Who beat God?

 Judges 1: ¹⁹ And the Lord was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

On Youtube there was an anti christian cartoon depicting this verse.  It would appear from first glance that God almighty had defeated an army. Yet then suddenly in His omnipotence He failed to accomplish his goal because of the chariots of Iron. As a result they showed a comedy and implied that the whole account was simply the jews using superstition to interpret the account.
  This however can be easily refuted if we will remember to take passages according to their context.  We must remember that the Bible wasn't broken down into verse division when first penned.

Judges 1
¹⁷ And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.
 ¹⁸ Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.
 ¹⁹ And the Lord was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.
  One common metaphor when reading Old Testament literature is that tribes are often given the personal attributes of their patriarch.  As we see the two tribes are spoken of the original two brothers in verse 17.  (simeon and Judah) 
  We also see from verse 18 that Judah in a military invasion is the subject of the text.  Therefore we can apply this understanding to verse 19.
So when it says "he", it would appear that this is referring to judah. Which had some victory but was stopped by the iron chariots.  Also the fact that "he" is lowercased instead of "He" for the LORD is yet another clue that this passage is not discussing the LORD in Battle but the tribe of Judah.

Hebrews: "The sinful heart of unbelief"

Intro
Greetings in Christ.  This is a commentary I have written on the epistle to the Hebrews. It is a verse by verse commentary. It's nature is very practical and ministerial.  I wrote this material in the course of of a bible study and sermon series. It is not particularly scholarly based. Nor does it focus on the Greek text.  The goal of this exposition is to simply get the raw meaning of the text and I feel I got that from my studies. I pray that meaning is translated to you as well.
In Christ,
Bro. Matt

Preface
Hebrews is a letter to Jewish Christians.
No one knows the author.
I don't think it was Paul because he did not sign it. And it is not to necessarily a specific place. Also Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles. It was probably one of Paul's friends though.
The date is said between 67-69.
Sacrifices were still made. The temple was destroyed though in ad70. People were a generationn removed from christ and Timothy had just got out of jail…

The word "Hebrew" comes from the Egyptian word habiru. Referring to a poor migrant people. Who knows? Maybe that is where we get the term hobo? Haha..


So Prologue:
God had made a covenant with the Jews. Promising the messiah.
If the Jews had accepted the messiah, Christ would have comeback early and taken over the world. But they as
..
The majority of Jews rejected Jesus as their messiah eventually.
..But many Gentiles started coming to faith.
Paul was givin a revelation concerning the Gentiles and how we are "grafted in" we were spiritual ancestors of Abraham and given the spiritual inheritance. The physical promises are waiting for jews to repent and accept Christ
..
The nation has been held off from repentance giving the world time to accept Christ.
So the period between John the baptist and Paul. You have the gospel of the kingdom. Where most all Christians are Jews. They learn of the resurrection and salvation.?but they had not fully comprehended it yet.
..A lot of these "messianic Jews" were expecting Jesus to return soon and take over Israel. They sold all their possessions in anticipation.
You can imagine they were upset when Jesus hadn't come back and they were penniless.
Also they were used to all the rituals and partying of temple worship.
All the Christians were doing is hanging out in each others houses.
So there was a big appeal to leaving the faith and going back to Judaism.
..The OT religion is designed to look forward to the first coming. So continuing in that religion will just lure people back to Judaism.
Their have even been recent examples of messianic Jews being proselytized into rabbinic Judaism. So this is the background of Hebrews
So I do my studies from the Kjv.
I will occasionally explain difficult words or concepts.

Chapter 1

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, ² hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; ³ who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; ⁴ being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. ⁵ For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ⁶ And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. ⁷ And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. ⁸ But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. ⁹ Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. ¹⁰ And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: ¹¹ they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; ¹² and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. ¹³ But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? ¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Vrs.1 sundry times=several times
In the O.T. God spoke in many different ways.
Vrs. 2 Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the N.T. The prophets lead up to Christ. But the apostles flow from Christ.
As Christ/messiah Jesus is the heir of all things or "king of the world"
Ves. 3 glory= light of god
Jesus is the light and image of God.
Jesus is also God and therefore upholds the universe
Which gave him authority to "purge"/cleanse us of sins
4. Jesus is far beyond and superior to the angels. The Hebrews had a great reverence for angels and their power. Yet Jesus is so much more!
5. Jesus is the only begotten son
Many angels and saints can use a title "son" or "child" of God. But Jesus
is the "only begotten" Son. I think this is talking about the incarnation.
Some theologians argue that instead the logos/deity of christ was begotten in eternity past. But I think that is confusing and causes problems. So I believe when we call the second person of the trinity/logos the sun, it is because of the incarnation of Christ. Or when Jesus was born.

..Hebrews 1;6-7
As powerful and awe inspiring as angels are, they worship Jesus.
..Vrs 8 the Son or messiah is called God in psalm 45:6 and the messiah is blessed by God..
..So in the book of Hebrews there are atom of old testament references and quotes. Here are references in order for chapter 1.
Psalm 110:1,psalm 2:7, 2samuel 7:14, psalm 104:4, psalm 45:6-7. Psalm 102:25-27, psalm 110:1
..[verse 1:8 sceptre can be seen as a shepherd staff, a symbol of authority.
The authority of righteousness is in fact the authority of God.
/of God's kingdom
vrs. 9 it is the love of righteosness that motivates the father to anoint the messiah
vrs 10 christ is the maker of heaven and erht
earth
..vrs 11 wax=grow
people show grow Old yet Christ shall rememain eternal
vesture=robe
folds them up and they shall be changed
vesture=robe
folds them up and they shall be changed
vesture is in vrs 12
13 "sit at my right hand. this occured in mark 16:19 at the ascension when christ ascended into heaven he sat down at the right hand of the father.
Also psalm 110 where King david says "The LORD said unto my Lord" or The Jehovah said unto my Adonai." The is the Old Testament claiming the deity of the Messiah. In other words the Old Testament claims jesus is God!!
The angels shall one day serve the saints
that was verse 14 and then end of chapter 1

