Only just over the time estimate this time - 50 minutes for the whole epistle.
Interesting that there is no author's name for this book. There are many theories, but none conclusive. Though the original recipients must have known, since the author does say 'I will see you soon' at the end, this information has not been preserved for us, and we must accept it in its anonymity. All we know is that he was an associate of Timothy, and probably a respected leader of the church at the time. In a way, the anonymity is a lesson to us, because the only person we can give credit to is God, the Holy Spirit - Who inspired all of Scripture, this letter, and all the rest of the NT.
There are a number of themes throughout this book - and it covers a number of important doctrinal principles in-depth. Primary among these themes is an exposition of Christ, His glory, and His willing humility. We see also a number of contrasts drawn between the Old and the New Covenants, showing the superiority of the new way that Christ has made possible to the old system. Faith, and the importance and character of belief keeps occurring, and the outworking of that faith is exhorted both by teaching and example.
Now for a summary of the thoughts in the book, with these overall themes shown in each passage:
The book starts with a reflection of the many ways and times in which God revealed Himself in the past - and the change from times past as we now hear from His Son, and not just ordinary prophets. This sets the scene for the teaching to follow.
We see the Son glorified, superior to the angels. The angels are associated with the giving of the law at Mount Sinai - this was shown to be reliable - so pay attention to the Son, Who is superior to the angels. The salvation we know was declared by the Son, and confirmed with miraculous signs of God. We see this Son as ruler, with all power given to Him, and yet He chose to lay aside that power and control. He became fully human - taking the name Jesus (deliverer), in order to walk as one of us, to participate in life as we do, and yet without sin - so that He might better help us in our walk in this world, as we can feel empathy with Him - that He might die, and destroy death, and deliver us from our sins.
Having accomplished this work, we see Him as Apostle (One Who is sent to speak for Another [God]) and High Priest (One Who represents us before God). In this, we see Him as greater than Moses - also associated with the founding of the law - Moses was faithful, but not as great as Christ. Moses was a faithful testimony - and we also must faithfully hold fast to the hope (assurance) given to us. Unbelief will keep us from God, and we must examine ourselves that we are not deceiving ourselves, thinking we believe but really holding back - for false belief will cause us to fall away. But true belief will never fail, but will be strengthened, and stand fast to the end, and we are entered into His rest. Oh, what joy it is to have that peace, joy, and assurance of entering into the rest of God! Resting in Him! We enter His rest through the testimony of the active Word of God - and everyone who hears is responsible for his choices to accept it or reject it.
We continue with greater exposition of Christ as High Priest. We see Him as able to fulfil the role perfectly, being eminently qualified. We see Him as superior to the priests of the Levitical system - they died, but He continues ever.
Abruptly, Paul stops - he wants to continue, but the readers will not understand, because they do not grasp properly the basic truths, despite having heard them before many times. So he goes over the need to be firmly founded in the doctrine of Christ, but to continue on growing in spiritual maturity, and not falling back into the old system of external signs. Again we see the responsibility of those hearing the Word of God to respond - and the curse upon them if they still choose to reject Him, even after coming so close, having 'tasted' the goodness of God - if a person knows and experiences everything that God has revealed, and still rejects Him, there is only one end in store for him. Praise God He brought me into repentance, and salvation! What assurance we have, having entered into God's family! He even chose to use the human method of swearing an oath to further assure us that His promises are sure - He cannot lie!
Again, we return to the picture of the high priest, using the 'type' of Melchisedek, whose story is in Genesis 14. A great study for another time to go through all these similarities and what it reveals about Christ, but the whole point is again, His superiority.
He is also superior in having completed the work - the Levitical priests never actually atoned for any sins - otherwise they could theoretically have finished at some point - but there was no possible way for them to finish, because they did not pay for any sin. Whereas Christ did pay for all sin, and the work is finished - no more sacrifices! This sacrifice is the basis for the New Covenant - and instead of being external, it is internal, because it changes things on the inside, the spirit.
The new temple is also superior - the earthly one was just a shadow of the true temple, in heaven. His blood offered was superior to the blood of livestock. The Old Covenant dealt with copies of things - the New Covenant deals with the originals in all their glory. The law was just a shadow - and could make nothing perfect, but Christ has made us perfect. There is no longer anything blocking us, as there was before, from the presence of God - we have full access, being made perfect in and through Him, we are accepted in God's presence! We cannot keep living in sin - we now live in love and show our love in good works and encouraging each other in Christ. The Lord will judge. He will judge those that keep living in sin, those that reject Him - it is not our vengeance to take, but His. We can have joy and contentment in suffering, because we have a heavenly possession - and trust Him to deal justly with the oppressors.
We are led into some great teaching about what faith is, and how it shows itself in the life of believers. Great testimonies, great examples, and as the writer says near the end - the list is not short for want of examples, there are many more! The examples include Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - important to the Jews, as they knew God as the 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob'. All in this chapter are like witnesses to us - not that they see us, but by their deeds they set an example that we should follow - and knowing this, we are accountable to show faith in God like they did. We have even more responsibility than them - they looked forward to the promises, trusting in God - we have the benefit of the promises already being fulfilled, so we have even more assurance!
Practically outworking this faith, we must get rid of everything that holds us back - both sin and those good things that are not sinful, but are not 'best', because they hinder us from the best. Christ has gone before us, and endured much more than we ever will - He will go with us - how can we not endure whatever life throws at us? Rejoice in discipline - God is purifying you, and His discipline is a blessing, because of its results, and as a proof He cares about improving and maturing you. Keep on living uprightly - for our kingdom is in heaven, not on earth. Love one another, and esteem marriage in honour - keeping the beauty of sexual intimacy He has granted us within the bounds he has designed it for. Don't love the things of this world, but stand firm in the Word of God. Praise God, obey spiritual leaders who teach of God, and pray for them.
He conclude with a prayer for his readers, showing by example how he lives as he preaches.
Christ, You, Who are glorified and seated on the right hand of the Majestic Jehovah God, in Your rightful place, being God in Person! Lord and Christ, we extol You for all You have done - how that You were willing, though deserving of all glory and honour, chose to descend to earth, laying aside Your glory and dignity, becoming lower than the angels, and suffering death as one of us. Lord we glory in Your death and resurrection, Your triumph and victory as You completed the perfect sacrifice that once for all truly atoned for all our sin! We come in faith, Lord - we can come through nothing else, for all we have or do is worthless to save us. Lord, as we see these great examples of faith outlined in Scripture, we pray for Your continued preservation, grace, and guidance as we live out our lives in faith. Strengthen our faith Lord, and use our lives to Your Glory. Lord, we know You have suffered temptation like us, but unlike us, You did not sin - could not sin. Lord, thank You for that promise that You will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear, and for the assurance that You will grant us power to escape any temptation. Help us to rejoice in the discipline, sufferings, and temptations You allow in our lives Lord - help us to use those times to grow closer to You, to learn from You, and be more moulded into Your glorious Image. Praise be Yours forever and eternity, Lord, our Saviour, and High Priest.
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