College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Hebrews 2:10-15
The necessity of Christ's becoming a human being in order to accomplish this: Hebrews 2:10-18. a. To demonstrate His power over Satan: Hebrews 2:10-15.
Text
Hebrews 2:10 For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and through Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:11 For both He that sanctifieth and they are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:12 saying,
I will declare Thy name unto My brethren,
In the midst of the congregation will I sing Thy praise.
Hebrews 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold, I and the children whom God hath given Me. Hebrews 2:14 Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood. He also Himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death He might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Hebrews 2:15 and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Paraphrase
Hebrews 2:10 The salvation of mankind through the death of the Christ need not surprise you: For it belonged to God, Who is the last end as well as the first cause of all things, when bringing His many sons into heaven, to make the Captain of their salvation an effectual Saviour, through sufferings ending in death.
Hebrews 2:11 Wherefore, that He might be a perfect Saviour, both He Who with His own blood sanctifieth, or fitteth men for appearing in the glorious presence of God, (Hebrews 2:10.), and they who are sanctified, are all of one father, namely, Abraham, (Hebrews 2:16.) that, being his brethren, he might have a strong affection for them: for which cause, though Jesus be the Son of God, He is not ashamed to love mankind, and to call them His brethren.
Hebrews 2:12 Saying to His Father, when I appear in the human nature on the earth, I will declare Thy perfections to My brethren of mankind: In the midst of the congregation of My brethren I will sing praise to Thee for Thy goodness to men.
Hebrews 2:13 And again Messiah is introduced, saying, I will put My trust in Him. And again, in the same prophecy, Behold I and the children, that is, the disciples, whom God hath given Me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel. This likewise shows, that He was to appear in the flesh among the Israelites.
Hebrews 2:14 Since, then, the children given to the Son to be saved, participate of flesh and blood, by being born of parents who are flesh and blood, even He, to be capable of dying for them, in like manner partook of flesh and blood, by being born of a woman, that through death (the very evil which the devil brought on mankind by sin) He might render ineffectual the malicious designs of him who had the power of bringing death into the world, that is, the devil
Hebrews 2:15 And deliver from eternal death, those penitent persons who, through the fear of future punishment, have passed the whole of their life in a grievous bondage.
Comment
for it became Him
Paul, or the author, explained Christ's greatness. Now he shows why it was done:
a.
It was expedient.
b.
Because of the nature of God, it was becoming of God to do it.
c.
Because He loves, He would be constrained to do something about lost man.
for Whom are all things
A loving Father will commit all to the consecrated Son:
a.
Romans 8:17: Heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
b.
Hebrews 1:2: whom He appointed Heir
Christ has proven His worthiness but has not come unto the inheritance as yet:
a.
1 Corinthians 15:24: When He shall deliver up the kingdom to God.
b.
For the present, God is the owner of all things.
and through whom are all things
This can be said of both Christ and God.
a.
Of GodActs 17:28: In Him we live.
b.
Of ChristJohn 1:3: All things were made by Him.
c.
John 1:10: The world was made by Him.
d.
Colossians 1:16-17: By Him all things consist.
Creation is ascribed to the Son, but then all things are preserved by the power of God.
in bringing many sons unto glory
God is to add to His family through Jesus Christ:
a.
He desires all men to become part of His family.
1)
2 Peter 3:9: not wishing that any should perish.
2)
John 3:16: whosoever believeth
b.
We have the privilege of choosing to be born into this family, unlike into our earthly home, where we had no choice. What is our glory?
a.
Philippians 3:21: fashioned like His glorious body.
b.
1 Corinthians 15:43: It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. When will we have glory?
a.
We have some glory now:
1.
Romans 8:21: glorious liberty.
2.
1 Peter 4:14: spirit of glory.
3.
Ephesians 3:13: tribulation which is your glory.
b.
We have glory that is yet to come:
1)
Colossians 3:4: When Christ shall be manifested, then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory.
How do we receive this glory?
a.
2 Thessalonians 2:14: He called you through our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
b.
1 Peter 5:10; God of all grace who called you unto His eternal glory in Christ.
to make the Author of their salvation perfect
The Greek word for author is Archegos, a combination of two Greek words:
a.
The words mean to begin and to lead.
b.
The word Author is also translated Captain.
c.
Christ is our leader, and a perfect one.
d.
The idea of leadership is expressed elsewhere:
1.
Acts 5:31: A Prince, a Saviour.
2.
Acts 3:15: Prince of Life.
It is time the world should heed this Leader, Who alone can save.
perfect through sufferings
Suffering made Him perfectly qualified for the execution of His office:
a.
Christ was perfect in character, being without sin, but His experiences as man perfectly qualified Him to be a merciful High Priest.
b.
His perfection makes a good Bible study:
1.
Perfect in His life.
a)
Luke 23:4: Pilate found no fault.
b)
Hebrews 4:15: Tempted, yet without sin.
c)
1 Peter 1:19: Without spot.
2.