Chapter 2

2 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. ² For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; ³ how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ⁴ God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ⁶ but one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? ⁷ Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: ⁸ thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. ⁹ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
¹⁰ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ¹¹ For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, ¹² saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. ¹³ And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. ¹⁴ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; ¹⁵ and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ¹⁶ For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. ¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews2:1-3 we need to preserve the gospel. The Old Testament authority if angels was binding and payment was given upon obedience,
The authority of Christ is obviously superior.
..Vrs.4 So Christ would speak and then His apostles. The authority of the apostles would be confirmed by miraculous signs and wonders. And gifts of the holy spirit.
Some will Argue the since spiritual gifts are brought up, the. Therefore the miraculous gifts were restricted to the apostles or the first century church.
While I agree that the apostles had
A unique anointing. We still have gifts of our own.
..Vrs.5 There will be another age to come. We call it a dispensation.( A period of time where dispenses his authority over the world in a different way relating to mankind.)
This verse refers to the next dispensation. The thousand year reign of Christ. (revelation 20:1-5)
During this period the Angels shall have authority over the earth.
..Vrs. "a certain place" the author is quoting scripture though he forgot the reference. But it is I psalm 8 with some job
..Why are you the crown of all creation? Why were you picked to have dominion over the earth.
This vrs6
"the son of man" is a title for the messiah
Why should Christ have visited us?
..Vrs 7 a little lower than the angels"
In the psalms the Hebrew says a little lower than the Elohim (or god). In the letter of Hebrews, the Greek says "lower than God".
..Correction the Greek says " lower than angels"
The author is not trying to get the meaning of psalms but make implications from the scriptures that will corroborate his point.
His point is "the son of man" Jesus was made a little lower than the angels.
..Vrs. Jesus is Sovereign over all things since Jesus is Lord!
Vrs 8
..Vrs 9 Jesus who is the son/word now humiliated to the purpose of death is now show as glorified and exalted with honor.
That the man Christ Jesus as a gift from God should die for every man. Jesus is the atonement for the sins of all mankind.
..
Vrs. 10 for Jesus for whom universe revolves around created salvation to bring many in the family of God. By way of his suffering on the cross.
..Vrs. 11jesus who makes us holy and us who are made holy are now part of one family of God!
Jesus is happy to call us his brothers and sisters!
..Vrs. 12 Jesus will declare the name of Jehovah in the middle of congregation or church. And sing praises to God. This was prophesied in psalm 22:22. It was fulfilled in Matthew 26:30, mark 14:26.
So Jesus was a worship leader!
..Vrs. 13 Christ will trust in God for salvation from death psalm 18:2. Isaiah 8:18 Christ receives us as his children as well
..Vrs 14. In communion we are bound through the flesh and blood of Christ. (legally/symbolically, by covenant) Jesus binds his righteous essence to our deaths. Since christ is God he can not die. So he defeats the force of death and the innovated of death, who is Satan.
15. Humanity is psychologically enslaved by the concept of death. Christianity liberates us by destroying the concept and philosophy.
16. Jesus did not come as an angel to save angels. But he came as a man through the seed of Abraham.
Vrs.17. He chose to be a man. So that he file be our savior. And as our high priest make propitiation and reconciliation with God.
Vrs. 18 he overcame temptation to secure us though we are tempted ourselves

Chapter 3

3 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; ² who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. ³ For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. ⁴ For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. ⁵ And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; ⁶ but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

⁷ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, ⁸ harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: ⁹ when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. ¹⁰ Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. ¹¹ So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. ¹³ But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ¹⁴ For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; ¹⁵ while it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. ¹⁶ For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? ¹⁸ And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? ¹⁹ So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.


Vrs 1. Holy brethren, holy=sanctified
Partakers=partners
Partners with a heavenly job
Apostle = messenger
High priest= mediator with God
Profession= the content of faith
..Jesus is compared with Moses the mediator of the Old Covenant.
Vrs 3 the glory of Moses pales in comparison with Christ. Because Christ is personally superior to Moses.
Vrs.4 basically houses (establishments) are designed by men. But God creates the houses and the men who build them.
..Vrs.5. There is no doubt that Moses was a faithful servant and the Old Covenant which he mediated will be a testimony or build the case for the future.
Vrs. 6 Christ is not simply a servant though he is the son.

This is a good time to cross reference this passage with Galatians 4
..We are of Christ house, the New testament if we tightly hold on the
" confidence"= aspect of faith
And rejoicing which comes through the hope
Hope= the object of faith or= the anchor of faith. Which is Christ
"Unto the end" Christians are to persevere in faith
Hebrews 3:7 today
Psalms 95:7
.."the spirit says"
The Holy Spirit is ultimately the author of scripture
..7-11 this psalm is referring to Jewish wanderings in the wilderness. When God's people grew tired of the direction of God.
In temptation they tested the lord
..These people thought they could follow the law though they broke it constantly. In the end they had not truly given the hearts from God.
..It should be noted the not only are e horted
Exhorted to believe but that we are to beware of the son of disbelief in our hearts. The Hebrews had not accomplished belief in their hearts.
..They shall not enter my rest"
Where do we rest?
The bedroom.
The holy of holies
They would not obtain intimacy with God.
..Falling in sin is essentially unbelief in our hearts
The Hebrews could not enter the promised land because they did not have faith. Just as we can not enter heaven without faith
..Hebrews 3:14
We have fellowship with christ if we have a lifelong commitment.
Just like we should marry to be intimate.

Chapter 4

4 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. ² For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. ³ For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. ⁴ For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. ⁵ And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. ⁶ Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: ⁷ again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ⁸ For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. ⁹ There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. ¹⁰ For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

¹² For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

:1 "let us therefore fear" this referring to Hebrew Christians
This is used in a religious sense. Not all of them were born again. They were Hebrews who worshipped the messiah.
App. You can attend a church service and be called a Christian, but yet never be born again.
.."into his rest" refers to His bedroom, or heaven.
Some Hebrews might not make it to heaven.
2. The gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), is preached to the saints and the sinners. But the gospel means nothing if you do not believe.

In my wrath" the last 2 chapters the author has been meditating in psalm 95
And the unbelief of the Hebrews in the wilderness.
"finished from the foundation of the world" not only had God completed creating their earth but also His plans for salvation and the end times. Prior to the seventh day(sabbath)
As proved in verse 4
Verse 5
The rest had not been obtained.
God's " rest" or heaven is still available.
Vrs6 the Hebrews would not enter because of disobedience.
Yet going back to psalm 95 the invitation is left open by David with the phrase "today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts"
..
Vrs. 8 Joshua did not provide this rest, so it is still later.
Vrs 9 heaven is available!
Vrs. 10 if you have ceased from your works then you will enter the rest just like God   So in death you cease from work
In heaven you cease from work
In salvation you cease from work, if heaven/rest is in your heart.
:-)
Hebrews 4:11

We must persevere in our faith, lest our sins drag us into unbelief. So that we may enter the rest of heaven.
..

Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is sharp.
It is incredibly accurate to a microscopic level.
Most average preaching interprets the bible loosely. They only quote the bible a little bit, there are not a lot of preachers that go through the bible. When they do most of them will preach from a looser translation which will not translate every word in the original languages. Why is this?
Because it is their doctrine that the word of God is a rusty dull blade. That if you look at the Word of God closely enough, you will find contradictions errors.
It is my doctrine that if you look at the Word of God more closely you will find tons of contradictions and errors IN YOURSELF! Not in the Word of God!
..

The Word of God in scripture is the same as the Word of God Jesus Christ(god nature of Jesus)
Because God is holy, Jesus has no sin.
Because Jesus is the truth the word of God has no lies.

For more info on Jesus the Word of God, read John 1

Two edged" not only does this make a weapon more effective. It also has a dangerous aspect. The Word of God can pierce our enemies. But it can cut us if we mishandle it.
..

Divide" bone marrow and joints are intimately connected, but there is a slight division.
The same with the soul and spirit.
Though very similar there is a division.
From my studies the spirit represents our life force and our sub conscience. The soul means our mind will and emotions, conscience.
..
The word of God is so accurate that it can discern these things.


Hebrews 4:13
The word of God has authority over all things. Because it is God and God knows all.

..Hebrews 6:10 the author is personally convinced that his audience will be secure in their salvation, because the author has seen evidence of their faith in their love and divide" bone marrow and joints are intimately connected, but there is a slight division.
The same with the soul and spirit.
Though very similar there is a division.
From my studies the spirit represents our life force and our sub conscience. The soul means our mind will and emotions, conscience.

The word of God is so accurate that it can discern these things.
..Hebrews 4:13
The word of God has authority over all things. Because it is God and God knows all.
..

Hebrews 4:14
So Jesus is better than than angels. Jesus is greater than the prophets/apostles. Now we will learn that Jesus is the greatest priest.
He is the high priest who passed through the heavens
..The temple is a symbol. The outer court is the world. The holy place is abrham's bosom/ paradise. The holy of holies is heaven.
Every year the high priest will go to the holy of holies to make atonement. But Jesus went literally to Heaven to intercede for us.
..With such a feat the messianic Jews need to hold their profession of faith and not be seduced back to Judaism
..Vrs. 15 Jesus our high priest, is not untouchable.
He understands our infirmities.(sicknesses!weaknesses). He has had his share.
"he was in all points tempted"
Theologians argue about if Christ, though he never sinned, was he capable of sinning?
I believe that Christ was just as tempted as we are. He simply made the choice not to sin every time. Though Christ never would sin, he still feels just as tempted as us.
..16. "Come boldly to the throne room of grace"
Most rulers are unapproachable and can not be bothered.
But Christ is the opposite. He wants us to have intimacy with Him, without hesitation.

Chapter 5

5 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: ² who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. ³ And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. ⁴ And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. ⁵ So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. ⁶ As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ⁷ Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; ⁸ though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; ⁹ and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ¹⁰ called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

¹¹ Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. ¹² For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ¹³ For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

:1 Every culture had a priesthood because everyone believed in God at first.
Their job was to give God gifts of worship or sacrifices for sins.
These. We're sacrifices for individual sins.
..A priest needs be able to relate to their community and relate to being ignorant of God and attuggle with sickness.
The priest also has to give their own sacrifices before God.
..4. We have no honor in and of ourselves.
We see this even of Aaron the first mosaic high priest.
..Jesus didn't try to honor himself with the title of priest but he recieved the title "son of God" The Father encouraged the Son With this title.
..6. Psalm 110 though Christ did not glorify himself he recieved an eternal priesthood.
Jesus suffered heartache for us in his priestly prayers.
As a priest Christ was obedient unto God.And through his righteousness He has created salvation for us. If we obey him with faith.
Called=employed to be a high priest after the order of melchizedek
..Vrs. 11 we have many things to say about the priesthood of Melchizedek but it is "hard to be uttered" or meaning hard for you to interpret because "ye[hebrew Christians] are dull of hearing." don't understand.
..Vrs. 12 even though the Hebrew Christians are experience enough that they should be teachers. They are still in need to be educated. And specifically the education of the basic/elementary teachings."principles" of the "oracles" word of God.
They are dependent on milk instead of strong meat. (baby Christians)
..13. They need milk because they are "unskilled"
In "the word of righteousness". ( the teachings on the righteousness of God, or justification, Romans 2-4)
..We need to grow to eat solid food/ meat. So that we can grow and receive the bread of life which is the Word of God.
That we can learn adult teachings knowing good and evil.
..How many of us should be teachers and evangelists?
Yet we have not grown up spiritually. We haven't spent time in the word of God. We haven't spent the time with God.
We have to stop wasting time! We have billions of people to evangelize and disciple.

Chapter 6

6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ² of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³ And this will we do, if God permit. ⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, ⁶ if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ⁷ For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: ⁸ but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

⁹ But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ¹¹ And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: ¹² that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
¹³ For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, ¹⁴ saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. ¹⁵ And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. ¹⁶ For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. ¹⁷ Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: ¹⁸ that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: ¹⁹ which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; ²⁰ whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

