striving against [the] sin. This could refer back to the sin of where I believe Paul had in mind the sin of unbelief & doubt in God that leads to apostasy. But…  This could refer back to the sin of verse 1 where I believe Paul had in mind the sin of unbelief & doubt in God that leads to apostasy. But… 

Corresponding to the of who Jesus spiritually fought against, it’s possible that Paul was personifying sin here as the opponent in the boxing ring of the Roman games; if so, sin here would be a reference to the enemy of Christ and His people, viz. the rejecting Jewish nation that was presently per- secuting these Christians. ( This would correlate with how Jesus referred to dissenting Jews as instruments of the enemy [satanas] in &.) Then again… Corresponding to the sinners of verse 3 who Jesus spiritually fought against, it’s possible that Paul was personifying sin here as the opponent in the boxing ring of the Roman games; if so, sin here would be a reference to the enemy of Christ and His people, viz. the rejecting Jewish nation that was presently per- secuting these Christians. ( This would correlate with how Jesus referred to dissenting Jews as instruments of the enemy [satanas] in Revelation 2:9 & 3:9.) Then again…

These two explanations mesh together so that, in the end, it doesn’t matter. Why? Because these brethren were fighting against the temptation to for- sake Christ due to the persecution of the enemy; i.e., sin ( finding its strength in the Old Law and its defenders, ), was attempting to stamp out Christi- anity before Christ could complete His redemption (). These two explanations mesh together so that, in the end, it doesn’t matter. Why? Because these brethren were fighting against the temptation to for- sake Christ due to the persecution of the enemy; i.e., sin ( finding its strength in the Old Law and its defenders, 1 Cor. 15:56 ), was attempting to stamp out Christi- anity before Christ could complete His redemption ( Eph. 1:10-14 ).

The Lord once asked His people through Jeremiah, ( i.e. on your own turf ) () Moving on…    The Lord once asked His people through Jeremiah, If you have run with the foot- men and they have wearied you, then how will you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace ( i.e. on your own turf ) … they have wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplains of the Jor- dan ( 12:5 )? Moving on…   

You have not yet resisted to blood- shed, striving against [the] sin. This implies that things were only go- ing to get worse be- fore they got better; and from history we can see that clearly, because once Nero became allied with the Jews against Christians, things did indeed get worse & soon after this writ- ing. This is why… Paul went on to dis- cuss the purpose of the suffering they were experiencing.

And you’ve forgot- ten the exhorta- tion which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chas- tening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are re- buked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, & scourges every son He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6  Quoted From Proverbs 3:11-12

And you’ve forgot- ten the exhorta- tion which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chas- tening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are re- buked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, & scourges every son He receives.” To means to regard lightly, while refers to correction ( whether verbal or physical ); so they were being warned not to ignore God’s discipline. says,. To despise means to regard lightly, while chastening refers to correction ( whether verbal or physical ); so they were being warned not to ignore God’s discipline. Job 5:17 says, Consider the joy of those cor- rected by God. Don’t despise the chasten- ing of the Almighty.

Through the wise man, Solomon, God taught in that parents who refuse to spank their children ac- tually exhibit hatred toward them. Why? Because, as He taught in, ; and in He said,. See…    Through the wise man, Solomon, God taught in Proverbs 13:24 that parents who refuse to spank their children ac- tually exhibit hatred toward them. Why? Because, as He taught in 22:15, Foolish- ness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him; and in 23:13-14 He said, Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die … [but] you shall … deliver his soul from Hell. See…   

And you’ve forgot- ten the exhorta- tion which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chas- tening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are re- buked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, & scourges every son He receives.” God, as the Father of these Hebrew Christians, not only reproved them thru Paul, but He also chastised them thru hardship, sometimes severely, as indicat- ed by which means to whip. God, as the Father of these Hebrew Christians, not only reproved them thru Paul, but He also chastised them thru hardship, sometimes severely, as indicat- ed by scourge which means to whip.

And you’ve forgot- ten the exhorta- tion which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chas- tening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are re- buked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, & scourges every son He receives.” Paul called the truth of this teaching an or an encouragement thru instruction. I.e….  Paul called the truth of this teaching an exhortation or an encouragement thru instruction. I.e…. 

