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Hebrews Chapter
Five
Hebrews 5
The epistle then develops the priesthood of the Lord
Jesus
comparing it with that of Aaron; but
as we shall see
with a view to
bring out the difference rather than the resemblance between them
although
there is a general analogy
and the one was a shadow of the other.
This comparison is made in chapter 5:1-10. The line of argument is
then interrupted
though the ground of argument is enlarged and developed
till
the end of chapter 7
where the comparison with Melchizedec is pursued; and the
change of law
consequent on the change of priesthood
is stated
which
introduces the covenants and all that relates to the circumstances of the Jews.
A priest then as taken from among men (he is not here
speaking of Christ
but of that with which he compares Him) is ordained for men
in things pertaining to God
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for
sins; he is able to feel the miseries of others because he is himself compassed
with infirmity
and offers therefore for himself as well as for the people.
Moreover no one takes this honour to himself
but receives it
as Aaron did
being called of God. The epistle will speak farther on of the sacrifice-here of
the person of the priest
and of the order of the priesthood.
So that Christ glorified not Himself to become a High
Priest. The glory of His Person
manifested as man on the earth
and that of
His function
are both of them plainly declared of God: the first
when He
said
"Thou are my Son
this day have I begotten thee" (Psalm 2); the
second
in these words
"Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchizedec." (Psalm 110) Such then in both personal and official glory is
the High Priest
the expected Messiah
Christ.
But His glory (although it gives Him His place in honour
before God
and consequent on redemption
so that He can undertake the people's
cause before God according to His will) does not bring Him near to the miseries
of men. It is His history on earth which makes us feel how truly able He is to
take part in them. "In the days of his flesh
" that is
here below
He went into all the anguish of death in dependence on God
making His request
to Him who was able to save Him from it. For
being here in order to obey and
to suffer
He did not save Himself. He submitted to everything
obeyed in
everything
and depended on God for everything.
he was heard because of His fear. It was proper that He who took death
on Himself
as answering for others
should feel its whole weight upon His
soul. He would neither escape the consequences of that which He had undertaken
(compare chapter 2)
nor fail in the just sense of what it was thus to be under
the hand of God in judgment. His fear was His piety
the right estimation of
the position in which sinful man was found
an what must come from God because
of it. For Him however to suffer the consequences of this position was
obedience. And this obedience was to be perfect
and to be tried to the utmost.
He was the Son
the glorious Son of God. But thought this
was so
He was to learn obedience (and to Him it was a new thing)
what it was
in the world
by all that He suffered. And
having deserved all glory
He was
to take His place as the glorified Man-to be perfected; and in that position to
become the cause of eternal salvation (not merely temporal deliverances) to
them that obey Him; a salvation which taken in consequence of His work of
obedience
saluted by God as "High Priest after the order of
Melchizedec."
That which follows to the end of chapter 6 is a
parenthesis which refers to the condition of those to whom the epistle is
addressed. They are blamed for the dullness of their spiritual intelligence
and encouraged at the same time by the promises of God; the whole with
reference to their position as Jewish believers. Afterwards the line of
instruction with regard to Melchizedec is again resumed.
For the time
they ought to have been able to teach:
nevertheless they needed that some one should teach them the elements of the
oracles of God-requiring mild instead of meat.
We may observe that there is no greater hindrance to
progress in spiritual life and intelligence than attachment to an ancient form
of religion
which
being traditional and not simply personal faith in the
truth
consists always in ordinances
and is consequently carnal and earthly.
Without this people may be unbelievers; but under the influence of such a
system piety itself-expended in forms-makes a barrier between the would and the
light of God: and these forms which surround
preoccupy
and hold the affections
captive
prevent them from enlarging and becoming enlightened by means of
divine revelation. Morally (as the apostle here expresses it) the senses are
not exercised to discern both good and evil.
But the Holy Ghost will not limit Himself to the narrow
circle and the weak and futile sentiments of human tradition
nor even to those
truths which
in a state like this
one is able to receive. In such a case
Christ has not His true place. And this our epistle here develops.
