Page 48 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

NRSV" he was heard because of his reverent submission"
TEV" Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him"
NJB" winning a hearing by his reverence"

This phrase, like Rom. 1:4, was used to support the theological heretical concept of "adoptionism,"
which asserts that God rewarded the man Jesus because of His godly, obedient life. Care has to be
exercised here; the New Testament as a whole presents the paradox that Jesus was incarnate deity and
was rewarded for His good service! Somehow, both are true.

The differences in the English translations come from the ambiguity of the Hebrew term "fear,"
especially as it is used of mankind's relationship to God. It seems that it means "reverent awe" or piety,
not "terror of." Its basic meaning is "to hold on to securely" in the sense of doing the known will of God.

"He learned obedience from the things which He suffered" This whole section has emphasized both
Jesus as a "son" of God (cf. 4:14) and yet human (cf. "in the days of His flesh" v. 7, 5:7). He was tempted;
He prayed; He cried; He suffered; He learned obedience! It is difficult theologically to hold Jesus' true
deity and true humanity as one truth (one nature). Throughout Church history, heresies have developed
when either side is depreciated (cf. 1 John 4:1-3).

It is hard for believers to realize that they must follow Jesus' example. This was the problem the
believing recipients faced. Would they, like Jesus, follow through to the end, even it if involved
suffering? Suffering is part of the package (cf. 2:10; Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 16:1-2; 17:14; Rom.
8:17; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Pet. 4:12-19).

How could Jesus be perfected if He was deity? This must refer to His human development (cf. Luke
2:40,52). Suffering served a purpose of developing trust as nothing else could do. If it is true that God's
goal for every believer is Christlikeness (i.e., Rom. 8:29; Eph. 4:13), then why do modern western and
African Christians flee the very mechanism that produces maturity?

5:9 "and having been made perfect" This is an AORIST PASSIVE (deponent) PARTICIPLE. The word "perfect"
means "mature" or "fully equipped for the assigned task." The perfection or maturity of both Jesus and
His followers is a central concept in Hebrews (cf. 2:10; 5:9,14; 6:1; 7:11,19,28; 9:9,11; 10:1,14; 11:40;
12:2,23).

5:10 "being designated by God as a high priest according to the order" So far in Hebrews there have
been three titles for Jesus mentioned: (1) son, (2) apostle, and (3) high priest.

"the order of Melchizedek" Melchizedek is alluded to because he is the only person in the OT who is
called both priest and king, and who adequately fulfills the theological requirements of this rabbinical
argument. Melchizedek is a rather shadowy figure of Gen. 14:17-20 and Ps. 110:4 who is used to
describe the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Aaronic priesthood. See full discussion in chapter 7

"you have become dull of hearing" This context is unique in Hebrews in that three PRONOUNS are used:
"you" (5:11,12; 6:9-12), "we" and "us" (5:11; 6:1-3,9), and "those" (6:4-8). See contextual Insights, D.
This seems to support the supposed historical reconstruction that the book of Hebrews was written to a
group of believing Jews still content to worship in a synagogue setting with unbelieving Jews, never fully
embracing the consequences of the gospel.

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