JESUS: THE SUPREME, HIGH PRIEST

AN EXEGETICAL PAPER ON HEBREWS 10:18-23

 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of

Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through

his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere

heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an

evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope

that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.

Hebrews 10:18-23 NET

I. INTRODUCTION

The Book of Hebrews was written by a Hebrew to other Hebrews telling the Hebrews to stop

acting like Hebrews. - Dr. Walter Martin

Dr. Walter Martin may somehow summarize the book of Hebrews from his

statement above. The writer of the book of Hebrews gives plenty of encouragement to Jewish

believers, who are challenged by persecution and opted to come back in the practice of Judaism.

The writer of the book makes mention of the superiority of Christ in almost every part of this

letter, both on His personage and in His ministering work. As we read the Old Testament, we can

understand that rituals and ceremonies of Judaism religion symbolically pointing to the coming

of Messiah. The book of Hebrews exalted Jesus Christ above the religion, above the heavenly

beings and above the Old Testament’s great men. Hebrews tells us that Christ Jesus is better than

anyone or anything.

Our totality as Pastors and workers rely upon the truth about Jesus. And the Book

of Hebrews is probably one of the most essential books that contain the theology about Jesus. It
is now an important task for us to diligently and carefully interpret and exegete passages from

this book. One important lesson that I remember as I go through interpreting Epistles is the

three-way perspective of the epistles. From what I have read in doing this paper, the book of

Hebrews was written on a particular historicity, transmitting important truths to our present time

and giving us an overview of what’s ahead of us as we go along into our faith walk.

II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

THEME AND PURPOSE. The general theme of Hebrews is presenting the

supremacy of Jesus as God’s Son, a supremacy that is above the religion of Judaism and creation

whether from angelic or human beings. The covenant Jesus has inaugurated is superior to any

covenant that was before and after it; His priesthood is better than Levi’s and any other priest

from the time of Moses because the sacrifice He has offered is greater than those that have been

offered under the Mosaic code. This supremacy of Christ is not only an abstract thesis but it is

grounded from the Old Testament times and was designed to warn the readers not to turn back

again to Judaism from the Christian faith just because persecution is widespread.

AUTHORSHIP. The author of the book is not identified. Disagreement over

authorship is seen as early as the second generation beyond the apostles. The list of potential

authors is long: Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, and Clement of

Rome. Paul appears to be the most likely “author”. Both Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215)

and Origen (AD 185-253) believed that Paul was the author, even though they recognize the

difficulties attached to the view because the Greek of Hebrews is more polished than that of

Paul, and the consistent quality of the rhetoric found in the book is quite remarkable.1 Doubtless

1
D. A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, Leon Morris, AN INTRODUCTION to the NEW TESTAMENT, Zondervan Publishing
House Grand Rapids, Michigan, © 1992 p404
because of similarities between the Greek of Hebrews and the Greek of Luke who wrote Acts,

Clement supposes that Paul wrote to the Hebrews in Hebrew and suggests that our Greek text is

Luke’s translation but that Luke translated the book and published it in Greek. Origen who also

viewed Hebrews as the work of Paul, take it as more of a recounting of a sermon rather than a

letter. For him the author may have been imprisoned with Timothy (13:23 and 13:19) and is

urging prayer for his own release which also fits with Paul’s second imprisonment. However,

Origen does admit that “… who wrote the epistle, in truth, only God knows.”

In the Western church, Pauline authorship was resisted until the latter half of the

fourth century. The Muratorian Canon2, Ireneus, and Hippolytus of Rome all agree that Paul was

not the author. But the only alternate suggestion is that of Tertullian. He insists that Hebrews has

more authority than the Shepherd of Hermas3, owing to the reputation of its author, whom he

identifies as Barnabas, as if he is making an attribution that, is commonly agreed. Today,

scholars do not take a risk of arguing about Paul’s authorship of Hebrews because of the

following plausible evidences: (1) The absence of a self-identifying salutation at the beginning of

the letter which is Paul’s normal practice—makes it hard to believe that Paul wrote it.

(2)Numerous common Pauline themes are missing, and the high priesthood of Christ which is so

central to Hebrews, does not figure largely in the acknowledged Pauline epistles. And the last

(3)It is almost impossible to believe that Paul would identify himself as one of those who heard

the gospel not from the Lord but from “those who heard him” (Heb. 2:3; cf. Gal. 1:11-12).

