SESSION 13

A Strategic Grasp of The Hebrew Epistles

The last nine books of the New Testament look toward the “ages to come” and focus upon the final stage of Israel ’s prophetic program. They evidence a continued divinely arranged design for the edification and equipping of the “last day” saints of Israel . While containing many fascinating features we have time only to discuss a few.

THE WISDOM OF GOD IN WRITING THESE BOOKS WHEN AND HOW HE DID.

A. The writers of these nine Hebrew Epistles (Hebrews-Revelation) were of “the Twelve Apostles” who Jesus told to “go not to the Gentiles… rather go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” (Matt 10:5-6). These books were pre-authorized by Jesus of Nazareth (see below) for Israel ’s later understanding of “the ages to come.”

John 14:25-26 These things have I spoken unto you (the little flock), being yet present with you. ²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:12-13 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. ¹³ Howbeit when he, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, IS COME, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and HE WILL SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME.

These nine Hebrew Epistles at the close of the Bible are for Israel . They are to be seen in conjunction with Daniel’s “the time of the end” - “… Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book…to THE TIME OF THE END:” (Dan 12:4)

This is a body of information that Jesus promised is for equipping the believing children of Israel to handle “the last days” (“the time of the end”). Israel will read them in the context of what is to then be happening to the believing Israelites during the Tribulation and Millennium! You can read the words below in that context. Though promised thousands of years before – that time which is “to come” will have arrived; it will be the time of their realization for Israel .

B. The focus of the Nine Hebrew Epistles is on The Ages to Come, World To Come, The 2^nd Coming of the Lord in wrath and ho “Judge” as He establishes “the Kingdom” on earth.

Hebrews 2:3-5 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ⁴ God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? ⁵ For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection THE WORLD TO COME, whereof we speak.
James 5:7-11 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto THE COMING OF THE LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. ⁸ Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for THE COMING OF THE LORD DRAWETH NIGH. ⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, THE JUDGE STANDETH BEFORE THE DOOR. ¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. ¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
1 Peter 2:9 But YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Exodus 19:5-6a Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: ⁶ And YE SHALL BE UNTO ME A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, AND AN HOLY NATION…

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must SHORTLY COME TO PASS; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: ² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. ³ Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for THE TIME IS AT HAND.
Revelation 1:9-10 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in TRIBULATION, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

The emphasis is upon the ultimate fulfillment of Israel ’s earthly program that culminates in “the Kingdom” on earth.

C. The “Middle Wall” of Partition is back up. Note the distinctions that single out Israel by noting things peculiar to Israel ; e.g., references to the OT prophets, the fathers, Moses, High Priest, strangers scattered. Keep in mind that the writers of these epistles (James, John, Peter, Jude) were to “go not to the way of the Gentiles” but unto “the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” only (Matt 10:5-6).

Note the telltale words that indicate these are letters to Israel under the Law. E.g., Note contingent salvation, “IF WE hold fast” (Heb 1:6), “Holy Nation” (2Pet 2:9), “the Fathers” (Heb 1:1), The Twelve Tribes (Jam 1:1) etc. All such references tell us these are not letter to “the body of Christ,” however they are “for our learning” (Rom 15:4).

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the FATHERS (of Israel) by the prophets, ² Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. ² For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; ³ How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him (the Twelve); ⁴ God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Hebrews 3:1-6 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; ² Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also MOSES was faithful in all his house. ³ For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. ⁴ For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. ⁵ And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; ⁶ But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, IF WE hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of THE HOPE FIRM UNTO THE END.
James 1:1 James… TO THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED ABROAD, greeting.
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1 Peter 2:9-13 But ye (Israel) are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy NATION, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: ¹⁰ Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
1 John 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ² (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) ³ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which SAY they are Jews, and ARE NOT, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Revelation 7:3-5 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. ⁴ And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel …

D. Israel is in a Parallel Situation in Acts and the Tribulation (Jer. 30:7, Dan 9)

> The Remnant is Scattered again and again.

Acts 8:1 And Saul (Paul) was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem ; and THEY WERE ALL SCATTERED ABROAD throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria , except the apostles.

Then note the location of the several “churches” (ekklesia, God’s called our people of Israel , not the body of Christ)) of Revelation Chapters 2-3. They are also to be “scattered abroad” outside of Israel , just as they were in Acts 8, after Stephen’s stoning to death. Thus, we may note to whom James and Peter are writing their letters.

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES WHICH ARE SCATTERED abroad, greeting.
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, TO THE STRANGERS SCATTERED throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1 Peter 5:13 The church (of Israel) that is AT BABYLON, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

These above are NOT Pauline grace churches that James and Peter are addressing. These are enclaves of Israelites who are to be “SCATTERED ABROAD” at the time of the “last days.”

Ø      The Nation of Israel in an Apostate and Rebellious condition: as seen in the Acts period, and will be again in “the Last days.” Today 90% of the population of the Nation of Israel consists of secular Jews.

Acts 4:8-12 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, ⁹ If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; ¹⁰ Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. ¹¹ This is THE STONE WHICH WAS SET AT NOUGHT OF YOU (rejected by Israel ) builders, which is become the head of the corner. ¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. See also Mark 7 and Matthew 23.