:1 "therefore" in order to get to maturity
We must have the "principles" or fundamental/foundation understanding of the doctrine/teaching of Christ,
.."Let go onto perfection"
Perfect not meaning absolute, but meaning "whole" "complete" or just right,
Illustration. If I am going to flip an egg in order to keep the yoke, if I accomplish this it is perfect. Not because there is an absolute way to flip the egg. But the yoke was complete and whole or just right.
.."not laying again the foundations of repentance from dead works"
Repent: simply means to change or turn away
Dead works is metaphorical of unregenerate/unborn-again legalistic religion. In other words stop being legalistic instead living by grace.
..And of "eternal judgement" = heaven and hell
Vrs.2 "doctrine of baptisms", probably that baptism is the initiation of the saint into the Christian religion and church but not salvation.
Laying on of hands= how ministers are ordained
Resurrection of the dead= the second coming
..Vrs. 3 "if God permit" God will fill us with the spirit, bringing us to
Maturity.
What would make God not permit that??
Perhaps "the evil heart of unbelief" for 11:6 without faith it is impossible to please God.
..Vrs. 4 "it is impossible" For "those"
Enlightened= become aware of the light/knowledge
..Tasted of the heavenly gift: metaphor of communion/Lord's Supper; having been in covenant with God.
.."partakers" = partners
"Of the Holy Spirit" people work with The Holy Spirit to minister.
..Vrs.5 have tasted the good word of God" = bread of life
..Powers= type of angels
World to come.
They have tasted, understood, the revelation of the end times.
..Vrs 6. If they shall fall away=apostasy leave the faith
..To renew "unto repentance"
They can't be saved all over again. If so then salvation did not work in the first place.
This has defiled the crucifixion " open shame" because Christ salvation failed.
..The earth is blessed with rain and receives a coat of plants. But the thorns from the rain are a curse.
..Ultimate these plants are burned.
Those who will not be faithful and do not recieve the gospel are curse ready for burnng
Vrs. 9 but= this not normal of Christianity
..Better things for you
The believers
..The author is convinced that the believers will recieve those things which come from salvation. The apostates were never saved.
They fell away from the church.
d ministry to other Christians.
..Vrs. 11 the church's goal is for these followers would study the word of God and the gospels to the point where they can attain full assurance of their faith.
It's one thing to be part of the group. It is another thing to study God's Word and seek God on your own, so that you may know from Him that you are saved.
..Vrs. 12 Don't be lazy!
But be a hood Christian who is faithful and patient awaiting the promises of eternal life.
..Vrs.13 Remember God's promises to Abraham. God swore upon himself since there was no greater authority
Promising that he would multiply him, in other words make him a great nation
Vrs 15 Abraham waited patiently
Typically an oath is sworn by higher authorities to end debate. God swore on Himself. In other words promised as long as he existed this would all come to pass.
18 these promises are "immutable" or unchanging. First god's promise and then God's oath because God doesn't lie.
Our soul is anchored by this. We may drift but the anchor will always hold.
..hebrews 6:19b "entereth in veil" is worthy of entering the Holy of Holies."
vrs.20 forerunner Christ has previously entered the temple for us in the "order" or rank of melchisedek.
..Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
..
Chapter 7

7 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; ² to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; ³ without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

⁴ Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. ⁵ And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: ⁶ but he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. ⁷ And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. ⁸ And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. ⁹ And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. ¹⁰ For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
¹¹ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? ¹² For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. ¹³ For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. ¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
¹⁵ And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, ¹⁶ who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. ¹⁷ For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ¹⁸ For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. ¹⁹ For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
²⁰ And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: ²¹ (for those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) ²² by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. ²³ And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: ²⁴ but this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. ²⁵ Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
²⁶ For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; ²⁷ who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

:1 king meant a tribal leader and land owner of the time.
"slaughter of kings" genesis 14 a battle between 5 tribes at the dead sea. The king of sodom was defeated. He lost all his possessions . People were kidnapped including lot Abraham's nephew
..So Abraham went with his men and rescued them.
..Melchizedek was called the king of righteousness and the king of peace.
He was a priest. Under the covenant and dispensation with Noah.
..He blessed according to El Elyon " the lord most high"
This was the universal God of heaven and earth.
..Abraham came to melchesedek to give a tithe of his possessions. Tithe=one/tenth
Vrs. 2 melchisedek is called "king of righteousness" and "king of peace".
Later titles of Christ.
When it says without father and mother and beginning of days. The reference is referring to the record and not actually designating melchisedek as non-human.
This reference is placing melchisedek in a universal light and no longer limiting him to one nationality, ethnicity/race.
Vrs4. Melchisedeks role is exalted.
..Vrs. 5 melchisedeks role is superior to Levi. The family priesthood of Israel.
This points to a priesthood for all-mankind and not simply the Jews.
..The priority is to the priesthood of melchisedek. Because the dispensation of Noah has priority.
Which means that the gospel has a universal priority.
..
vrs.6-7 Abraham's submission to melchisedek means that His descendents were subordinate to this priest hood. And that the levites along with I srael recieved there authority through this priesthood. ..vrs.8 with no record of melchisedek's death the subordination to this priesthood is permanent. ..Since the levitical priesthood is inferior it is not perfect and permanent. and if there is a different priest hood there is a different law. ..vrs. 13 this brings a conflict because Israel has not based any longer upon melchisedeck and their performance of the law does not fulfill the dictates of melchisedek Jesus came out of Judah which means that he was not in the order of the priesthood of Aaron. -vrs14 vrs. 15 and there is a prophecy concerning a future priesthood of melchisedek vrs.16 who made not under the law, but of an eternal priesthood. ..vrs. who made not under the law, but of an eternal priesthood. vrs. 17 the prophesy in psalm 110 shows David's Lord as being forever after the order of Melchisedek ..Vrs. 18 So there is a dis annulling of the commandment. The law is made void under the melchisedek priesthood. ..Vrs. Law made nothing perfect. Law NEVER saves! Think about this passage when talking to a Christian who tries to live according to the law. ..But bringing a better hope draws us closer to God. ..Vrs. 20 God swore that Jesus would be made a priest upon an oath. Vrs. 21 he did not swear anybody else would be a priest. ..So Jesus was sure to bring us a better covenant relationship to God. 23. And since Jesus never died, our priesthood has been made sure. ..Vrs. 24 Through melchisedek Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood. Vrs. 25 and he is able to completely save everyone who comes to him for all eternity. ..Vrs26 our highest priest is sinless and in the highest if heavens Vrs. 27 he made the perfect sacrifice once and does not need to repeat it. 28. The law is perpetuated by sinful men but grace is perpetuated by our perfect messiah! ..

Chapter 8

8 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; ² a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. ³ For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. ⁴ For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: ⁵ who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. ⁶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

⁷ For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. ⁸ For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: ⁹ not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. ¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: ¹¹ and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. ¹³ In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
To sum everything up.


Jesus is the high priest who sits at the right hand of God.

If anyone can speak to God on our behalf, no one is more qualified than him.

..The tabernacle of Moses was designed to be symbolic of the heavenly realm. But Jesus is in the literal heavenly realm as a priest.

..Hebrews8:5

Exodus 25:40,26:30

Vrs. 6 the office of Christ in His priesthood is superior, because Christ will mediate a superior covenant.