2
The Muratorian Canon or commonly called as Muratorian Fragment is the oldest ancient list of New Testament
found. The original document, which was probably written in Greek, is dated to about AD 180 and lists 22 of the 27
books that were later included in the canon of New Testament. (The Canon of Scripture By: F.F. Bruce)
3
The “Shepherd of Hermas” was a religious literary work of the second and third centuries and was considered a
valuable book by many early Christians then. It was also considered canonical Scripture by some of the early
church fathers such as Irenaeus during the period in which the New Testament was being canonized. (The Anchor
Bible Dictionary - Graydon F. Snyder)
 PROVENANCE AND AUDIENCE. The only explicit clue of where the book of

Hebrew came was found in Heb. 13:24: “Those from Italy send you their greetings.” But in

critical observation of the passage, the expression is unclear. It may refer to a group of Italian

believers who left their native land and were sending their greetings home or it may refer to

believers in Italy. NEB rendered the passage as: “Greetings to you from our Italian friends.”

which is considered attractive but ambiguous. Even if we could be reasonably certain who wrote

the book, that would not necessarily establish its geographic provenance, since the writer may

have moved around quite a bit just as Paul did.

The author refers to experiences in the lives of his readers (Heb. 10:32-34), that’s

why it is right to assume that he has a specific group in mind as he writes. Many ancient

commentators think that the recipients lived in Palestine perhaps even in Jerusalem. The strength

of this view turns on the repeated references to the cultus. The complete silence on the temple,

however, slightly weakens this theory because the epistle was written in polished Greek, and

none of the Old Testament quotations and allusions unambiguously depends on Hebrew or

Aramaic: from this we must conclude either that the author knew no Semitic tongue or that his

readers, if in Jerusalem, were all expatriates4. Judging by the large numbers of Jews from around

the empire that visited Jerusalem at the high feasts, especially Passover, there were countless

Jews who did not live in Palestine who nevertheless looked to the cultus in Jerusalem for

cleansing and a secure relationship with God. If that is so, it is hard to see what evidence in the

book supports Jerusalem or Palestine as the destination. Although many other candidates for

destination have been advanced, including Alexandria, Antioch, Bithynia and Pontus, Caesarea,

Colossae, Corinth, Cyprus, Ephesus, and Samaria, the only other suggestion that has garnered a

4
An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than
that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex ("out of") and patria ("country, fatherland").
fair measure of support is Rome. The fact that the Roman church, and the West in general, took

so long to ascribe it to Paul, may argue that they enjoyed positive information that it was not

written by the apostle. Taking “those from Italy” (Heb. 13:24) may refer to some Italians who

left Italy and at the time of writing were living elsewhere (like Priscilla and Aquila), and the

Greek certainly allows that interpretation. Both Harnack and William Manson have attempted to

tie this theory into the early history of Christianity at Rome.5

III. LITERARY ANALYSIS (Genre, Outline, Structure of the passage)

LITERARY STRUCTURE. The book of Hebrews concludes with personal

allusions; but unlike other letters, it has no introductory greeting. The oratorical style and

remarks such as “time would fail me to tell” (11:32) might seem to indicate a sermon. In this

case we are required to analyze if this book is a sermon/homily or a letter/epistle. Here are some

notable features of the book of Hebrews: (1) The book of Hebrews as a Sermon. The most

compelling evidence for Hebrews written as a sermon is the phrase in 13:22 where the writer

describes his own work as a ‘word of exhortation’. In the New Testament, this phrase is used

once in Acts 13:15, where it clearly refers to a synagogue speech or sermon.6 Lawrence Wills

has established that the word of exhortation is in fact a sermonic form in Hellenistic Judaism and

early Christianity. According to Wills, the word of exhortation7 follows a tripartite structure: 1)

an indicative or exemplary section (the ‘exempla’), which contains scriptural quotations,

authoritative examples from the past or present, or theological exposition, 2) a conclusion based

5
William Manson, The Epistle to the Hebrews: An Historical and Theological Reconsideration (London: Hodder &
Stoughton, 1951).
6
L. Wills, ‘The Form of the Sermon in Hellenistic Judaism and Early Christianity’,
7
The word-of-exhortation form as described by Wills and employed by our author has obvious implications for the
study of the structure of Hebrews, since the repetition of the exempla-conclusion-exhortation pattern can give
some clue as to the limits of certain sections of the book.
on the exempla and showing their relevance to the addressee, and 3) an exhortation, usually

employing an imperative or hortatory8 message. (2) The Book of Hebrews as a Pastoral Epistle.

