Hebrews 3:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1

The sublimest contemplation. "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling," etc. I. THE CHARACTERIZATION OF CHRISTIANS . 1. They are fraternal in relation. "Brethren." These Hebrew Christians were brethren in a twofold sense to the writer of the Epistle—first, as being his kindred according to the flesh; and next, as being of the same religious faith. Every Christian is a member of a glorious brotherhood. We are brothers inasmuch as we have all one Father... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1

Heavenly things. There are four heavenly things spoken of in this Epistle which it may be well here to connect together. I. THE HEAVENLY CALLING . Elsewhere the upward calling. A voice out of the pure, the abiding, the unchangeable. A voice of love, pity, invitation, authority, such as could not sound from anywhere in this distracted, defiled world. II. THE HEAVENLY GIFT . The δώρεα —the free donation of God; the gift bestowed for men to taste and live by; the bread... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1

What Christ is to us. I. CONSIDER THE PEOPLE HERE ADDRESSED , AND THE SPEAKER IN RELATION TO THEM . Amid the endless, fruitless discussion as to the authorship of this Epistle, so much at least it is not unreasonable to conclude, that the author was a Hebrew Christian, not a Gentile one. The Hebrews were now divided into what might be called Christian Hebrews and non-Christian Hebrews—Hebrews of the gospel and Hebrews of the Law—and in addressing the Christian... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1-6

The superiority of Christ to Moses the reason why they should cleave to Christ. The writer has met the objection to Christianity raised by the supposed want of dignity in its Founder, as opposed to the greatness of the angels through whom the old dispensation was said to be "ordained." He proceeds to deal with another objection. "The Law was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator;" but, he says, however great this mediator was, Christ is greater still. Subject—The superiority... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1-6

The superiority of Christ. I. HERE WE HAVE THE PRE - EMINENCE OF CHRIST OVER THE JEWISH LAWGIVER ASSERTED . Having proved that our Lord was by nature and by his work infinitely above the angels, and that his assuming our flesh qualified him to be the great High Priest, it was desirable to show that he was immeasurably greater than Moses, who was the human mediator in establishment of the covenant and Law. The apostle knew the luster with which the name and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1-19

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:2

Who was faithful (or, as being faithful ) to him that appointed (literally, made ) him, as also Moses was in all his house . The reference is to what was said of Moses ( Numbers 12:7 ), "My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house," and serves aptly to introduce the intended comparison of Christ with him. In respect of faithfulness to him who constituted him in his office, Christ resembles Moses; in respect to his office itself, it is to be shown that he is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:2-6

Christ greater than Moses It was a delicate thing to utter such a thought even to many of the Jews who had embraced Christianity, for the whole Hebrew nation guarded with intense jealousy the name and fame of Moses. But the writer acknowledges to the full the lofty dignity and splendid services of the ancient lawgiver, and then proceeds to show that Jesus Christ has been counted worthy of still greater honor. I. CHRIST 'S SIMILARITY TO MOSES . ( Hebrews 3:2 ) The very fact... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 3:1

Wherefore - That is, since Christ sustains such a character as has been stated in the previous chapter; since he is so able to succour those who need assistance; since he assumed our nature that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, his character ought to be attentively considered, and we ought to endeavor fully to understand it.Holy brethren - The name “brethren” is often given to Christians to denote that they are of one family. It is “possible,” also, that the apostle may have... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 3:2

Who was faithful - see the note, Hebrews 2:17. He performed with fidelity all the functions entrusted to him.To him that appointed him - Margin, “made.” The word “made,” however, is used in the sense of constituted, or appointed. The meaning is, that he was faithful to God. Perhaps Paul urges on them the necessity of considering “his fidelity” in order to keep “them” from the danger of apostasy. A leading object of this Epistle was to preserve those whom he had addressed from apostatizing from... read more

Group of Brands