Page 33 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

This variant was known to Origen and Jerome. Also the word "apart" (chōris) is used thirteen times in
Hebrews, which shows this author's tendency to use this term. Also according to Ehrman (p. 148), it
always is followed by an ANARTHROUS (no ARTICLE) NOUN.

2:10 "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things in bringing
many sons to glory

NASB "to perfect the author of their salvation"
NKJV "to make the author of their salvation perfect"
NRSV "should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect"
TEV "should make Jesus perfect"
NJB "make perfect. . .the leader of their salvation"

The term "perfect" (AORIST ACTIVE INFINITIVE) meant "to be complete, mature, equipped for the assigned
task" (cf. Eph. 4:12). The author of Hebrews uses "perfect" three times to describe Jesus (cf. 2:10; 5:9;
7:28) and three times to describe His followers (cf. 10:14; 11:40; 12:23).

Jesus was a true human being (cf. Luke 2:40,52). He grew in faith and obedience (cf. Luke 2:40,52). He
was tested by adversity (cf. 5:8-9). He faced and overcame every spiritual obstacle (cf. 4:15). He became
mankind's great example (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21).

"for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren" Jesus identifies Himself completely with
believing mankind. Through His suffering the image of God is restored in them. The next three OT
quotes (cf. vv. 12-13) seem somewhat out of context, but they are from Messianic passages using
rabbinical word plays. The context of vv. 10-18 identifies Jesus completely with His followers:
1. they both proclaim the Father
2. they both praise the Father
3. they both put their trust in the Father
4. Jesus (cf. the "I" of v. 13b) and His followers ("children" of v. 13b) are linked by God the
Father's gift to the Son
5. both Jesus and His followers share a human nature
6. both Jesus and His followers are tempted

2:15 "might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" Satan does not have
the absolute power over death (cf. Job 2:4-6; 1 Cor. 5:5), but he does hold the power of the fear of
death (cf. v. 15) which he holds over all mankind (cf. 1 Cor. 15:54-57). There is a personal force of evil
who is out to thwart all of God's will in this world (cf. John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 1
John 4:4; 5:19). Jesus has abolished death (cf. 2 Tim. 1:10) and He has the keys of hades and death (cf.
Rev. 1:18).

5.4 Let’s Practice…

1. To whom are the warnings of chapter 2 directed?

2. Does 2:6-8 refer to mankind or Jesus?

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