The warning passages throughout the book are designed to exhort the readers to faithfulness and

obedience that they might avoid the judgment of God. We can see that in the last three chapters

of Hebrews clearly flows a pastoral concern for the readers’ spiritual understanding and well-

being. The book of Hebrews focuses on Jewish theology but it is not the driving force behind the

book. Passages such as 2:18; 4:15, 16; 5:12-14; 10:22; 12:1-4; 13:1-10 testify to the author’s

heart-felt, pastoral concern for his readers; this is what drove him to write.

OUTLINE. The author keeps his audience from failing back into Judaism, he

emphasizes the superiority of Christ over all else:9

I. The Superiority of Christ over the Old Testament Prophets (1:1 – 3a)

II. The Superiority of Christ over Angels (1:3b – 2:18) and a Warning against Apostasy

(2:1 – 4)

III. The Superiority of Christ over Moses (3:1 – 6) and a Warning against

Apostasy (3:7-19)

IV. The Superiority of Christ over Joshua (4:1 – 10) and a Warning against Apostasy

(4:11 – 16)

V. The Superiority of Christ over the Aaronites (Aaron and His Priestly Descendants) and

Warnings against Apostasy (5:1 – 12:29)

A. Christ’s human sympathy and divine appointment to priesthood (5:1 – 10)

B. Warning against apostasy with exhortation to maturation (5:11 – 6:20)

8
tending or aiming to exhort, a word used to describe a behavior or action that is encouraging.
9
Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament, Fifth Edition, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530 ©
1970, 1981, 1994, 2003, 2012
 C. The Melchizedek pattern of Christ’s priesthood (7:1 – 10)

D. The transitoryness of the Aaronic priesthood (7:11 – 28)

E. The heavenly realities of Christ’s priesthood (8:1 – 10:18)

F. Warning against apostasy (10:19 – 39)

G. Encouragement from Old Testament heroes of faith (11:1 – 40)

H. Encouragement from the example of Christ (12:1 – 11)

I. Warning against apostasy with the example of Esau (12:12 – 29)

VI. Practical Exhortations (13:1 – 19)

VII. Conclusion: Greetings, News of Timothy’s Release, and Benedictions (13:20 – 25)

PASSAGE. Exegesis of the passages (10:18-23) Now where there is forgiveness

of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. (verse 8-10 explains the purpose of Jesus doing

the will of the Father by setting aside the first covenant of offering to God and establishing the

new covenant which Jesus is the Priest who performs the offering and by also offering Himself.)

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of

Jesus,(The blood of Jesus was equated with the blood poured out from the animal sacrifices in

the Old Testament times for the remission of sin) by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated

for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,( The access to the heavenly sanctuary,

which is available for Christians to enjoy, is further described in verse 20 as 'the new and living

way' which Christ 'opened' or 'consecrated' for us. The description 'through the curtain' suggests

that Christ has passed through the veil across the entrance to the heavenly Holy of Holies.10) and

since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the

assurance that faith brings, (The fact that Jesus has 'passed through the heavens' is made the

10
David Peterson, Hebrews and Perfection: An Examination of the Concept of Perfection in the 'Epistle to the
Hebrews', Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK © 1982
basis of an exhortation to draw near and to hold fast the Christian confession.) because we have

had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is

trustworthy.(The sprinkling of Christ's blood can cleanse the conscience and the believer can

continually approach God 'with a true heart in full assurance of faith'. Here is a picture of 'a heart

which fulfills the ideal office of the heart, the seat of the individual character towards God — a

heart which expresses completely the devotion of the person to God. There is no divided

allegiance in the heart of someone who put his trust to Jesus.

IV. EXPOSITION OF THEME/S

a. What is the main theme?

The book of Hebrews purposely gave warnings of apostasy on a Christian

community and helping Jewish believers to understand who Jesus is. To properly convey

the message, the author focuses on the superiority of Jesus other than the others. Key

word “better” or “superior” is the main theme of the book.

b. What are the sub-themes?