Mediator=meaning he will work out a deal between mankind and God.

Covenant: a holy contractual enduring relationship

Vrs. 7 Just as the priesthood was not flawless; neither was the covenant.

8-9= jerimiah 31:31-34

11-12 as well

Israel and Judah were not faithful to the Old Covenant and so God could not keep that covenant with them anyway.

..Instead of a covenant with external law.

God will write out his new covenant upon their hearts.

I believe this is referring to regeneration.

..Vrs. 11 why does everyone know the Lord? They don't seem to at this point.

This is referred to at a time when the New Covenant will be completely fulfilled.

This covenant is with the Jews.

For now most of the Jews have rejected it while the gentile Christians have received the spiritual promises of the New Covenant.

But when Jesus returns the Jews will repent and receive the physical inheritance.

For further study read Romans 11, revelation 20
Vrs. 12-13 God has made a Covenant to save His people and this renders the old.... "old"!

Chapter 9

9 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. ² For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. ³ And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; ⁴ which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; ⁵ and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

⁶ Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. ⁷ But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: ⁸ the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: ⁹ which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; ¹⁰ which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
¹¹ But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹² neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. ¹³ For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: ¹⁴ how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
¹⁵ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ¹⁶ For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. ¹⁷ For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. ¹⁸ Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. ¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, ²⁰ saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. ²¹ Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. ²² And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
²³ It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ²⁵ nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; ²⁶ for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: ²⁸ so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Worldly sanctuary= Earthly sanctuary

The tabernacle was entirely symbolic of heavenly reality.

Vrs. 2. The candlestick/lamp

The table

The show bread
These were in the sanctuary or holy place of the tabernacle

Vrs.3 The sanctuary was separated by a veil to another room known as the holiest of holies.

Vrs.4 Within that are the golden censor

The ark of the covenant(covered in gold)

Inside the ark is the golden pot with manna

And Aaron's rod

And the tablets which held the ten commandments

Vrs.5 on the ark are these figurines of cherubim aimed at the mercy seat in between them
Here is where the priest regularly worked

...Vrs 6-7 now the priest would minister in the sanctuary and only once a year would the high priest enter the holiest of holies


Which would only happen after blood was sacrificed for himself so that sacrifices could be made for sins Israel unwittingly committed


8. This was symbolic of the fact that the way to the holiest of holies was not available to the people.  Also that as long as the first tabernacle was in place the way was closed

10. These things could not even save the soul/conscience of the high priest. How could anyone be saved?
But Christ has a tabernacle which is not man made and could never fall down.

Vrs. 10 speaking of divers washings could also be a warning of correction to the church today concerning baptism as well as other sacraments and ordinances.



Vrs. 12

The power of sacrificial offering was only on the value of the blood of clean animals.
But the blood of Christ offered a superior sacrifice of value to enter the true and literal holy of holies
Let us assume the power of the animals sacrifice be of enough value to cover our sins on the temporal level

...Jesus was offered by the eternal holy spirit. Making a sacrifice that transcended space and time.




Vrs 14. Imagine the power of such an omnipotent sacrifice. How much more is the blood of the only begotten Son of God able to cleanse us from sin?

Dead works. Legalism is equated with sin. Because it is a lifestyle which can not cleanse us from sin.



Vrs.15 the mediator of the new testament. A mediator makes reconciliation between 2 parties

His blood is the redemption for the old covenant as well as the new.


"called" or employed, servants of God have the chance at eternal life.


Vrs. 16 the language switches from covenant to Testament to remind us that this is like a last will and testament.

Vrs. 17 a testament or Will is only put into use after the author of the will dies.

If I will you my car, you won't get it until I am dead

So the covenant is never placed in operation until blood is shed, which is the symbol of death genesis 9:

Gen9:4-6

Hebrews 9:18-19
So even the old "mosaic" covenant was dedicated with blood

So most sprinkle the book and all the people in blood.
This was the first real red-letter bible!

9:20 so the blood inaugurated the covenant.

Vrs.21 so everything including the tabernacle was sprinkled with blood since it was under this covenant.

The reason for all this blood was to cover sin. Because without the shedding of blood the wrath of God will never be appeased.

Hell is without blood to pay penalty for sin.
Everything hellhound is not atoned for. Everything of heaven is stoned by blood.

Vrs. 23 it was necessary that the earthly tabernacle be atoned this way. But the eternal heavens need s greater sacrifice.

Vrs. 24 Christ is just some religious leader.
He is personally going to Heaven to make God at peace with mankind,

Vrs.25-26 since Jesus is eternal he doesn't have to spend eternity offering sacrifices unto God. He is able to make one eternal sacrifice.

9:27 since Jesus was a man, a man only dies once

After word man faces judgement.
Jesus made one sacrifice for the sins of many. So that those who trust him will find him glorified as their savior on judgement day.

Hebrews 9:28 "We also see strict language that there will be a second "a second time" but not a 3rd or fourth etc.

Chapter 10

10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. ² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. ³ But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: ⁶ in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. ⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. ⁸ Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; ⁹ then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. ¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
¹¹ And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: ¹² but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; ¹³ from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. ¹⁴ For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. ¹⁵ Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, ¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; ¹⁷ and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. ¹⁸ Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
¹⁹ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹ and having an high priest over the house of God; ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) ²⁴ and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
²⁶ For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. ²⁸ He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: ²⁹ of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
³² But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; ³³ partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ³⁴ For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. ³⁵ Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. ³⁶ For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. ³⁷ For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. ³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

:1 shadow vrs. Image. A shadow identifies in a distorted way. But an image is a replica

This was an Imperfect system so it could never make anyone perfect

Vrs.2 if the system was perfect then it would have worked the first time instead of having to be repeated over and over.

Vrs.3 the sins then are brought up again and again.

Vrs.4 so then animals can not erase the stain of sin before God.

But what about the shedding of blood for remission of sins? 9:22
That was remissions of sins in the earthly tabernacle. These sacrifices were for justice in the nation of Israel. Yet they were not eternal sacrifices.

Vrs. 5-6 Our sacrifices are not required psalm 40:6.
Isaiah 1:11

But Christ has come as a body for us

He comes written in the volume of a book.
The Bible!
This is a prophecy about the completion of the canon of scripture.

Hebrews 10:7
Is a quote from psalm 40:8

The author of Hebrews is now meditating on this psalm

David was a man after God's own heart and in the psalms many times you can see Jesus coming through as is here.

