FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. In Heb_3:1 two terms are introduced to describe Jesus: "apostle" and "high priest." The second one is uniquely developed in Hebrews (cf. Heb_2:17; Hebrews 3 :!; Heb_4:14-15; Heb_5:5; Heb_5:10; Heb_6:20; Heb_7:26; Heb_7:28; Heb_8:1; Heb_8:3; Heb_9:11; Heb_10:21).
B. The author of Hebrews knew that the concept of Jesus as high priest in the line of Melchizedek would be difficult for his Jewish Christian recipients to accept.
C. The literary unit, Heb_5:11 to Heb_6:20, is a parenthesis in the author's discussion about Melchizedek to warn both the believing Jews and the unbelieving Jews.
D. In Heb_5:11 to Heb_6:20 we have three key pronouns: "we" (Heb_5:11); "you" (Heb_5:11-12–three times); and "those"/"they" (Heb_6:4-8). These pronouns reflect three groups.
1. "we" and "us," Heb_5:11; Heb_6:1-3, the writer and his/her missionary team
2. "you," Heb_5:11-12; Heb_6:9-12, the believing Jews to whom the author is writing
3. "those" and "they," Heb_6:4-8, the unbelieving Jews who are co-worshipers and friends of the recipients of the letter
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why was it so difficult for Jewish people to accept the truth that Jesus was the high priest?
2. How is suffering related to maturity, both of Jesus and believers?
3. What factors had caused these readers not to mature?