Hebrews and James.
Hebrews.
The Author. The writer nowhere indicates his name, and there is
difference of opinion as to who wrote it. I am personally inclined to
the view of those who regard Paul as the author, which for a long time
was the common view. The main points against his authorship are that
the language and style are dissimilar to Paul's and that it is less
like an epistle than any other book that bears his name. It seems
clear, however, that the thoughts and course of reasoning are Pauline
and the differences otherwise may be explained by the difference of
purpose and spirit in writing. For the arguments for and against his
authorship the student is referred to the larger commentaries and
introductions to the New Testament literature.
Those To Whom It Was Written. It was, no doubt, addressed to Hebrew
Christians, but whether to a special church or to those in a special
locality, is a matter of dispute. Several things, however, may be
learned about them. (1) They had steadfastly endured persecution and
the loss of property. (2) They had shown sympathy with other
Christians, 6:10; 10:32-34. (3) They had been Christians some time,
5:12. (4) They knew the writer whom they are, by their prayers, to
help restore to themselves, 13:19. (5) They knew Timothy who was to
visit them, 13:23. (6) They were now in danger of apostacy to Judaism
but had not yet resisted to blood, 12:3-4; 5:11; 6:9. Their danger of
going back to Judaism might arise from several sources. (1) There was
a tendency to disbelieve Christ and his claims, 3:12. (2) The
elaborate worship of the Temple compared with the simple worship of
the Christian church. (3) The Jews branded them as traitors and
taunted them for turning against the law, which was given by prophets,
angels, and Moses, and from the sanctuary ministered to by the priests
of God. (4) They were suffering persecution.
Purpose and Contents. The purpose was to prevent apostacy from
Christianity to Judaism and incidentally to comfort them in their
suffering and persecution. To accomplish this purpose the author
shows, by a series of comparisons, that the religion of Christ is
superior to that which preceded it. "Better" is the key-word, which
along with other terms of comparison such as "more excellent" is
constantly used to show the superiority of Christianity. It is very
much like a sermon, the author often turning aside to exhort, then
returning to the theme.
Date. It was written from Jerusalem, Alexandria or Rome some time
before A. D. 70, since the temple was still standing, 9:6-7; 10:1.
Analysis.
I. Christianity is Superior to Judaism because Christ through Whom
it was Introduced is Superior to the Messengers of Judaism, chs. 1-6.
1. He is superior to prophets, 1:1-3.
2. He is superior to angels. 1:4-2 end.
3. He is superior to Moses, including Joshua, chs. 3-6.
Three points in each of these comparisons are the same.
1. He is God's son.
2. He is man's Savior.
3. He is man's high priest.
Neither prophets nor angels nor Moses equal Jesus in these points.
There are two notable exhortations, (a) 2:1-4; (b) 5:11-6 end.
II. Christianity in Superior to Judaism because Its Priesthood is
Superior to that of Judaism, 7:1-10:18.
1. Christ its priest is superior to the priests of Judaism, 7:1-
8:6.
2. Its covenant is superior to that of Judaism, 8:7 end.
3. Its tabernacle is superior to that of Judaism, ch. 9.
4. Its sacrifice is superior to those of Judaism, 10:1-18.
III. Christianity is Superior to Judaism, because the Blessings it
Confers are Superior to those of Judaism. 10:19-11 end.