Vrs 8The offerings and sacrifices of the temple could not satisfy the wrath of God.

Which are part of the mosaic covenant.

Jesus came to completely fulfill the covenant of Moses, in order to establish the New Covenant.

Vrs. 9 Jesus came to fulfill the law

Vrs. 10 so Jesus has established our sanctification eternally through his body once and for all.
This by the way, is in strict contradiction to the Roman Catholic doctrine of the mass. Whereby they re-offer his body and blood every ceremony.

Vrs. 11 no priest can satisfy this delimma of sin no matter how many sacrifices they make. Only Christ

Vrs.12 after Christ had made one sacrifice for sins sat down forever at the right hand of God.
Psalm 110:1, mark 16:19

Vrs 13. Awaiting his enemies to be in subjection to him.

Vrs. 14 in Christ sanctified offering he perfected/completed them which are sanctified/regenerated

Vrs. The holy spirit witness to us in our hearts about the great change that has taken place.

He then points us in vrs. 16 to the New Covenant.

Implying that God has made the change by putting the law into our hearts.

Vrs. 16

As well their minds. This not mystical but a cognitive process

And so in our spirit of faith we soon become convinced and assured of our salvation.

Vrs. 17 a forgivess or salvation which is permanent. No more remberance. As God is omniscient. This is speaking in relational terms.

Omniscient = all-knowing
If there is no remembrance of sin then there should be no more offering.!
Vrs. 19 Christians need boldness in pursuing there relationship with God the Father.
We have full access now to the Holy of Holies.
Vrs. 20 a "new and living way." Way meaning religion.
That is in the holiest of holies.
Through the body of Christ.
And now that we have the high priest of melchisedek Jesus Christ.
Over the "house of God" the church
Now we have a heart energized by the true faith.
And the true and faith ful Christian is boron again and regenerate.
We in God's congregation have full assurance of salvation
Vrs. 23 "profession of our faith"
Our beliefs which we preach )expanded gospel story)
Our bodies washed with pure water.

The baptism as well as the cleansing of that which is unclean
We are to keep our faith without changing it. Because our salvation never changes.
24. Let us love each other. And encourage each other toward that end.
25. Not forsaking church(assembling)
We are family!
Hebrews 10:25 the day draws near (the return of Christ: theologically the rapture of the church
26: "the knowledge of the truth"
The gospel of grace as taught in this epistle. " Sin" the sin specifically here would be to abandon the Christian faith.
The sacrificial system is done away with so there is no forgiveness outside of christian forgiveness.
27. So there is nothing left outside of Christianity but hell.
But remember this is for religious Christians who never accepted the gospel to be born again.
So life is torture because all that is left is judgement
28. The authority of Moses was unrelenting if proven by two or three witnesses.  The authority of Christ is absolute with eternal consequences (hell).
After all to reject the gospel is to mock the sacrificed blood of Christ and to insult the holy spirit of God.
30. The Hebrew people are accountable to their God. They know better than to question him. As such the new covenant people owe God Lordship.



We should fear God in Christ
32. "call to remembrance" the author is asking the hebrew Christians to remember when they were persecuted for leaving their traditions to be come followers of the way.
33. He asked them not only to remember their individual pain. But the pain of their friends and how alienated they felt.
34. They had compassion on the author as they gladly helped him out financially. Knowing they had a greater reward in heaven.
34. They had compassion on the author as they gladly helped him out financially. Knowing they had a greater reward in heaven.
Vrs. 35 do not lose faith because heaven is a treasure that is awaiting for you.
36. We need to be patient waiting for the results of our salvation.
37. With it is death or the rapture, Jesus is coming much sooner than we think.
38. We are acceptable by faith but if we donor we will have no reward
My soul.. The author is adding a revelation.


Christ=my soul" here



Vrs. 39 True believers have the holy spirit enabling them to persevere.

They are not headed to destruction.

Hebrews 11

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good report. ³ Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. ⁴ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. ⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ⁷ By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. ⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. ⁹ By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: ¹⁰ for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ¹¹ Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. ¹² Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. ¹⁵ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. ¹⁶ But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: ¹⁹ accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. ²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. ²² By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. ²³ By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; ²⁵ choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; ²⁶ esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. ²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸ Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. ²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. ³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. ³¹ By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶ and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷ they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Faith is here defined



"Substance" is actually old English. Referring to a numerical amount. Like in the situation of trading goods. It is an item of value



Tyndale's edition translated it as a confidence
It is confidence of things hoped for and the e idence of things unseen.
Scholars have noted that faith can be simply translated believe.

It is trusting in the knowledge of God's revelation
It should also be noted that faith is logical and should notbeconfused with fantasy
Vrs. Through this faith the "elders"
I would argue this is referring to the old testament patriarch's as opposed to clergy
Vrs 2 obtained a good report.
Vrs. By trusting in God's revelation we understand that God is the greater of all things
3b states that the material world was not made by the material world. Which contradicts evolution.
Vrs.4 abel is brought up first. It says that he pleased God through faith, which gave him a more excellent sacrifice. Not only was his sacrifice more proper, being a blood sacrifice. But it was a righteous/contrite heart that offered it. As a result his memory lives on as a testimony while so few of that dispensation are remembered.
Vrs.5 Enoch was "translated" or glorified, so that he could walk to heaven. By faith he pleased God, which enabled this to happen.
Vrs. 6 speaks for itself. Faith is the key to relationship with God and disbelief makes a relationship impossible.
Vrs.7 Noah had no proof of the coming flood, but because he feared the Lord, he went ahead to build this massive vessel. His act of faith condemned the unbelieving world. And he found righteousness and found eternal life by his faith.
Another example of faith, Abraham left his home and sure inheretance to wander around following God who had an unseen inheritance waiting for him.
Instead of living in a mansion. He lived in tents.
Vrs. 10 they were looking for an eternal city and eternal inheretance.
Isaac and Jacob also lived for this
Through a little faith Sara in her advanced age conceived a baby.
Which was not her loyalty but her evaluation that Word of Jehovah was a sure thing.
17 Isaac being "only begotten" and sacrificed is obviously a type/ a symbol of Christ.
Isaac was "only begotten" not in the sense being the only child born of Abraham, but in the sense of being the only child fathered by Abraham.
Abraham offering Isaac also showed That Abraham believed that should Isaac die he would still find the promises in the eternal realm and that his seed, would soon become heavenly.
Vrs 20 the blessing of Isaac was purely spiritual in nature. By faith.
Vrs 21 Jacob delivered his faith in the promises to his sons as well as he was at the end of his life.
Vrs.22 By faith Jacob recieve revelation and gave instruction concerning the grave.
23. Moses was seen as special by faith and his parents broke the law for his safety
Moses would reject the royal Egyptian heritage in order to live by faith with the afflicted Hebrews.
Vrs. 27 Moses replaced allegiance to a visible pharoah with an invisible Christ


This is proven in recollection of the Passover. Where Moses depended on the blood of the lamb to protect him from the angel of death.

