Page 46 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

however, that is the result of actually having suffered—one that is altogether different from a readiness
to suffer. This perfection is one that has completely carried out the purpose for which one (or
something) was designed. Thus, Jesus was perfectly fitted by God to carry out the task of being the
Savior of all men. Uttly explains that, “The Greeks loved to connect the concept of “learned” (emathen)
with “suffered” (epathen), for with them learning came from suffering (note the presence of assonance
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as well).”

CONTEXTUAL GUIDE

A. In 3:1 two terms are introduced to describe Jesus: "apostle" and "high priest." The second one is
uniquely developed in Hebrews (cf. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:5,10; 6:20; 7:26,28; 8:1,3; 9:11; 10:21).

B. The author of Hebrews knew that the concept of Jesus as high priest in the line of Melchizedek would
be difficult for his Jewish Christian recipients to accept.

C. The literary unit, 5:11-6:20, is a parenthesis in the author's discussion about Melchizedek to warn
both the believing Jews and the unbelieving Jews.

D. In 5:11-6:20 we have three key PRONOUNS: "we" (5:11); "you" (5:11-12–three times); and
"those"/"they" (6:4-8). These PRONOUNS reflect three groups.
1. "we" and "us," 5:11; 6:1-3, the writer and his/her missionary team.
2. "you," 5:11-12; 6:9-12, the believing Jews to whom the author is writing.
3. "those" and "they," 6:4-8, the unbelieving Jews who are co-worshipers and friends of the
recipients of the letter.

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB TEXT: 5:1-4
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to
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God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; he can deal gently with the ignorant and
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misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; and because of it he is obligated to offer
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sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. And no one takes the honor to himself, but
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receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.

5:1-4 Verses 1-4 describe OT Levitical high priests.
1. comes from one of the tribes (Levi)
2. Stands before God on humanity's behalf
3. Offers gifts and sacrifices for sin (cf. 8:3; 9:9)
4. Deals gently with sinners because he is a sinner (cf. Lev. 16:3,6)
5. Does not take personal honor, but is honored by God's choice and use

5:2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided" In the OT the sins of ignorance and passion
were forgivable through sacrifice (cf. Lev. 4:2,22,27; 5:15-18; 22:14; Num. 15:22-31), but sins of
premeditation were not (cf. Deut. 1:43; 17:12,13; 18:20; Psalm 51).

41 Uttly (Hebrews 5)
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