Hebrews 3 - Introduction

THE general nature of this whole epistle, as in the former part of our exposition was declared, is parenetical. And therefore the doctrines proposed and insisted on in it are constantly improved to press and enforce the exhortations intended; as such is the end and use of all principles in sciences that are practical, especially of that taught us in the Scripture, which is a wisdom and a knowledge of living unto God. Wherefore our apostle, having in the foregoing Chapter s manifested the excellency of Christ (who was the author of the gospel), both in his person and his work, and that both absolutely and comparatively with the angels, the most glorious ministers employed in the dispensation of the will of God unto the church of old, with some respect unto Joshua, the captain of the people, under whose conduct they entered into Canaan, in the entrance of this chapter he acquaints the Hebrews to what end he insisted on these things, namely, that by the consideration of them they might be prevailed with unto constancy and perseverance in the faith and worship of God, by him declared and revealed. This is the design of his discourse in this chapter. But, as his manner is throughout this epistle, he hath no sooner intimated his intention in the first verse, but he adds a new enforcement to his exhortation, unto the end of the sixth verse. From thence again he proceedeth unto his general exhortation, with a supply of new reasons, arguments, and inferences, taken from the consideration or enforcement newly and occasionally insisted on.

There are therefore three general parts of this chapter:

1. An exhortation unto constancy and perseverance in the profession of the gospel. And therein are observable,

(1.) The means of accomplishing the duty exhorted unto, Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 3:8-9; Hebrews 3:12-13;

(2.) The nature of it, Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 3:14;

(3.) The things that are contrary unto it, Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 3:15;

(4.) The benefits of it, Hebrews 3:14;

(5.) The danger of its neglect, Hebrews 3:8-11; Hebrews 3:15-19.

2. A new enforcement of the exhortation, taken from the fidelity of Christ in the discharge of the office committed unto him, Hebrews 3:2-6: wherein occur,

(1.) The reason itself, or the fidelity of Christ asserted;

(2.) The manner of its proposal, by comparing him with and preferring him above Moses. And therein the apostle

[1.] Prevents an objection that might yet remain on the behalf of the Judaical church-state upon the account of Moses, the principal revealer of it; and

[2.] Lays down a concession of the faithfulness of Moses in his trust and employment; with

[3.] A comparison of him with the Lord Christ as to the dignity of his person and work; and

[4.] The evictions of his coming short of him therein.

3. Especial reasons relating unto his general argument, taken from express testimonies of Scripture, Hebrews 3:7-11, and the dealings of God towards others failing in the duty exhorted unto; which he pursues at large in the next chapter. The whole, therefore, of this chapter is a pathetical exhortation, pressed with many cogent reasons, unto constancy and perseverance in the faith and obedience of the gospel.