Milk belongs to babes
solid food to those who are of
full age. This infancy was the soul's condition under the ordinances and
requirements of the law. (Compare Gal 4:1
seqq.) But there was a revelation of
the Messiah in connection with these two states-of infancy and of manhood. And
the development of the word of righteousness
of the true practical
relationships of the soul to God according to His character and ways
was in
proportion to the revelation of Christ
who is the manifestation of that
character
and the center of all those ways. Therefore it is that
in chapter
5:12
13 the epistle speaks of the elements
the beginning
of the oracles of
God
and of the work of righteousness; in chapter 6:1
of the word of the
beginning
or of the first principles
of Christ.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Hebrews》
Hebrews 5
Chapter Contents
The office and duty of a high priest abundantly answered
in Christ. (1-10) The Christian Hebrews reproved for their little progress in
the knowledge of the gospel. (11-14)
Commentary on Hebrews 5:1-10
(Read Hebrews 5:1-10)
The High Priest must be a man
a partaker of our nature.
This shows that man had sinned. For God would not suffer sinful man to come to
him alone. But every one is welcome to God
that comes to him by this High
Priest; and as we value acceptance with God
and pardon
we must apply by faith
to this our great High Priest Christ Jesus
who can intercede for those that
are out of the way of truth
duty
and happiness; one who has tenderness to
lead them back from the by-paths of error
sin
and misery. Those only can
expect assistance from God
and acceptance with him
and his presence and
blessing on them and their services
that are called of God. This is applied to
Christ. In the days of his flesh
Christ made himself subject to death: he
hungered: he was a tempted
suffering
dying Jesus. Christ set an example
not
only to pray
but to be fervent in prayer. How many dry prayers
how few wetted
with tears
do we offer up to God! He was strengthened to support the immense
weight of suffering laid upon him. There is no real deliverance from death but
to be carried through it. He was raised and exalted
and to him was given the
power of saving all sinners to the uttermost
who come unto God through him.
Christ has left us an example that we should learn humble obedience to the will
of God
by all our afflictions. We need affliction
to teach us submission. His
obedience in our nature encourages our attempts to obey
and for us to expect
support and comfort under all the temptations and sufferings to which we are
exposed. Being made perfect for this great work
he is become the Author of
eternal salvation to all that obey him. But are we of that number?
Commentary on Hebrews 5:11-14
(Read Hebrews 5:11-14)
Dull hearers make the preaching of the gospel difficult
and even those who have some faith may be dull hearers
and slow to believe.
Much is looked for from those to whom much is given. To be unskilful
denotes
want of experience in the things of the gospel. Christian experience is a
spiritual sense
taste
or relish of the goodness
sweetness
and excellence of
the truths of the gospel. And no tongue can express the satisfaction which the
soul receives
from a sense of Divine goodness
grace
and love to it in
Christ.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Hebrews》
Hebrews 5
Verse 1
[1] For
every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining
to God
that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
For every high priest being taken from among
men — Is
till he is taken
of the same rank
with them.
And is appointed —
That is
is wont to be appointed.
In things pertaining to God — To bring God near to men
and men to God.
That he may offer both gifts — Out of things inanimate
and animal sacrifices.
Verse 2
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant
and on them that are out of the
way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Who can have compassion — In proportion to the offence: so the Greek word signifies.
On the ignorant —
Them that are in error.
And the wandering —
Them that are in sin.
Seeing himself also is compassed with
infirmity — Even with sinful infirmity; and so needs
the compassion which he shows to others.
Verse 4
[4] And
no man taketh this honour unto himself
but he that is called of God
as was
Aaron.
The apostle begins here to treat of the
priesthood of Christ. The sum of what he observes concerning it is
Whatever is
excellent in the Levitical priesthood is in Christ
and in a more eminent
manner; and whatever is wanting in those priests is in him.
And no one taketh this honour — The priesthood.
To himself
but he that is called of God
as
was Aaron — And his posterity
who were all of them
called at one and the same time. But it is observable
Aaron did not preach at
all; preaching being no part of the priestly office.
Verse 5
[5] So
also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said
unto him
Thou art my Son
to day have I begotten thee.
So also Christ glorified not himself to be an
high priest — That is
did not take this honour to
himself
but received it from him who said
Thou art my Son
this day have I
begotten thee - Not
indeed
at the same time; for his generation was from
eternity. Psalms 2:7.
Verse 6
[6] As he saith also in another place
Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
Verse 7
[7] Who
in the days of his flesh
when he had offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death
and was
heard in that he feared;
The sum of the things treated of in the
seventh and following chapters is contained
Hebrews 5:7-10; and in this sum is admirably
comprised the process of his passion
with its inmost causes
in the very terms
used by the evangelists.
