by David E. Pratte - Bible Study Lessons

1 Commentary on the book of Hebrews Bible Study Notes and Comments by David E. Pratte Available in print at Commentary on the book of Hebrews: Bible Study Notes and Comments Copyright David E. Pratte , 2014. Minor revisions 2016. All rights reserved ISBN-13: 978-1503359321. ISBN-10: 1503359328. Note carefully: No teaching in any of our materials is intended or should ever be construed to justify or to in any way incite or encourage personal vengeance or physical violence against any person. Front Page Photo Model of the ark of the covenant (public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons). Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.

2 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.. Hebrews 9:1-11 (NKJV). Other Acknowledgements Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from Holy Bible , New American Standard La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible , English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (MLV) are from Modern Literal Version of The New testament , Copyright 1999 by G.

3 Allen Walker. Scripture quotations marked (RSV) are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible , copyright 1952 by the Division of Christian Education, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible , copyright 1978 by Zondervan Bible publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Study Notes on Hebrews Page #2. Other Books by the Author Topical Bible Studies Growing a Godly Marriage & Raising Godly Children Why Believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible ? (evidences). The God of the Bible ( Study of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Grace, Faith, and Obedience: The Gospel or Calvinism? Kingdom of Christ: Future Millennium or Present Spiritual Reign? Do Not Sin Against the Child: Abortion, Unborn Life, & the Bible True Words of God.

4 Bible Inspiration and Preservation Commentaries on Bible Books Genesis Gospel of Mark Joshua and Ruth Gospel of John Judges Acts 1 Samuel Romans 2 Samuel Galatians 1 Kings Ephesians Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Philippians and Colossians Job Hebrews Proverbs James and Jude Ecclesiastes 1 and 2 Peter Gospel of Matthew 1,2,3 John Bible Question Class Books Genesis Gospel of Matthew Joshua and Ruth Gospel of Mark Judges Gospel of Luke 1 Samuel Gospel of John 2 Samuel Acts 1 Kings Romans Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther 1 Corinthians Job 2 Corinthians and Galatians Proverbs Ephesians and Philippians Ecclesiastes Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians Isaiah 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Daniel Hebrews Hosea and Joel General Epistles (James Jude). Revelation Workbooks with Study Notes Jesus Is Lord: Workbook on the Fundamentals of the Gospel of Christ Following Jesus: Workbook on Discipleship God's Eternal Purpose in Christ: Workbook on the Theme of the Bible Family Reading Booklist Visit our website at to see a current list of books in print.

5 Page #3 Study Notes on Hebrews Other Resources from the Author Printed books, booklets, and tracts available at Free Bible Study articles online at Free Bible courses online at Free class books at Free commentaries on Bible books at Contact the author at Study Notes on Hebrews Page #4. Table of Contents Introduction to Hebrews .. 7. Hebrews 1 .. 14. Hebrews 2 ..25. Hebrews 3 ..35. Hebrews 4 .. 44. Hebrews 5 .. 55. Hebrews 6 .. 61. Hebrews 7 .. 69. Hebrews 8 .. 83. Hebrews 9 .. 91. Hebrews 10 .. 104. Hebrews 11 .. 122. Hebrews 12 .. 143. Hebrews 13 .. 156. (Due to printer reformatting, the above numbers may be off a page or two.). Notes to the Reader To save space and for other reasons, I have chosen not to include the Bible text in these notes (please use your Bible to follow along).

6 When I do quote a Scripture, I generally quote the New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated. Often especially when I do not use quotations marks I am not quoting any translation but simply paraphrasing the passage in my own words. Also, when I ask the reader to refer to a map, please consult the maps at the back of your Bible or in a Bible dictionary. You can find Study questions to accompany these notes at To join our mailing list to be informed of new books or special sales, contact the author at Page #5 Study Notes on Hebrews Introductory Thoughts about Commentaries Only the Scriptures provide an infallible, authoritatively inspired revelation of God's will for man (2 Timothy 3:16,17). It follows that this commentary, like all commentaries, was written by an uninspired, fallible human.

7 It is the author's effort to share his insights about God's word for the purpose of instructing and edifying others in the knowledge and wisdom found in Scripture. It is simply another form of teaching, like public preaching, Bible class teaching, etc., except in written form (like tracts, Bible class literature, etc.). Nehemiah 8:8; Ephesians 4:15,16; Romans 15:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:12-14; 5:12-14;. 10:23-25; Romans 10:17; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 8:4; 2 Timothy 2:2,24-26;. 4:2-4; 1 Peter 3:15. It follows that the student must read any commentary with discernment, realizing that any fallible teacher may err, whether he is teaching orally or in writing. So, the student must compare all spiritual teaching to the truth of God's word (Acts 17:11). It may be wise to read several commentaries to consider alternative views on difficult points.

8 But it is especially important to consider the reasons or evidence each author gives for his views, then compare them to the Bible . For these reasons, the author urges the reader to always consider my comments in light of Scripture. Accept what I. say only if you find that it harmonizes with God's word. And please do not cite my writings as authority, as though people should accept anything I say as authoritative. Always let the Bible be your authority. He who glories, let him glory in the Lord . 1 Corinthians 1:31. Study Notes on Hebrews Page #6. Abbreviations Used in These Notes ASV American Standard Version b/c/v book , chapter, and verse ESV English Standard Version f the following verse ff the following verses KJV King James Version NASB New American Standard Bible NEB New English Bible NIV New International Version NKJV New King James Version RSV Revised Standard Version Page #7 Study Notes on Hebrews Introduction to Hebrews Facts about Hebrews Theme Hebrews describes the advantages of the gospel over the old testament , written to admonish Christians of Jewish (Hebrew).

9 Background not to fall away from the gospel and return to Judaism. The recipients The book was evidently written to Christians. The author urges them to go onward from the basic principles of the gospel, become mature, and learn even to be teachers (5:12-6:2). Numerous passages urge them to hold on to the truth and not depart from it. Further, they were Hebrew or Jewish in background as shown by the numerous references to old testament characters and practices. Such emphasis would mean little to Gentiles, but would be familiar and important to those of Jewish background. It is not clear where these Hebrew Christians were located. The reference in 2:3 indicates that they had heard the gospel from eyewitnesses of Jesus, which would indicate they lived in Palestine. But 12:4 indicates they were not martyrs, which would mean they were not primarily in Jerusalem.

10 Other theories exist. The question cannot be answered conclusively and so must not be of great importance. (King and Horne include substantial discussions in their introduction for those who wish to pursue the question further.). Apparently these Christians had been converted from Judaism but were now facing temptation to return to their former beliefs. It appears that they were being persecuted for their present faith. This is evident from the numerous references throughout the book urging them to hold fast the message of the gospel and not depart from it. To motivate them to continue in the gospel, the author gives an extended comparison between the old testament and the New testament , showing the advantages of the new over the old. The term Hebrew was used for Abraham in Genesis 14:13.