The Epistle to Hebrews is one of the most beautiful parts of the New Testament. While there is no common opinion on its authorship, it is usually attributed to Paul the Apostle The speaker in Hebrews 10 acts as a teacher addressing his message to Jewish Christians who suffered from severe persecution (MacArthur, n.d.). He outlines the benefits of the New Testament in contrast to the old sacrifices (ultimate vs. temporary forgiveness) and urges Hebrews to shore up their faith. According to Mitchell (2007), the message is presented in the form of exposition (10:1-18), suggesting Christ’s superiority to other prophets and paraenesis (10:19-39), call to action: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23).
Although this passage was written with a specific audience in mind, it contains ideas that will always be relevant. For instance, the idea that forgiveness is of a permanent nature and is not measured with the number of “bulls and goats” (Hebrews 10:4). It can be obtained once for all by thinking others superior to your own needs, even to your own life (MacArthur, n.d.).
The idea that the truth is not easily gained and ignoring it is unpardonable (the sin of apostasy) can be applied to any situation where one acts against his principles. It encompasses various scenarios from little everyday treachery (e.g. sitting instead of offering your seat to an elderly person) to betraying one’s beliefs for the sake of money or career. Therefore, it becomes even more important to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Mutual support and sympathy in all spheres of our lives: at work, with family and friends strengthen our faith, give power to resist fear and temptations.
The role of the interpreter of this passage is immense for two main reasons. Firstly, the author himself quotes and interprets verses from the Old Testament in a new way. For instance, Hebrews 10:5-6 almost exactly quotes Psalm 40:6-8, however, David’s words are assigned to Jesus. The author slightly alters the wording (replacing “ears” with “body”) and introduces new meaning of the whole verse: instead of giving thanks the God of the Old Testament he praises the sacrifice of Jesus (Stafford, 2013). As an interpreter, he managed to apply well-known text in a brand-new context. Secondly, proper interpretation of this passage is crucial for understanding its main idea. The Epistle to the Hebrews was initially written for people who shed their blood for the new faith that was very unusual to them. Hebrews 10 is the message to all of those who are hesitant and insecure, which makes it so important nowadays.
References
MacArthur, J. F. (n.d.). The Superiority of Christ (John MacArthur’s Bible Studies). Retrieved from: http://www.gty.org/resources/study-guides/40-5138/introduction-to-hebrews
Mitchell, A. C. (2007). Hebrews. Santa Pagina Series (Vol.13). J. H. Harrington (Ed.). Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press
Stafford, J.K. (2013). Paul’s Use of the Psalms. Beyond Midrash. Perichoresis, 11. Issue 2. Retrieved from: https://www.degruyter.com/downloadpdf/j/perc.2013.11.issue-2/perc-2013-0011/perc-2013-0011.xml
