Hebrews 4:1-3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 4:1-10

Here, I. The apostle declares that our privileges by Christ under the gospel are not only as great, but greater than those enjoyed under the Mosaic law. He specifies this, that we have a promise left us of entering into his rest; that is, of entering into a covenant-relation to Christ, and a state of communion with God through Christ, and of growing up therein, till we are made perfect in glory. We have discoveries of this rest, and proposals, and the best directions how we may attain unto it.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 4:1-10

4:1-10 It is true that the promise which offers entry into the rest of God still remains for us; but beware lest any of you be adjudged to have missed it. It is indeed true that we have had the good news preached to us, just as those of old had. But the word which they heard was no good to them, because it did not become woven into the very fibre of their being through faith. It is we who have made the decision of faith who are entering into the rest, for of them God said: "I swore in my... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:1

Let us therefore fear ,.... Not with a fear of wrath and damnation; nor with a fear of diffidence and distrust of the power, grace, and goodness of God; but with a cautious fear, a godly jealousy, a careful circumspection, and watchfulness: lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest ; not the land of Canaan, the type of heaven, but rather heaven itself, the ultimate glory: there is a rest of the body in the grave, from work, service, and labour, and from distempers and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the Gospel preached ,.... The Gospel is the good news and glad tidings of salvation by Christ; and this may be said to be preached, when men preach not themselves, nor read lectures of morality, nor mix law and Gospel together, nor make justification and salvation to be by works, nor set persons to make their peace with God, or get an interest in Christ; but when they preach Christ and salvation alone by him; and so it was preached to the Hebrews, and that more fully, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 4:3

For we which have believed do enter into rest ,.... Not eternal rest; all believers shall enjoy this, and they only; but this is not now, or at present enjoyed, unless things future may be said to be present, because of faith in them, and the certainty of them but spiritual rest in Christ under the Gospel dispensation, which is a rest from the burden of the law of Moses, and from all toil and labour for life, and salvation by works, and lies in an enjoyment of much inward peace of soul,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:1

Let us therefore fear - Seeing the Israelites lost the rest of Canaan, through obstinacy and unbelief, let us be afraid lest we come short of the heavenly rest, through the same cause. Should seem to come short of it - Lest any of us should actually come short of it; i.e. miss it. See the note on the verb δοκειν , to seem, Luke 8:18 ; (note). What the apostle had said before, relative to the rest, might be considered as an allegory; here he explains and applies that allegory, showing... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the Gospel preached - Και γαρ εσμεν ευηγγελισμενοι· For we also have received good tidings as well as they. They had a gracious promise of entering into an earthly rest; we have a gracious promise of entering into a heavenly rest. God gave them every requisite advantage; he has done the same to us. Moses and the elders spoke the word of God plainly and forcibly to them: Christ and his apostles have done the same to us. They might have persevered; so may we: they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:3

For we which have believed do enter into rest - The great spiritual blessings, the forerunners of eternal glory, which were all typified by that earthly rest or felicity promised to the ancient Israelites, we Christians do, by believing in Christ Jesus, actually possess. We have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; are saved from the guilt and power of sin; and thus enjoy an inward rest. But this is a rest differing from the seventh day's rest, or Sabbath, which was the original... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:1

Verse 1 1.Let us therefore fear, etc. He concludes that there was reason to fear lest the Jews to whom he was writing should be deprived of the blessing offered to them; and then he says, lest anyone, intimating that it was his anxious desire to lead them, one and all, to God; for it is the duty of a good shepherd, in watching over the whole flock so to care for every sheep that no one may be lost; nay, we ought also so to feel for one another that every one should fear for his neighbors as... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 4:2

Verse 2 2.For to us, etc. He reminds us that the doctrine by which God invites us to himself at this day is the same with that which he formerly delivered to the fathers; and why did he say this? That we may know that the calling of God will in no degree be more profitable to us than it was to them, except we make it sure by faith. This, then, he concedes, that the Gospel is indeed preached to us; (68) but lest we should vainly glory, he immediately adds that the unbelieving whom God had... read more

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