Today, we began our study of the first Jewish epistle in our Bibles – Hebrews. Our New Testament is divided into three simple sections: History: Matthew through Acts Church Doctrine: Romans through Philemon Prophecy: Hebrews through Revelation As we were discussing the transition book of Acts, we touched on the three great questions that reveal the transition that took place: First great question: Acts 2:37: What shall we do? This is a national response to Peter's message of repentance. Second great question: Acts 9:6: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Saul's repentant heart attitude is revealed in his willingness to obey the command of the Lord. The focus of Acts is moving on to reaching the Gentiles. Third great question: Acts 16:30: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? This question reveals that the transition is now complete and message of salvation is clear...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Acts transitions many things: Old Testament to New Testament Jew with a physical kingdom to Gentile and a spiritual kingdom Law to Grace Peter to Paul Jerusalem to Antioch Paul chooses Timothy as his mission companion in Acts 16:1-6 and immediately gets him involved in “on the job training.” Timothy is mentioned in Hebrews 13:22-25 helping us identify Paul as the author of Hebrews. Reading Hebrews 1:1-4 identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the heir of all things, creator of the worlds. Paul witnessed His glory in Acts 9, just as Peter, James, and John witnessed His glory in Matthew 17 on the Mount of Transfiguration. His declared position is greater than the angels. He purged our sins by himself. He is seated in the place of authority on the right hand of the throne of God waiting for the moment to catch us away. Verse 2 specifically states that God has in these last days spoke unto us by his Son. The gospels record four different aspects of the life and ministry of Jesus with many miracles proving that he was and still to come Messianic King of Israel. The words of Jesus are recorded for all to read. For us in this dispensation of the grace of God, Paul gives us clear instructions that the revelation he received from the Lord Jesus are the commandments we are to follow. 1 Corinthians 14:37: If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:2: For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. Psalms 110:1-7 beautifully illustrates in prophecy how Messiah King Jesus is waiting for the moment to conquer his enemies at the 2nd Advent. Of course the rapture of the Church Age saints is not mentioned here because it is a hidden mystery that was delivered to Paul. Romans 16:25-27: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Psalm 110 prophesies the 2nd advent, the destruction of the kings and kingdoms in Revelation 16:16-21, 17:12-17, and the destruction of the armies of Armageddon in Ezekiel 39:11-15. This Psalm is woven into the fabric of this letter to the Hebrews. Your Fellow Student, Ken Wooten
