29. Greek, "For even": "for also"; introducing an additional solemn incentive to diligence. Quoted from :-. our God—in whom we hope, is also to be feared. He is love (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16); yet there is another side of His character; God has wrath against sin (Hebrews 10:27; Hebrews 10:31). read more
A. The Danger of Unresponsiveness (the Fifth Warning) 12:14-29The writer now turned from the hearers’ responsibility as they experienced suffering (Hebrews 12:1-13) to the peril of rejecting God who continues to speak to us through His Son using the Scriptures. As the preceding pericope (Hebrews 12:1-13), this one is also a chiasm.A Exhortation (Hebrews 12:14-17) B Exposition (Hebrews 12:18-24)A’ Exhortation (Hebrews 12:25-29)"The synthesis of so many significant themes and motifs within a... read more
3. The consequences of apostasy 12:25-29The writer shifted again from exposition to exhortation. The hook word "speak" (Gr. lalounti and lalounta) in Hebrews 12:24-25 ties the two sections together. read more
Our kingdom is eternal. Our motive should be gratitude. Our activity should be the service of God. Our attitude toward Him should be reverence and awe in view of His ability to judge the unfaithful (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15)."As a consuming fire, God purifies all that is unworthy and unacceptable in those who serve Him and all that is unfit to abide in His presence." [Note: Pentecost, A Faith . . ., p. 225.] Many readers of Hebrews associate the figure of God consuming with His judging... read more
12:28 grace, (f-12) Or 'be thankful.' reverence (g-21) Or 'godly fear.' see Note e, ch. 5.7. serve (o-17) Latreuo , as chs. 9.9; 12.28; 13.10. read more
12:29 fire. (h-8) See Deuteronomy 4:24 ; Deuteronomy 9:3 . read more
The Contest. Endurance, Holiness, and Divine Communion proposed to the Sons of GodInspired by the example of those victorious heroes of faith who now encompass us, we ought to run our race patiently, looking to Jesus the supreme example of patient endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). The present sufferings are the discipline of a loving Father, and are actually evidence of our being His children. Be brave, therefore, and help others to be the same (Hebrews 12:3-13). Beware of strife and impurity, taking... read more
(18-29) The exhortation to faithfulness is most impressively enforced by means of a comparison between the earlier revelation and that which is given in Christ.The mount that might be touched.—It appears certain that the word “mount” has no place in the true Greek text. Had this word been in the sentence as originally written, its absence from all our more ancient authorities would be inexplicable; whilst, on the other hand, the contrast with Hebrews 12:22, and the recollection of Deuteronomy... read more
(28) Receiving a kingdom.—These words clearly contain a reference to Daniel 7:18, “The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom.” Nor can it well be doubted that the closing verses of Haggai 2:0 are also before the writer’s mind; after Hebrews 12:21, which repeats the words of Hebrews 12:6, quoted above, the prophet declares the overthrow of earthly kingdoms, and continues to His servant Zerubbabel the Messianic promise. Christ has made His people kings; and when heaven and earth have... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 12:28
28. receiving—as we do, in prospect and sure hope, also in the possession of the Spirit the first-fruits. This is our privilege as Christians. let us have grace—"let us have thankfulness" [ALFORD after CHRYSOSTOM]. But (1) this translation is according to classical Greek, not Paul's phraseology for "to be thankful." (2) "To God" would have been in that case added. (3) "Whereby we may serve God," suits the English Version "grace" (that is Gospel grace, the work of the Spirit, producing faith... read more