Vrs. 29We see where Moses crossed the red sea by faith while the Egyptians drowned who had no faith in God.



Vrs. 30 faith in the falling of the walls of Jericho



The Faith of Rahab whom did not die like the other gentiles



Vrs. 32 the author simply doesn't have time to expound all the heroes of the old testament. Although stories from judges and Samuel and David ate coming to mind.



33-37 we are shown a wide variety of all their heroic deeds. As well as all the tortures and persecutions they endured, all through faith.



The world was not worthy of their ministry, yet they wandered the world like hobos.



Though they done these things and were faithful, they did not receive the promise.

The promise being the benefits of the Holy Spirit.

Whereas in the New Covenant we recieve the power of the holy spirit as seal for the new covenant.

Vrs. 40 and through which we shall be made perfect. Perfect here could refer to redemption leading to glorification or perfect meaning completeness.



Probably glorification. Since this is the last stage of salvation which the Hebrews have not attained.



Hebrews 12

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ⁴ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ⁵ And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: ⁶ for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸ But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ¹¹ Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. ¹² Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; ¹³ and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. ¹⁴ Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: ¹⁵ looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; ¹⁶ lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. ¹⁷ For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

¹⁸ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, ¹⁹ and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: ²⁰ (for they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: ²¹ and so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) ²² but ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, ²⁴ and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. ²⁵ See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: ²⁶ whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. ²⁷ And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. ²⁸ Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: ²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire.

Cloud of witness.

Heaven?

Moses in Egypt?

Vrs.2

The race is slowed down by the weight of sin.

When you race it is always good to focus on the finish line.

Maybe even past it.

This is why we are took forward Christ



Who "authored" meaning the created the gospel.


Christ performed the reality of the gospel to make it the greatest story ever told.

Also Christ finished or perfected our faith. He made it have value, because he made it the absolute truth.



For the joy= it made Christ happy to know that He would redeem his bride.



So he willingly endured the torture of the cross along with the shame in the sins of mankind.



And the man Jesus(humanity of Christ) is set or built as the horn/cornerstone/right hand of the Father.



Vrs. 3 consider/meditate on how Jesus put up with such contradiction or hatred of sinners. So that you don't think that your suffering is any worse.



Vrs. 4 You have not had to become a perfect blood sacrifice for sin.



Vrs. 5 the author is speaking to the Hebrew Christians. Showing how God relates to them as with a father to his children.

So that God "chastens" or disciplines His children. Which is of course a good thing.


Vrs. 6 discipline is done with love.

And so God scourgeth or spanks every son whom he receives (everyone who is born is God's offspring. However he only adopts the saints. Humanity is lost from his fatherhood without salvation.)



vrs. 7 so if you endure the suffering of God's chastening then it is a sign that you are a child of God.

Because a Father's job is disciplining His children.



Vrs. 8 but if you never experience any discipline from God, it could be a sign that you are a "bastard" or illegitamite Christian or fake.



Vrs. 9 the Hebrews recognized their natural fathers and recognized their role in discipline.

So obviously we should have more respect when our heavenly father disciplines us.



Vrs. 10



"a few days" figurative, a limited amount of time.



The parents chastening is not necessarily with a specific purpose. But the Father chastens us for the purpose of drawing us closer to him.



Discipline never "feels good" at the time. But it is still a good thing.

...



But the seed of chastening bears the fruit of righteousness.

Discipline brings out righteous behavior.



Vrs. Hanging hands are lifted up as well as weak knees.

Showing that chastening brings us a spirit and joy.



Vrs.13 this gives us "straight paths" taking away obstacles.



Helping to heal our hearts.



Vrs. 14

Follow a lifestyle of peace and holiness.

"no man may see the lord"

Metaphorical: "see" meaning to comprehend the Lord.

Vrs 15


"looking diligently"

Making sure we are properly educated on the gospel and grace



While we can't know each others hearts we can see the results of a Christian life style. If a person is not acting Christian it is probably because they are not thinking Christian.



If one is not born-again the first signs of apostasy will be the "root of bitterness"



Examples being fornicators, and profane persons. Another example is Esau who chose gluttony over God,

Vrs. 17 remember that after Esau rejected God he could never recieve the inheritance even after weeping and crying

Vrs. 18 describes the condition of Mt. Sinai at the point when Moses recieved the ten commandments



"for" this contrast is delivered as a result of the previous thoughts towards diligence.

The display is of dark images at the mosaic covenant. A solemn and possibly troubling time.



As they heard the trumpet and the voice open communication was shut off from them.



Thus in the mosaic covenant the relationship is strained.



Vrs. 20



Because the Hebrews were not holy, they would not endure the law of God



Not even an animal could touch the mountain because in their flesh they were defiled and had nothing worth blessing, just curses.



Vrs 21 even Moses could feel the conviction of guilt



Vrs. 22 instead we are come unto Sion. The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

This is no longer the judgement of death on earth. It is the judgement of life in heaven



The angels of heaven and the church

vrs. 23 "general assembly"  All the saints have congregated in Heaven.
"first-born" is referring to rank or status in the chain of inheretance.
The saints being adopted and imputed with christ righteousness now recieve his inheretance.
"written down."  Apprently there is a specific list of saints as ascertained by our Lord's foreknowledge.
"righteous men made perfect."  righteous could mean "justified by faith" or righteous living. hopefully both.   Obviously righteous does not equal perfect since they are being "made" perfect in heaven.
"and to the mediator of the new covenant"  Saving the best for Last Jesus is the reason for all of this heavenly reward.
"blood of abel" was a sign of judgement.
the blood of christ was a sign of redemption!

vrs. 25  Give authority to Him that speaketh.  seems to refer to Christ.  in comparison with Moses.  Once again the author is trying to remind the hebrew Christians that Christ is a greater authority than Moses though he spoke the word of God.  After all Jesus came from Heaven.