Perfect in His sacrifice.
a)
Isaiah 53:7: Openeth not His mouth.
b)
Luke 23:34: Prayed for His enemies.
c)
1 Peter 1:19: Without spot or blemish.
Suffering, tribulations, etc., serve to perfect us.
Romans 5:3: tribulation worketh stedfastness.
for both He that sanctifieth
What is meant by sanctifieth?
a.
The word is also translated consecrates.
b.
It means to set apart for a holy use, or to an office.
1.
2.
c.
It means to purify from pollution, either ceremonially or spiritually.
1.
CeremoniallyHebrews 9:9-10.
2.
Morally or spiritually1 Thessalonians 5:23.
d.
It means to purify from the guilt of sin by a free remission.
Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 10:18.
How are we sanctified?
a.
It is done in obedience to truth:
1.
John 17:19: Sanctified through the truth.
2.
2 Timothy 2:21: Vessels sanctified for the Master's use.
3.
1 Corinthians 1:2: Sanctified in Christ Jesus.
4.
1 Timothy 4:5: Sanctified by the Word. Who is meant by He?
a.
The connotation suggests Christ, for this one calls us brethren, and God does not do that.
b.
The other members of the Godhead do sanctify too.
1.
Holy SpiritRomans 15:16.
2.
GodJohn 10:36.
and they that are sanctified are all of one
What is meant by all of one?
a.
Some suggest one race, one blood, one offering.
b.
Newell: It speaks of one kind of quality of being, rather than mere unity. (p. 52)
c.
One inheritance (Romans 8:17) is suggested.
d.
Milligan says: Of one Father.
1.
This fits best, for we have a common Father with Jesus, Who calls us brothers.
2.
We do not have the devil as father, but Jesus-' own Father as our father.
for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren
Christ will be ashamed of all who are not sanctified:
a.
b.
If He calls us brothers, should we call Him brother?
a.
No, for we are brothers by grace.
b.
He is so much more than brother; He is Lord, God, Saviour, Master, King of kings, High Priest.
saying, I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren
This is a quotation from Psalms 22:22 :
a.
This is Christ speaking through David.
b.
The word declare is also translated proclaim.
The name of God is to be declared:
a.
Jesus in His miracles prayed and gave glory to God.
b.
John 1:18: Christ declared the God Whom men could not see. Who is meant by brethren?
a.
Some say, Christ also spoke to the Gentiles, and they were not His brothers.
1.
Mark 7:26: A Greeka Syrophoenician.
2.
John 4:9: Samaritan.
c.
This probably refers to the great victory when Christ and His brethren will be around the throne of God. Revelation 19.
In the midst of the congregation will I sing Thy praise
This phrase verifies the idea of Christ being with His church.
The church should praise God.
a.
Ephesians 5:19: Speaking. in psalms and hymns.
b.
Some churches roll up the rug on Sunday evening for dancing rather than for praising God.
And again I will put My trust in Him.
The source of this quotation is uncertain, for several places sound similar.
a.
Psalms 18:2 is suggested, for much of this Psalm is Messianic.
b.
2 Samuel 22:3, Isaiah 8:17; Isaiah 12:2 are suggested.
An alternate translation says, I will confide in Him.
Who is trusting who?
a.
Is the Christ trusting in God?
b.
Does Christ have faith in God, when He knows God personally?
1.
It is true that knowledge eliminates faith.
2.
Christ did not have faith in God's character or existence, for these He knew.
3.
Trust enters in when God's purposes are yet to be fulfilled.
c.
Christ is our perfect example of trust.
And again, behold I and the children whom God hath given Me.
This is a quotation from Isaiah 8:18.
a.
This quotation concerns Isaiah and his children and is applied to Christ and God's children, His disciples. (Milligan)
b.
The idea probably is that the elder brother and the children will trust in God. A warning is therefore needed. Hebrews 3:12: evil heart of unbelief.
What is meant by children given unto Me?
a.
It does not mean that we become children of Christ, but children of God in the church of Christ.
b.
See John 6:37: All that the Father hath given Me, will come unto Me.
Notice the similarity in names of the type, Isaiah, and the antitype, Jesus.
a.
Isaiah means salvation of Jehovah.
b.
Jesus means Jehovah's salvation.
Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood
The King James version says, partakers of flesh.
In flesh, man is sensuous, subject to infirmity and decay.
He also in like manner partook of the same
He did not become like an angel to save angels, but became like man to save man:
a.
Hebrews 10:5: a body Thou hast prepared.
b.
Philippians 2:5-11: took the form of a servant.
An immortal being cannot die, so Christ became mortal so that He could die for man.
that through death He might bring to nought
The Catholic Bible and the King James version translate nought as destroy.
a.
The word does not mean to annihilate, but to render useless. (Milligan)
b.
The devil is now only weakened; his power is gone. (Calvin)
c.
If these men are right, will the devil ever be destroyed? Yes. See Revelation 20:10.
through death is suggestive:
a.
Some accomplish in death that which they could not accomplish in life.
1.