Their Father was allowing them to ex- perience all such discipline for their own good, so they were not to disregard it or become discouraged by it as if God didn’t care, but to become encouraged by it. How? By viewing it as a gift to His children (). So… Their Father was allowing them to ex- perience all such discipline for their own good, so they were not to disregard it or become discouraged by it as if God didn’t care, but to become encouraged by it. How? By viewing it as a gift to His children ( Php. 1:29 ). So… Paul’s teaching here essentially implies that it’s rank ignorance for a Christian to ask, If I’m a child of God, why does He allow me to suffer so? Why? Well, it’s precisely because Christians are His children that they’re disciplined.

And you’ve forgot- ten the exhorta- tion which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chas- tening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are re- buked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, & scourges every son He receives.” Even if Solomon was thinking about his own son when he penned such pro- verbs, God ( when inspiring him to write them ) was obviously thinking about His children in their re- lationship to Him.

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Hebrews 12:7 

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Here means when, and means experience ; i.e., Paul was saying, When you experience ad- versities, acknow- ledge that they’re actually blessings, for behind your dif- ficulties stands a loving Father who knows what’s best for you. Besides…  Here if means when, and endure means experience ; i.e., Paul was saying, When you experience ad- versities, acknow- ledge that they’re actually blessings, for behind your dif- ficulties stands a loving Father who knows what’s best for you. Besides… 

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons. For what son is there whom a father does not chasten? Not only did God create all human fathers, but He’s also the very epitome of love (). So If an earthly father cares enough to know to discipline his children, surely God —the model Father — should be expect- ed to discipline His children as well. Not only did God create all human fathers, but He’s also the very epitome of love ( 1 John 4:8 ). So If an earthly father cares enough to know to discipline his children, surely God —the model Father — should be expect- ed to discipline His children as well. Even Jesus, acting as a Father ( cf. ), once said, (). Even Jesus, acting as a Father ( cf. Isa. 9:6 ), once said, As many as I love, I rebuke & chasten ( Rev. 3:19 ).

But if you are without chasten- ing, of which all have become par- takers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:8 

But if you are without chasten- ing, of which all have become par- takers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Not only was Paul trying to give them confidence relative to their standing be- fore God, but I be- lieve he was also en- couraging them to acknowledge the necessity of God’s chastening. I.e…. 

It seems Paul was saying that if they wanted to be of those who were ( the type people God cursed, ), if they wanted to be of those who didn’t for Christ’s sake ( & ), then that would be no different than a child dis- owning his father, in essence making himself. Or…    It seems Paul was saying that if they wanted to be of those who were at ease in Zion ( the type people God cursed, Amos 6:1 ), if they wanted to be of those who didn’t suffer persecution for Christ’s sake ( 1 Pet. 4:16 & 2 Tim. 3:12 ), then that would be no different than a child dis- owning his father, in essence making himself illegitimate. Or…   

Perhaps we can picture this converse scenario: A child needing discipline won’t accept it, so his father says to him, If you don’t accept my discipline, then you’re not my child. Either way, the point is that if they wanted out of the trials they were enduring for Jesus’ sake, especially to the point of forsak- ing Christ to go back to Judaism, then they were as children who would’ve been better off never knowing God in the first place (). Perhaps we can picture this converse scenario: A child needing discipline won’t accept it, so his father says to him, If you don’t accept my discipline, then you’re not my child. Either way, the point is that if they wanted out of the trials they were enduring for Jesus’ sake, especially to the point of forsak- ing Christ to go back to Judaism, then they were as illegitimate children who would’ve been better off never knowing God in the first place ( 2 Pet. 2:20-22 ).

Furthermore, we have had human fathers who cor- rected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Hebrews 12:9 

Furthermore, we have had human fathers who cor- rected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? The phrase has reference to those who are fal- lible, while has re- ference to God who is infallible. The phrase human fathers has reference to those who are fal- lible, while the Fa- ther of spirits has re- ference to God who is infallible.