From the outline of the book, distinguishing the purpose of the book, we can

identify the following sub-themes: (1) Jesus is better/superior than the Old Testament

prophets because he is the Son of God, the heir of the universe, the creator, the exact

representation of divine nature, the sustainer of the world, the purifier from sins, and the

exalted one. (2) Jesus is also better/superior than the angels, whom Jews regarded as

agents through whom God gave the Mosaic law on Mount Sinai; for Jesus Christ is the

divine Son and eternal creator, but angels are mere servants and created beings. (3) Christ
 is better/superior than Moses, a mere servant in God’s household. The exhortation,

therefore, is to avoid incurring God’s judgment as a result of unbelief. Providing a

warning example is the generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt under Moses but

died in the wilderness because of God’s anger against their rebellion. (4) Christ is

better/superior than Joshua; for though Joshua brought Israel into Canaan, Christ will

bring believers into the eternal resting place of heaven. It is obvious that Joshua did not

bring Israel into this heavenly rest, because even Joshua died. (5) Jesus is a

better/superior High Priest, superior to Aaron. Aaron, the first man to be appointed by

God for this office, is used as the example of what a high priest does. Because Aaron was

surrounded by weakness and "beset with weakness himself," he was able to have

compassion on the people. Since he is a sinner, he must offer sacrifices for his own sin as

well as the sins of others, over and over again. Jesus was also appointed to the priesthood

by God and what made Him different was that, "…having been made perfect, He became

to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation"(verse 9). Jesus was appointed

by God to be a high priest not in the order of Levi, but, according to the order of

Melchizedek which is explained carefully in chapter 7 of the book. (6) And because Jesus

is a better/superior High Priest, his priestly ministry provided better benefits. Jesus’

priestly ministry provided better covenant (the new covenant provides a complete

forgiveness for sins), better sanctuary (Jesus entered into the holy place once and for all,

having obtained eternal redemption), and better sacrifice (Christ’s sacrifice is much better

than animal sacrifices because it provides complete removal of sins, sufficient

forgiveness, permanent sacrifice that doesn’t need other sacrifices).

c. What are the practical insights

 The passages from Hebrews 10:18-23 encourages one another to draw near to

God because we have an assurance that the one who promises salvation is trustworthy because

Jesus provides better things than the former things. Our faith should basically and fundamentally

anchor and rooted in our hope in Jesus Christ because what was done in the cross is not just a

simple occurrence but a historical event that has an everlasting effect into our lives in the present

and in the future. The manifestation of the phrase “Let us” gives us responsibility as workers and

Pastors to stimulate one another in faith (let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full

assurance of faith – v.22), in hope (Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who

promised is faithful – v.23) and in love (And let us consider how we may spur one another on

toward love and good deeds – v.24).

V. CONCLUSION:

The book of Hebrews has a rich Christological essence that delivers a very clear

understanding of Old Testament theology to the modern readers. Jesus’ priestly work, the finality

of his sacrifice, the nature of his Sonship, the importance of the incarnation and his superiority in

every aspect provided substantial information for the new believer and scholar alike. The use of

extensive Old Testament passages enables us to explore the hermeneutical assumptions of first-

century Christians so as better to learn how to read the Old Testament. The understanding of

prophecies, the interaction of specific passages from the Old Testament and the meaning of

redemptive history are all exemplified in Hebrews. The book provides working elements useful

for developing biblical theology. Hebrews is also linked with the other New Testament books

that are vital in the problem of the perseverance of Christians and the nature and danger of

apostasy. Hebrews also solidifies the connection of Judaism and Christianity.

VI. RECOMMENDATION

We put our hope, our assurance, and our faith in Jesus Christ because what

He has done in the cross is superior/better in everything. The passages from Hebrews 10 boldly

justifies the who and the what of Jesus Christ. The rich Christological emphasis can help the

seekers to find truth in the Scripture particularly in the book of Hebrews. I plan to make a

thorough study of this book and develop a study material for the doctrinal class of our church

giving emphasis on the connection of Judaism and Christianity, history and theology, Jesus

Christ and Old Testament worship and more importantly hope, assurance and perseverance.

IX. REFERENCES.

D. A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, Leon Morris, AN INTRODUCTION to the NEW TESTAMENT,

Zondervan Publishing House Grand Rapids, Michigan, © 1992
D. A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament—Second Edition,
Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan © 1992, 2005
Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Zondervan, 3900
Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan © 1981, 1993, 2003, 2014
Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament, Fifth Edition, Zondervan, Grand Rapids,
Michigan 49530 © 1970, 1981, 1994, 2003, 2012
David Hurst, The Epistle to the Hebrews: Its background and thought, Cambridge University
Press, The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK © 1990
David Peterson, Hebrews and Perfection: An Examination of the Concept of Perfection in
the 'Epistle to the Hebrews', Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building,
Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK © 1982
HOLY BIBLE NIV, NASB