The transgression of the precepts of the Son of God is far more
condemnable than of those of the Old Testament given by angels.
2:1. Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we
have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip.
2:2. For if the word spoken by angels became steadfast and every
transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:
2:3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which,
having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them
that heard him.
2:4. God also bearing them witness by signs and wonders and divers
miracles and distributions of the Holy Ghost, according to his own
will.
2:5. For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof
we speak.
2:6. But one in a certain place hath testified, saying: What is man,
that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest
him?
2:7. Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels: thou hast
crowned him with glory and honour and hast set him over the works of
thy hands.
2:8. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet. For in that he hath
subjected all things to him he left nothing not subject to him. But now
we see not as yet all things subject to him.
2:9. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for
the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through
the grace of God he might taste death for all.
2:10. For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all
things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author
of their salvation, by his passion.
Perfect by his passion.... By suffering, Christ was to enter into his
glory, Luke 24.26, which the apostle here calls being made perfect.
2:11. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all
of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
saying:
2:12. I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the
church will I praise thee.
2:13. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold I and my
children, whom God hath given me.
2:14. Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that,
through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that
is to say, the devil:
2:15. And might deliver them, who through the fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to servitude.
2:16. For nowhere doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of
Abraham he taketh hold.
No where doth he, etc.... That is, he never took upon him the nature of
angels, but that of the seed of Abraham.
2:17. Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his
brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest
before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.
2:18. For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he
is able to succour them also that are tempted.