Page 102 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

NRSV "for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace"
TEV "It is good to receive inner strength from God's grace"
NJB "it is better to rely on grace for inner strength"

This author often addresses the spiritual issue of the "heart" He quotes several OT texts.
1. 3:8,15; 4:7, "do not harden your hearts" (Ps. 95:8)
2. 3:10, "go astray in their hearts" (Ps. 95:10)
3. 8:10, "write them upon their hearts" (Jer. 31:33)

"not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefitted" This is an obvious
reference to Leviticus 11. The food laws had passed away in Christ (cf. Matt. 15:11; Mark 7:18-23; Acts
10; Col. 2:16-23). They were no longer binding on believers for salvation (cf. Galatians 3; Acts 15), but in
a church setting, believers were still to be conscious of "weaker brothers" (cf. Acts 15:19-20; Rom. 14:1-
15:6; 1 Corinthians 8; 10:23-33) and to try not to offend their weak consciences.

"let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE. The sacrificial
system, given to Israel to promote fellowship with God by dealing with the sin problem, involved five
types of sacrifices.

A. Two were mandatory
1. The "sin offering"
2. The "trespass or guilt" offering

B. Three were voluntary
1. Wholly burnt offering
2. grain/meal offering
3. Fellowship, or peace, offering

It is in connection with these last three that the concept of thanksgiving and praise are mentioned (cf.
Lev. 7:12). These sacrifices are described in detail in Leviticus 1-7. The Psalms mention this aspect of
adoration often (cf. Ps. 27:6;50:14; 69:30; 107:22; 116:17). The phrase "sacrifice of praise" comes from
the Septuagint (cf. Lev. 7:2,3,5; 2 Chr. 29:31; 33:16; Ps.49:14,23; 106:22).

13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who
will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no
advantage to you.

"Obey. . .submit" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE (A. T. Robertson lists it as a MIDDLE VOICE) IMPERATIVE and
PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Although individuals are free in Christ we must yield ourselves to spiritual
authority for growth and service (cf. v. 7; 1 Cor. 16:16; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). Even pastors should at least
have a person in life that must hold them accountable.

This word of encouragement to submit to Christian leaders is much needed in our day of disrespect for
authority of any kind, and an overemphasis on the rights and powers of the individual. God has placed
some as leaders among His people (note Num. 16:3-5). We honor them because of their call, training,
commitment, and service. However, there is an opposite "ditch." God's calling has been abused by some
authoritarian personalities. There must be a balance, a mutual respect, a co-operative spirit between

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