Who in the days of his flesh — Those two days
in particular
wherein his sufferings were at the
height.
Having offered up prayers and supplications — Thrice.
With strong crying and tears — In the garden.
To him that was able to save him from death — Which yet he endured
in obedience to the will of his Father. And being
heard in that which he particularly feared - When the cup was offered him
first
there was set before him that horrible image of a painful
shameful
accursed death
which moved him to pray conditionally against it: for
if he
had desired it
his heavenly Father would have sent him more than twelve
legions of angels to have delivered him. But what he most exceedingly feared
was the weight of infinite justice; the being "bruised" and "put
to grief" by the hand of God himself. Compared with this
everything else
was a mere nothing; and yet
so greatly did he ever thirst to be obedient to
the righteous will of his Father
and to "lay down" even "his
life for the sheep
" that he vehemently longed to be baptized with this
baptism
Luke 12:50. Indeed
his human nature needed the
support of Omnipotence; and for this he sent up strong crying and tears: but
throughout his whole life
he showed that it was not the sufferings he was to
undergo
but the dishonour that sin had done to so holy a God
that grieved his
spotless soul. The consideration of its being the will of God tempered his
fear
and afterwards swallowed it up; and he was heard not so that the cup should
pass away
but so that he drank it without any fear.
Verse 8
[8]
Though he were a Son
yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Though he were a Son — This is interposed. lest any should be offended at all these instances
of human weakness. In the garden
how frequently did he call God his Father! Matthew 26:39
etc. And hence it most evidently
appears that his being the Son of God did not arise merely from his resurrection.
Yet learned he —
The word learned
premised to the word suffered
elegantly shows how willingly
he learned. He learned obedience
when be began to suffer; when he applied
himself to drink that cup: obedience in suffering and dying.
Verse 9
[9] And being
made perfect
he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him;
And being perfected — By
sufferings
Hebrews 2:10; brought through all to glory.
He became the author — The procuring and efficient cause.
Of eternal salvation to all that obey him — By doing and suffering his whole will.
Verse 10
[10]
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Called —
The Greek word here properly signifies surnamed. His name is
"the Son of
God." The Holy Ghost seems to have concealed who Melchisedec was
on
purpose that he might be the more eminent type of Christ. This only we
know
-that he was a priest
and king of Salem
or Jerusalem.
Verse 11
[11] Of
whom we have many things to say
and hard to be uttered
seeing ye are dull of
hearing.
Concerning whom —
The apostle here begins an important digression
wherein he reproves
admonishes
and exhorts the Hebrews.
We — Preachers of the
gospel.
Have many things to say
and hard to be
explained — Though not so much from the
subject-matter
as from your slothfulness in considering
and dulness in
apprehending
the things of God.
Verse 12
[12] For
when for the time ye ought to be teachers
ye have need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such
as have need of milk
and not of strong meat.
Ye have need that one teach you again which
are the first principles of religion. Accordingly these are enumerated in the
first verse of the ensuing chapter.
And have need of milk — The first and plainest doctrines.
Verse 13
[13] For
every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is
a babe.
Every one that useth milk — That neither desires
nor can digest
anything else: otherwise strong
men use milk; but not milk chiefly
and much less that only.
Is unexperienced in the word of righteousness — The sublimer truths of the gospel. Such are all who desire and can
digest nothing but the doctrine of justification and imputed righteousness.
Verse 14
[14] But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age
even those who by reason of
use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
But strong meat —
These sublimer truths relating to "perfection
" Hebrews 6:1.