1. In the liberty of approach to God, 10:19 end.
2. In the superior ground of faith, 11:1-12:17.
3. In our coming to Mount Zion instead of Mount Sinai, 12:18 end.
IV. Practical Conclusion, ch. 13.
For Study and Discussion. (1) Description of Christ. 1:1-3. (2)
Christ's superiority to angels. 1:3-14. (3) Christ's humiliation for
our salvation, 2:9-18. (4) How is Christ superior to Aaronic priests,
3:14, 15; 5:1-7, 9; 7:28. (5) The two covenants, 8:6-12. (6) Typical
character of the old ordinances. 9:1-10:4. (7) Our assurance and hope,
6:13-20. (8) The danger of rejecting Christ, 10:26-31. (9) The benefit
of affliction, 12:4-11. (10) The comparisons of 12:18-29. (11) The
warning of 13.-8-15, (12) The exhortations of the book, as 2:1-4. Make
a list. (13) All the terms of comparison, as better and more
excellent. Make a list. (14) Every reference to Christ as high
priest. (15) Every reference to the Holy Spirit-What are his works and
where in the book is it taught?
James.
The Author. Three persons called James are mentioned in the New
Testament. One of these is James, the Lord's brother (Matt. 13:55),
who did not believe on Jesus until after the resurrection, Jno. 7:2-9;
Mar. 3:21, 31; Acts 1:13-14. This James occupies and important place
as pastor at Jerusalem, and made an important speech at the council of
the Apostles, Acts 15: 13-21. He is mentioned elsewhere, in Acts,
12:17; Gal. 1:19; 2:9-12. Josephus tells us that he was stoned to
death about 62 A. D. on a charge of departing from the Jewish law.
This James, the Lord's brother, is supposed to be the author of this
epistle.
To Whom Written. This letter was written to the Jews scattered
everywhere, 1:1, and evidently to Christian Jews, 2:1. Some of them
were rich, some poor, 2:1-10. They were lustful, greedy, and proud,
4:1-12, and were omitting to do the Lord's work as they should. 1:22-
27.
The Epistle. The chief characteristic of style is abruptness. Change
is made from one subject to another with no effort to connect them.
There is, therefore, no general subject, and a lack of close
connection between the points of analysis. "Faith without works is
dead" flashes in every section as a sort of bond of unity. It is
eloquent, stern and sincere, and has a distinct Jewish tone. It lacks
the doctrinal emphasis found in Paul and states the Christian faith in
terms of moral excellence and instructs them in the subject of
Christian morals. It is notable for its omissions. It does not have
the resurrection or ascension and only mentions Christ's name twice.
Date and Place of Writing. It was no doubt written from Jerusalem
where he was pastor, but the date is much disputed. Some put it as
early as A. D. 40. Others among whom is Dr. Robertson say it was
written not later than A. D. 50. Still others put it about A. D. 61 or
62, just before the martyrdom of James. It is probably safe to say
that it was one of the very earliest of the New Testament books.
Analysis.
Salutation, 1:1.
I. Proper Attitude Toward Trials. 1:2-18.
II. Proper Altitude Toward God's Word, 1:19-27 end.
III. Various Warnings. 2:1-4:12.
1. Against respect of persons, 2:1-13.
2. Against barren professions of faith, 2:14-26.
3. Against the dangers of the tongue, 3:1-12.
4. Against false wisdom, 3:13-18.
5. Against quarrels, greed and pride. 4:1-12.
IV. Various Denunciations, 4:13-5:6.
V. Various Exhortations, 5:7-20 end.
For Study and Discussion. (1) From the following scriptures make a
list of all the things James advises us not to do: 1;6, 13, 16, 22;
2:1, 14; 3:1. 10; 4:1, 11, 13; 5:9, 12. (2) From the following
scriptures make a list of all the things James advises us to do; 1:2,
4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 22, 26; 2:8, 12; 3:13; 4:8. 5:7, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19.
(3) Make a sketch of heavenly wisdom, showing the different things
said about it, studying especially, 1:5-8 and 3:13-18. (4) Study the
ethics of speech and of the tongue, 1:19-21 and 3:1-12. (5) Life's
trial and temptations, 1:2-4, 12-15. (6) Make a list of ail the
figures of speech, especially similes and metaphors as "a doubter is
like a surge of the sea," 1:6. (7) James' rebuke of selfishness, 5:1-
6. (8) The utility and power of prayer, 5:13-18.
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