Superiority of Christ

Dear class,

Today's readings were taken from 2 Kings 23:21-27; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Nahum 1-3 and Hebrews 1.

Ah...the book of Hebrews. One of my favourite books! A stunning 13 chapters, packed with wisdom and practical tips.
From a literary perspective, the book stands out from the rest in the sense that it seems to combine a few structure types. As Rees, wrote of it, "Hebrews begins like an essay, proceeds like a sermon, and ends like a letter." Bro Tommy Hicks suggested this is one of the reasons why one does not find the writer identifying himself in the book, of which (the identify of the writer) has been of much debate. Bro Hicks suggested the following evidence of Pauline authorship -
1) The earliest historical testimony
"Pantaenus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen proclaim Paul to have been the author. Eastern churches have permitted that no one other than Paul wrote Hebrews, as far as history allows. While the West at first questioned the authorship of Hebrews, evidence brought the West to accept Paul as the author..."

2) The thoughts in the book of Hebrews are Paul's
"Most modern scholars accept Origen's assesment. Hence, the reason for their selections of those close associates of Paul as possible authors. Not only are the thoughts Paul's, but so is the arrangement of the book. 'The general method and arrangement of this epistle and of the acknowledged epistles of Paul are the same.' (emphasis his, TH) Even a novice cannot read Hebrews 13 without thinking of Paul as its author."

3) The author was a close associate of Timothy
"'Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you' (He. 13:23). From the beginning of his ministry (cf.Acts 16:1-3) until Paul's death (cf. II Ti.4:9, 11, 13, 19, 21), Timothy was a constant and faithful helper to Paul."

4) The author had been in bonds (or prison)
"'For ye had compassion of me in my bonds' (He. 10:34). Paul could certainly qualify to have made this statement. According to Luke's record, Paul had been placed in bonds in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 22:25), and was transported as a prisoner to Caesarea (cf. Acts 23:23) where he remained bound for two years (cf. Acts 24:27)...Furthermore, Paul was not only in bonds in Palestine, he was also in bonds in Italy (cf. Act 28:16)

5) The author was acquainted with Italian Christians
"'They of Italy salute you' (He. 13:24). SOme have suggested that this has reference to a group of Italians away from Italy sending greetings back to Italy. However, the language employed can also have refrebce to people from all around Italy who are acquaintances of Paul's as a result of his Roman imprisonment."

6) An inspired witness speaks
"Generally, it is agreed that II Peter was written to the Jews. In that letter an interesting statement is made. 'And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation;even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you' (II Pe. 3:15). Peter said Paul had written a letter to the Jews. Where is that letter? There is only one possibility in all of the New Testament. It could be non other than the book of Hebrews."

The most likely date seems to be the period just after Paul's first imprisonment, which is in A.D. 63.
The main theme in this book is that of the Superiority of Christ. We shall explore this aspect as we read over the next 2 weeks.

In chapters 1 and 2, we read of Jesus' superiority over the angels.
1) Superior lineage
First and foremost, Jesus was NOT a created being. We noted from John 1:1 that He was in the beginning WITH God. The expression "only begotten" in John 3:16 is one word in Greek and really the focus was to contrast the fact that Jesus was not a extraneous creation but really part of the Godhead. And also the fact Jesus was the one and only God, the Son. Just in case anyone had any ideas about the other "gods" being Sons as well.
The angels on the other hand, just like us, were created beings. As highlighted by Paul in v.5,6 the angels were not accorded to the privilege of "begotten". They were made spirits and ministers (v.7,14).

2) Superior Messenger
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 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;" (Heb 1:1-2)
As prophesied by Moses (Deu 18:15,18), Christ would be established as THE PROPHET, whose words would become the ultimate standard (Deut 18:19; Jhn 12:48). Sure, all the prophets before were inspired of the Holy Spirit (2Pe 1:21), but it was all for the purpose as a lead up to Christ. Even John the baptizer, who was described by Jesus as one  who "among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:", confessed that he was not Christ but as one, as with all those before him, paved the way to Christ. (Jhn 1:20;23)

3) Superior Rule
The earthly kings had limited time on earth. Even the longest lived individual would die at the appointed time. Yet, the rule that Christ was accorded to was "for ever and ever" (Heb 1:8).
Christ was to be in God's "right hand" - which essentially says Christ being the "ruling arm". Indeed, a glorious King of kings unto whom "every knee should bow" (Phi 2:10)!

As we allow the Word to bring to our remembrance God's glorious plan through Christ, let us take heed and make it our daily endeavour to follow after Christ, our superior example.

in Him
Paul


References cited
T. Rees, "Hebrews, Epistle To The:" International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. Eredmans, 1939. Vol II, p.1357
Hicks, Tommy J., "The Letter to the Hebrews - An Introduction" Studies in Hebrews. Ed. Dub McClish. Delight, AR: Gospel Light Publishing Co., 1983. 25-27

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. ~ John 21:24,25