Belong to them of full age
who by habit — Habit here signifies strength of spiritual understanding
arising from
maturity of spiritual age. By
or in consequence of
this habit they exercise
themselves in these things with ease
readiness
cheerfulness
and profit.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Hebrews》
Chapter 5. Superior to Aaron
To Be a High
Priest
No One Takes Upon Himself
I. About
Earthly Priests
II. Learn
Obedience from Suffering
III. Slow to
Learn
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
Christ's Qualifications As High Priest (5:1-10)
INTRODUCTION
1. A recurring theme in this epistle is that of Jesus as our High Priest; He has been described as: a. A "merciful and faithful High Priest" - He 2:17 b. The "High Priest of our confession" - He 3:1 c. A "great High Priest who has passed through the heavens" - He 4:14
d. A High Priest who can "sympathize with our weaknesses" - He 4:15 2. This is in keeping with the overall purpose of the epistle... a. Which is to show the superiority of Jesus and His new covenant b. We have considered Jesus' superiority to... 1) Prophets - He 1:1-3 2) Angels - He 1:4-2:18 3) Moses - He 3:1-6 ...it is only natural that a comparison to Aaron and his priesthood be made 3. The actual comparison with Aaron will follow later
but first there is a need to... a. Review the qualities required in high priests b. Establish that Jesus does indeed qualify as a High Priest -- Which is what we find in the text for our study today - He 5:1-10 [For non-Jewish readers who may be unfamiliar with the role of high priests
this section of Scripture can be enlightening and increase ourappreciation of Jesus as our High Priest. We begin by noticing...] I. THE QUALITIES REQUIRED IN HIGH PRIESTS (1-4)
A. DIVINE APPOINTMENT (1
4) 1. The work of the high priest involves "things pertaining to God" - cf. He 2:17 2. He must "offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins" - cf. He 8:3
-- Thus only God can rightfully select a high priest
even as God called Aaron - e.g.
Exo 28
29; Lev 8
9; Num 16-18 B. HUMAN SYMPATHY (1-3) 1. A high priest is selected "from among men" 2. This helps to ensure a spirit of "compassion"... a. Toward "those who are ignorant and going astray" 1) Note that the high priest was to make a distinction between sins of ignorance and sins of presumption (rebellion) - Num 15:22-31 2) Sacrifices were to be offered in behalf of the former
but not the latter b. For "he himself is often beset by weakness" 1) A high priest who knew his own weakness would be more likely to be understanding of his brethren 2) It also explains why the high priest in the OT offered sacrifices for his own sins
as well as for the sins of the people - cf. Lev 16:11 -- Thus a high priest would need to be well acquainted with the "human condition" (i.e.
the struggle against temptation) [The parallel between high priests in the OT and Jesus as our High Priest does not hold true in every minute detail (e.g.
He 7:26-27). But certainly in the most fundamental ways Jesus has the qualities to be our High Priest
as we now consider...] II. CHRIST'S QUALIFICATIONS AS HIGH PRIEST (5-8)
A. DIVINELY APPOINTED (5
6) 1. Christ was Divinely called to serve as High Priest
just as Aaron was 2. As evidence of His calling
two Messianic prophecies are offered... a. His position as God's Son - cf. Ps 2:7 b. His appointment as a priest after the order of Melchizedek - cf. Ps 110:4 -- As God's Son
sitting and ruling at the right hand of God (cf. Ps 110:1-3)
His calling as a priest is only natural B. SYMPATHETIC BECAUSE OF HIS OWN SUFFERINGS (7
8) 1. While "in the days of His flesh"
Christ... a. "offered prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears" b. He prayed "to Him who was able to save Him from death" c. He was heard "because of His godly fear" 2. That Jesus would have "godly fear" and offer such prayers provides insight into the extent of His temptations and sufferings in the flesh - cf. also He 2:18; 4:15 3. Even though He was God's Son
by the things which He suffered "He learned obedience" - what does this mean? a. Certainly He knew obedience as the Son of God b. Perhaps it means He came to know what obedience involved as one "in the flesh" (i.e.
the challenge of obedience in the midst of suffering
temptations
etc.) -- Through His suffering
Jesus certainly understands the "human condition" which qualifies Him to serve as High Priest [Qualified by virtue of His calling and His compassion to be a High Priest
what kind of High Priest is Jesus? The next two verses introduce two themes that will be developed much further later on...] III. CHRIST'S CALLING AS OUR HIGH PRIEST (9 10)
A. "THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION" (9) 1. "Perfected" by virtue of His sufferings "in the flesh"
He has become the "author" of eternal salvation a. The word "author" comes from aitio
meaning literally
"cause" b. Later
we will see how Christ is the "cause" of our salvation - cf. He 7:24-27 2. But for now
note that He is the cause of salvation for "all those who obey Him"
a. Is obedience necessary for salvation? Consider these verses: 1) Jesus will bring vengeance on those who have not obeyed the gospel - 2 Th 1:7-9; cf. 1 Pe 4:17-18 2) Paul sought to bring about the "obedience to the faith" among all the nations - Ro 1:5; 16:25-26 a) But not all had obeyed the gospel - Ro 10:16 b) Yet he was grateful for those who had - Ro 6:17
18 3) Those who have obeyed the truth have purified their souls - 1 Pe 1:22 b. If obedience is necessary for salvation
are we then saved by works? 1) Not if by "works" you mean "meritorious works" (works by which we EARN salvation) 2) But if you mean by "works" the "works of God" (works by which we RECEIVE God's unmerited gift of salvation) which God has ordained
then yes! a) E.g.
believing in Christ is a "work of God" - Jn 6:28-29
b) Since repentance and baptism are likewise enjoined by God
they too would be "works of God" that we must obey in order to receive salvation - e.g.
