Hebrews 3:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus ( χριστὸν before ἰησοῦν is ill supported, and to be rejected from the text). Reference to what has gone before is perceptible throughout this verse. The persons addressed are "holy," as being among the "sanctified" ( Hebrews 2:11 ); "brethren," as being, with the writer, in this relation to Christ ( Hebrews 2:11 , Hebrews 2:12 , Hebrews 2:13 , Hebrews 2:17 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 3:1

Consider Jesus. The exhortation of this verse marks the transition from the first section of the treatise to those which follow. Its reference is both retrospective and prospective. Indeed, the whole Epistle says in effect, "Consider what is written herein concerning Jesus; for he is greater than the prophets, greater than the angels, greater than Moses and Joshua, greater than Aaron, and pre-eminent among the heroes of faith." I. A DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST . 1. The "Apostle"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Group of Brands