In we paraphrased Paul by say- ing that If earthly fathers care enough to discipline their children, surely God should be expected to discipline His children as well. Now here we can para- phrase this additional thought by saying that If by their discipline fallible fathers merit respect, surely by His discipline the infallible Father should be respected! Besides…    In verse 7 we paraphrased Paul by say- ing that If earthly fathers care enough to discipline their children, surely God should be expected to discipline His children as well. Now here we can para- phrase this additional thought by saying that If by their discipline fallible fathers merit respect, surely by His discipline the infallible Father should be respected! Besides…   

Paul went on to tell them that just as submission to earthly parents resulted in, so submission to the Heavenly Father would result in. In Paul wrote, live. And earlier in ( the chapter that actually connects to this chapter as noted in our previous study )…  Paul went on to tell them that just as submission to earthly parents resulted in life, so submission to the Heavenly Father would result in life. In Ephesi- ans 6:2-3a Paul wrote, Honor your father and mother … that you may live long. And earlier in Hebrews chapter 10 ( the chapter that actually connects to this chapter as noted in our previous study )… 

Paul had just told them that (), and then in that. (See notes back at.) Paul had just told them that the just shall live by faith ( v. 38 ), and then in verse 39 that we are … of those who believe to the saving of the soul (life). (See notes back at 10:38-39.)

For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. Hebrews 12:10 

For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. Unlike the Heavenly Father, earthly fa- thers only have their children for a short time for disciplinary purposes; and even during that time, being human, their discipline is often improper. On the other hand…  

For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit that we may be partakers of His holiness. The Heavenly Father ( who has control thru- out the entire lives of His created beings ) never disciplines im- properly and always with the view of making His children holy as He is holy; i.e., while an earthly father may discipline his child for selfish reasons, the Heav- enly Father never does so.

Now no chasten- ing seems to be joyful for the pre- sent, but grievous ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 

Now no chasten- ing seems to be joyful for the pre- sent, but grievous ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. No discipline ( wheth- er human or divine or whether verbal or phy- sical ) is fun to bear, rather it’s very un- pleasant to receive; if the discipline were pleasant, it wouldn’t have any power to produce the desired result—the improve- ment of the one dis- ciplined. (Cf. Just think of American “justice” and its lack of results.)

Now no chasten- ing seems to be joyful for the pre- sent, but grievous ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Especially in the case of adults, the desired result can only be achieved if the one disciplined correctly under- stands its purpose and has the right attitude toward it. ( is from the word for gym—a place where one trains.) Especially in the case of adults, the desired result can only be achieved if the one disciplined correctly under- stands its purpose and has the right attitude toward it. (Trained is from the word for gym—a place where one trains.)

Now no chasten- ing seems to be joyful for the pre- sent, but grievous ; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. is because the more righteous a child of God is, the closer his relation- ship will be with his Father. But…   Righteousness is peaceable because the more righteous a child of God is, the closer his relation- ship will be with his Father. But…  

Instead of looking at this on an indivi- dual basis, it’s likely that Paul had a more general application in mind in reference to these particular brethren in their particular time. I.e….   

Maybe when he spoke of their reaching the goal of () and being () he had in mind their pres- sing forward through all their persecu- tion in order to attain their crown of () in fulfillment of the promises (). In fact… Maybe when he spoke of their reaching the goal of the peace of righteousness ( v. 11 ) and being partakers of God’s holi- ness ( v. 10 ) he had in mind their pres- sing forward through all their persecu- tion in order to attain their crown of life ( v. 9 ) in fulfillment of the promises ( 10:35-39 ). In fact… This is what I believe Paul had in mind when he wrote that (). This is what I believe Paul had in mind when he wrote that Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ( 2 Cor. 4:17 ).

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:12-13   

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. This literally means to make straight vertically, but since it’s obvious that Paul was using the physical to illustrate the spiritual, this word ( being plural in the original ) means to encourage build up one another.