vrs. 26
  The parallel continues bringing up the fear and authority.  The shaking and calamity of Mt. Sinai which brought authority to Moses
with  the authority of Christ in the Millenial reign as indicated by the reference from
Haggai 2:6
..not on the local scale of the exodus but on a universal scale in the day of the Lord.

vrs. 27This tribulation removes those shaken things in order to make way for the things which can not be shaken.

vrs. 28 and as a result we can now recieve the kingdom which can not be removed.   Unlike Israel who survives conditionally.  The New kingdom will be the permanent heavenly dwelling plce.
Let us now be gracious that we may please God
vrs. for our God is a consuming fire.(referring to the justice of God.)

chapter 13

13 Let brotherly love continue. ² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ³ Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. ⁴ Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. ⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ⁷ Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. ⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. ⁹ Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

¹⁰ We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. ¹¹ For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. ¹² Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. ¹³ Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. ¹⁴ For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. ¹⁵ By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ¹⁶ But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
¹⁸ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. ¹⁹ But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
²² And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. ²³ Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. ²⁴ Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen.

Written to the Hebrews from Italy by Timothy.

Now that the theology is completed, it is now time to focus on our ethic and behavior for to day.
The classic love thy neighbor.  or more specificly "let brotherly love continue"
Brotherly is not to make "love exclusive" but simply special.  Treat those in the famly of Christ special.

vrs 2 "entertain strangers"  this is not simply an eastern hospitality.  In fact it is a biblical ordinance!
"entertaining angels" reminds us of the angels who visited Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

vrs 3.  "remember them that are in bonds" bonds=imprisoned.  the picture of being strapped down.
Churches need to keep fellowship with members in prison. praying for them and visiting them. Matthew 25:36
vrs.4 "marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled."  Marriage is the initial instution for mankind.  All human sociology in the christian worldview revolves around this premise.  So the way of the christian lifestyle is with respect to the traditional marriage.
  "whoremongers and adulterors God will judge"  Those who break their marriage vows will be judged by God.  Presumably an earthly curse.
vrs. 5 "let your conversation be without coveteousness"  This is by many thought to be the easiest of the commandments to break.  Yet it is also the measure of faith.  If you are guaranteed eternal life. and an abundant, glorified one at that.  Why would you have anything to covet from a dying world?
the assurance is in that God will never leave nor forsake us.  What a powerful promise!  This is reminiscent of parable of the prodigal son and the father's retort unto his oldest Son.
Vrs. 6 this gives us the power and strength to endure any pressure thrown at us from mankind.
vrs. 7 we should keep in mind those who have tuaght us the scriptures.  These are figures who were leaders and authorities within the congregation.  Follow them in their lifestyle and faith in the scriptures. (this naturally assumes leaders who are in accrod with scripture who have a good reputation with their lifestyle/conversation.)
vrs. 8 jesus is both eternal and immutable after all he is god.
which points us to the ultimate reality in our pursuit of this life, to be like christ
"diverse and steange" these doctrines are the many "isogetic" doctrines or those which are outside of scripture and with the context farther away from the truths of christ.
"it is a good thing for the heart to be established with grace."  We must focus our time and teachings on the central message of the cross. And of course, salvation. 
"not with meats" this is in opposition to ritualism.  as well as sacramentalism.  The idea that your spirituality is based upon your activities instead of the work of God.
vrs. 10 "we have an altar" the christians seemed impoverish just worshipping in homes while the jews had the mighty temple. Yet in reality there temple was heaven itself.  So they had nothing to covet the jews or anyone else upon this earth.'
vrs 11 Just as the body of the beast was burned outside the gates of the camp. Jesus body was crucified outside the gates of heaven.
vrs 12 As well as the gates of jerusalem allowing for those outside of israel to have reconciliation.
vrs. 13 the churches of christ must at this point break ties with secular Israel.
vrs. 14 we are no longer tied to perpetuating a secular city.  Instead we see the future coming israelof eschatology.
[Some may think this means that christians should permanently abandon the nation of Israel altogether.  But we should remember this passage in context.  Jerusalem was under the rule of apostate jews and a corrupt temple system. This was a separation from the people of this administration. It doesn't mean that we should not extend our freindship to jews and our protection to jews in need.  Israel has been now re-established.  It must be treated according to it's own merits.  This author recognizes Israel's right to it's land just as any other.  The prophecies will be fulfilled regardless of human intervention. But we should be careful to not interpret biblical historical accounts of Israel good or bad to affect our estimation of the current state and behavior of these people. Ezekiel 18]
vrs. 15 our means of sacrifice and praise worship today is in our words.  Whereby we praise Jesus christ.  THis is an on going worship of our Lord.
vrs. 16 we have the great blessing of God's pleasure in our worship. as our worship has been sanctified through christ. so that though our hearts are not always perfect. they are still found acceptable in worship of him.
vrs. 17 They that "have rule over you" we can assume are elders. since it is the elders and/or pastors who "watch over our souls"
also it is because they have to give an account for their souls.  This is good advice for both groups in any field of ministry.  Elders have to giove an account to God for how they ministered.  and elders may seem intrusive until you understand that they are doing so for the sake of your soul.  Much like a medical doctor. We need to make it easy on our pastors and deacons when they minister to us.
the author asked for prayers. Which is still aplicable to today's generation.  However his statement on having a pure conscience is referring back to the jews blaspheming his ministry and How he feels justified in His convictions as inspired of God.
vrs. 19 "restored to you" indicating the author has been away from these jews. We can deduce that he is wanting to come back to jerusalem, since the temple is in jerusalem.
vrs.20 "God of Peace"  this is distinguishing Jehovah from other gods.  The one who brought peace by Resurrecting our Lord Christ.
vrs. 21 "perfect in every god work"  perfect her means comeplete.  Something we can accomplish.  This is accomplished only through Jesus however.
vrs. 22 "suffer the Word of exhortation" suffer meaning patient or allow.  Basically listen to this epistle.. the author has done his best to summarize this so we must be careful to pay attention to every verse.
vrs 23 "Timothy is set at liberty"  Timothy has been set free from bondage. presumable if he pays the author's ransom, then he will go to jerusalem.
vrs. 24 paraphrase "Say hello to all the ministers and saints.  we of Italy say hello to you as well!"
vrs. 25.  and ending blessing of grace.  The epistle concludes.