Ac 2:38;10:48
-- Thus salvation "by grace through faith" does not preclude the necessity of obedience to Christ and His gospel! B. "ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK" (10) 1. Here we begin to learn the distinct nature of Christ's priesthood 2. As prophesied in Psa 110:4
the Messiah would be "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" 3. Thus His priesthood would be different from the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood a. Different
but would it be superior? b. Would the difference be enough to persuade them not to forsake Christ? -- The difference between the two priesthoods and the superiority of Christ's over Aaron's is taken up later in this epistle (cf. He 7:1-28) CONCLUSION
1. The spiritual immaturity of the Hebrew readers will necessitate a temporary digression (cf. He 5:11-6:20) 2. But for the moment
the author has established "Christ's Qualifications As High Priest"...
a. He was Divinely appointed b. He is sympathetic because of His own sufferings 3. This makes Jesus suitable as the "author of eternal salvation" a. But don't forget that He is the author of salvation "to all whoobey Him"
b. Have you rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ? - cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:36-39
Marks Of Spiritual Immaturity (5:11-14)
INTRODUCTION
1. Just because one has been a Christian for many years
does not mean they are "mature" a. They may be like the person who had been teacher for twenty-five years... 1) When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion
she applied for the position. However
someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. 2) She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded
"I'm sorry
but you haven't had 25 years of experience as you claim; you've had only one year's experience 25 times." -- During that whole time the teacher had not improved! b. So it may be with many Christians; they have not grown
but simply repeated their first year of spiritual life many times! 2. The lack of spiritual growth (i.e.
spiritual immaturity) is a dangerous thing... a. For there may be blessings to be enjoyed in Christ that only the mature Christian can truly understand and appropriate b. If one remains spiritually immature
they do not come to fully appreciate their standing and blessings that they have in Christ! -- Deprived of a greater understanding
they are more susceptible to the wiles of the devil 3. The author of the book of Hebrews found himself faced with this problem... a. He had much to say about Christ as our High Priest b. But the spiritual immaturity of his readers made it difficult -- And so he thought it necessary to temporarily digress - He 5:11-14
4. How about you? a. Are you growing as a Christian? b. Or are you repeating your first year over and over again
remaining spiritual immature? -- Do you know how to determine whether you are spiritually mature? [In our text we find some of the identifying "Marks Of Spiritual Immaturity" indicators that reveal when one is in need of "growing up"
spiritually. For example
one mark of spiritual immaturity is...] I. DULLNESS OF HEARING (11)
A. THE HEBREWS HAD BECOME "DULL OF HEARING"... 1. This prevented the writer from continuing with his argument at the moment 2. While the material he had to share was "hard to explain"... a. It wasn't so much the difficulty of the material itself b. As it was their own inability to receive it! 3. That they had "become" dull of hearing may imply a regression... a. At one time they were not "dull of hearing" b. They may have been like the Bereans at one time
"who received the word with all readiness" - Ac 17:11 c. Indeed
most converts are truly "sharp" in their listening at the first 1) They are excited about what they are learning 2) They listen with great "readiness"
and spiritual growth occurs d. But it is not uncommon for apathy to set in
making one "dull of hearing" -- When one becomes "dull of hearing"
they begin to regress to a state of spiritual immaturity B. ARE YOU "DULL OF HEARING"? 1. Ask yourself these questions: a. Is the Bible dull? b. Are the Bible classes dull? c. Are the sermons dull? d. Is anything that is spiritual in nature (like singing
praying) dull? 2. If so
then you have become "dull of hearing"! a. If you listen at all
it will be to those who are willing to "tickle your ears" b. And you will be susceptible to being mislead - 2 Ti 4:3-4 [When one is "dull of hearing"
it is only natural that the next "markof spiritual immaturity" will be evident...]