Death of a mother, a wife, sometimes leads to the conversion of a father, a husband, a child.
2.
Death of men, when untimely, helps to make them national heroes, martyrs to a cause, and prompts men to arise to the cause.
b.
Through death Jesus could prove He had power over it, and authority over the grave. He demonstrated that He was the one who had the power over death.
1)
2)
him that had the power of death, that is the devil
The devil has an ambition, but his power is weakened:
a.
The meaning of his name:
1)
Diablos in Greek means accuser or slanderer.
2)
Satan in Hebrew means he who hates, an enemy.
b.
Pride was probably his downfall:
1 Timothy 3:6: lest being puffed up, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
c.
He works to control man:
1.
John 12:31; John 16:11: He is Prince of this world.
2.
John 8:34; 1 Timothy 3:7: He seeks to enslave and ensnare.
d.
His power to accuse man as he did Job of old is gone:
1.
He cannot slander us before God, for we have been accepted.
2.
Jesus breaks the power of sin, and thus death, the result of sin, is broken.
and might deliver all them
Some feel that this refers directly to the Gentiles who had no revelation, but we may say that all is world-wide.
Christ is a deliverer for all men, not simply a national hero. This suggests that Christ is the help of man to escape the works of the devil.
a.
This is proven by 1 John 3:8: That He might destroy the works of the devil.
b.
This word might is also translated may, which suggests futurity.
c.
Why does not God destroy the devil now?
1.
It would leave a vast number of orphans, for the devil's children are numerous.
2.
A destruction of the devil would change this world from one of choice.
who through fear of death
Why do men fear death?
a.
Because of pain, misery.
b.
Because of the darkness and corruption of the grave.
c.
Because of the uncertainty of their condition and destiny beyond it.
For the Christian it loses its terror and sting:
a.
1 Corinthians 15:55: O death where is thy sting?
b.
Psalms 23:1 Thou art with me.
c.
1 Thessalonians 4:18: Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
d.
2 Corinthians 5:8: at home with the Lord.
were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Bondage is twofold:
a.
Bondage to fear is the one specifically meant.
1.
Men dread death, work against it, spend fortunes to prolong life and to escape it.
2.
Death haunts us, if not for self, for our loved ones.
b.
Bondage to sin is likewise present. See Romans 6:16-18: Servants. of sin unto death.
What is the end of those who are in bondage to fear?
a.
The answer is plain.
1.
2.
3.
b.
Christ delivers from this end.
Romans 8:15: received the spirit of adoption.
Study Questions
250.
How does God obtain sons?
251.
Does God want many sons? See 2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16.
252.
Harmonize the expression, many with Jesus-' statement of the strait and narrow way.
253.
What will be our glory?
254.
Do we have any glory now?
255.
How do we obtain glory?
256.
Define the word author. What is its origin?
257.
What verses speak of Christ as a leader?
258.
How is the word, leader, translated by others?
259.
What made Christ perfect?
260.
Does this refer to His character?
261.
Could it refer to His quality as a leader?
262.
Discuss the verses that speak of Christ's perfection.
263.
Does it refer to His being qualified by suffering?
264.
Of what value are sufferings for us? See Romans 5:3.
265.
Give an exegesis of Hebrews 2:11.
266.
What does sanctification mean?
267.
Who sanctified who, according to chapter 2?
268.
When are we sanctified? See Ephesians 5:26.
269.
What is meant by, are all of one?
270.
Does the author refer to God, or to Christ?
271.
Does God ever call us brethren?
272.
What verse teaches that Christ will not be ashamed of us?
273.
Should we call Christ our brother?
274.
Do we have any record of Jesus singing?
275.
Where is this quotation found?
276.
What is the purpose of the singing?
277.
Who is meant by brethren?
278.
Whose name is declared?
279.
When will this singing take place? Revelation 19.
280.
Who has faith in whom?
281.
What is meant when it is said that Jesus would put His trust in God? Is faith present where there is knowledge? In what did He trust?
282.
Who are the children given to Christ?
283.
Are we children of Christ? cf. John 6:37.
284.
Why did Christ share in flesh and blood according to Hebrews 2:14?
285.
Why did Christ not take up the flesh of an angel?
286.
Why did He not remain immortal, and in heaven?
287.
Why is through death significant?
288.
What is meant by the word nought? Does it mean to annihilate?
289.
Does death prove a blessing in other realms?
290.
Could Christ die if He were not in the flesh?
291.
What could Christ prove by death? cf. 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15.
292.
How can it be said that the devil had the power of death?
293.
Is the past tense significant in the words, had the power of death?
294.
What does the word devil mean?
295.
What is the Devil able to do according to John 8:34; 1 Timothy 3:7?
296.
Hebrews 2:15 suggests deliverance from the fear of death. Do you feel that Christians are delivered, that they fear death less than non-Christians?
297.
Why are people fearful of death?
298.
Give verses that tell of man's freedom from the terror of death.
299.
What bondage is referred to?
300.
Is the devil's power destroyed outright? If notwhy not?