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. By these phrases Paul reminded them of the in ; these are those who had become exhaust - ed by their hardships to the point of re- considering their Christianity. Why? Because they lacked an understanding of the purpose of trials and therefore also the right attitude to- ward them. By these phrases Paul reminded them of the weary & dis- couraged in verse 3; these are those who had become exhaust - ed by their hardships to the point of re- considering their Christianity. Why? Because they lacked an understanding of the purpose of trials and therefore also the right attitude to- ward them.

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. Since refers to that which is straight horizonally, Paul meant to make smooth paths. So… Since straight refers to that which is straight horizonally, Paul meant to make smooth paths. So…

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. Paul (likely alluding back to and of ) meant for them to clear their courses of all unnecessary obstacles, not just for their own per- sonal good, but also so that the ( the weak ones ) following them wouldn’t be ( fall totally out of the race ). So… Paul (likely alluding back to the sin and every weight of verse 1 ) meant for them to clear their courses of all unnecessary obstacles, not just for their own per- sonal good, but also so that the lame ( the weak ones ) following them wouldn’t be dislocated ( fall totally out of the race ). So…

Therefore (since dis- cipline is for your good, then) strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather healed. Paul was urging them to help one another, especially should the strong strengthen the weak ( cf. & ) in order to (save) them. Paul was urging them to help one another, especially should the strong strengthen the weak ( cf. Rom. 15:1 & Gal. 6:2 ) in order to heal (save) them.

This aid may involve helping them to remove some sin or weight from their lives or helping them to regain their (). This aid may involve helping them to remove some sin or weight from their lives or helping them to regain their first love ( Rev. 2:4 ). Paul summed up all this when he told the Thessalonians to (). Paul summed up all this when he told the Thessalonians to warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, and uphold the weak ( 1 The. 5:14 ).

As mentioned in reference to, this seems to be another place where Paul appeared to have been impersonating a cheerleader or an inspiring coach; i.e., Lift up those hands! Strengthen those knees! Get those lazy feet on the track! ( But, then again, perhaps he sounded more like a platoon sergeant! ) So…    As mentioned in reference to 10:39, this seems to be another place where Paul appeared to have been impersonating a cheerleader or an inspiring coach; i.e., Lift up those hands! Strengthen those knees! Get those lazy feet on the track! ( But, then again, perhaps he sounded more like a platoon sergeant! ) So…   

In Paul ( being led by the Master Writer—the Holy Spirit ) alluded to a prophecy in that perfectly flows right into the latter part of this chapter about the New Jerusalem which was on the verge of coming in its full- ness:, in fact, specifically told them that —that which Paul called that they were in the process of ing (). So…  In verses Paul ( being led by the Master Writer—the Holy Spirit ) alluded to a prophecy in Isaiah 35 that perfectly flows right into the latter part of this chapter about the New Jerusalem which was on the verge of coming in its full- ness: verse 22, in fact, specifically told them that You have come to Mt. Zion … the Heavenly Jerusalem—that which Paul called a kingdom that they were in the process of receiving ( v. 28 ). So… 

Using Edom’s judgment and destruction to picture the judgment and destruction of physical Zion (old Jerusalem) in, Isaiah went on in to contrast that with a picture of the glory that would follow such ugliness ; so let’s read and parts of. Using Edom’s judgment and destruction to picture the judgment and destruction of physical Zion (old Jerusalem) in Isai- ah 34, Isaiah went on in chapter 35 to contrast that with a picture of the glory that would follow such ugliness ; so let’s read verses 3-4 and parts of 8-10.

3 4 8a 9b 10a So… 3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong; do not fear! Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” … 8a A highway shall be there … and it shall be called The Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. … 9b The redeemed shall walk there, 10a and the ransomed of the Lord shall … come to Zion with singing [and] with everlasting joy. So…

It appears that not only was Paul ex- plaining to them the purpose and ne- nessity of their trials in order to help them get through them, but it also appears he was reminding them that Isaiah had specifically predicted that those who lived as the New Zion was coming to fruition would suffer … a suffering, however, that would turn to joyous redemption! By the way…  

All this corresponds wonderfully with Paul’s earlier admonition to ( much like here ) (). All this corresponds wonderfully with Paul’s earlier admonition to encourage one another ( much like strengthen here ), and so much the more as you see that day approaching ( 10:25b ).