2 Thess 2:4 (Anti-Christ) Who opposeth (God) and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God , shewing himself that he is God.
Daniel 11:30-31 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he (Anti-Christ) shall even return, and have intelligence with them (of Israel ) that FORSAKE THE HOLY COVENANT. ³¹ And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Ø      The Seductive spirit of Anti-Christ Operates to Deceive Israel, to Not Believe that Jesus is the Christ.

1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that ANTICHRIST SHALL COME, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that IT IS THE LAST TIME (end of the ages).
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ² Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: ³ And every spirit that confesseth NOT that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is NOT of God: and this is that SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Daniel 11:31-36 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. ³² And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. ³³ And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. ³⁴ Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. ³⁵ And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. ³⁶ And the king shall do according to his will; and he (Anti-Christ) shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to SEDUCE, if it were possible, even the elect (of Israel ).

 

Peter’s Experience at Cornelius’ house Explains God’s Delay in Fulfilling the Israel ’s Prophetic program.

After Stephen was stoned, God was now telling Peter that He was now interrupting Israel ’s program by Turning to the UNprophesied “Time of the Gentiles” till “the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Rom 11:25b).

Acts 10:25-28 Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius (a Gentile) met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.²⁶But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. ²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

God used Peter’s experience, which he recounted in the Acts 15 meeting at Jerusalem (below), so that Peter would defend Paul, testifying that God has turned to the Gentiles through Paul’s gospel to the uncircumcision (Gentiles).

The Age was Turning from Israel to the Gentiles:

Acts 15:7-9 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that THE GENTILES by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. ⁸ And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them (the Gentiles) the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; ⁹ And put no difference between us (Israel) and them (Gentiles), purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:9-14 (Peter speaking) Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we ( Israel ) shall be saved, even as they (Gentiles). ¹² Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. ¹³ And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: ¹⁴ Simeon (Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. So, it was Peter’s testimony that influenced the others of the Twelve.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my (James’) sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God (no Jewish circumcision would be necessary): Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 18:26-28 And he (Paul) began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him (Paul) unto them, and (Paul then) expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. ²⁷ And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed THROUGH GRACE: ²⁸ For he (Paul) mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Peter must have learned the full meaning of the cross and much more from Paul who received that information “by revelation” directly from the ascended Lord (Eph 3:3). Peter commended his hearers also to “listen to OUR BELOVED BROTHER PAUL,” knowing many will “twist” Paul’s words.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward (Israel), not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:15 (Peter writes) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as OUR BELOVED BROTHER PAUL ALSO ACCORDING TO THE WISDOM GIVEN unto him hath written unto you; ¹⁶ As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (twist), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

God Declares His Longsuffering, withholding His Wrath… then TURNS TO JUDGMENT

Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming…

Isaiah 42:14 I (GOD) HAVE LONG TIME HOLDEN MY PEACE; I (God) have been still, and REFRAINED MYSELF: now…  I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE.
Hosea 5:15 I (God) will go and return to my place, till they ( Israel ) acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

The Coming Destruction Of The Rebuilt Temple And City Of Jerusalem

Matthew 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate (uninhabited).

Matthew 24:1-2 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. ² And Jesus said unto them… There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Luke 21:20-24 And when ye shall see JERUSALEM COMPASSED WITH ARMIES, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. ²¹ Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter there into. ²² For THESE BE THE DAYS OF VENGEANCE, THAT ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN MAY BE FULFILLED. ²³ But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. ²⁴ And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and JERUSALEM SHALL BE TRODDEN DOWN OF THE GENTILES, UNTIL THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES BE FULFILLED.
Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:14 For we have heard him (Stephen) say, that this JESUS OF NAZARETH SHALL DESTROY THIS PLACE, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
2 Thessalonians 2:4 (ANTI-CHRIST) WHO OPPOSETH and EXALTETH HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD, or that is worshipped; so that HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD.
Daniel 8:9-12 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. ¹⁰ And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. ¹¹ Yea, HE (ANTI-CHRIST) EXALTETH HIMSELF even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. ¹² And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

David Foretold the Happenings of Government & Israel Joining Against Christ in the Gospels and will again in “the last days,” per Daniel. It was Israel that cried out “Crucify Him,” in league with the Roman government.

Acts 4:25-26 (The Lord) Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen (Gentiles) rage, and the people imagine vain things? ²⁶ The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. ²⁷ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed (spiritually influenced), both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, WITH THE GENTILES, AND THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, WERE GATHERED TOGETHER (AGAINST JESUS),

Israel ’s “Confederacy” ( Alliance ) in “League” with the Gentile ANTI-CHRIST, seeking His Protection, is Against God’s Purposes and Will Turn Against Israel During the Tribulation

Daniel 9:17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon THY SANCTUARY THAT IS DESOLATE, for the Lord's sake.

Isaiah 8:12 Say ye not, A CONFEDERACY (AN ALLIANCE ), TO ALL THEM TO WHOM THIS PEOPLE ( Israel ) SHALL SAY, A CONFEDERACY; NEITHER FEAR YE THEIR FEAR, NOR BE AFRAID.
Daniel 11:22-23 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the PRINCE (ANTI-CHRIST) OF THE COVENANT. ²³ And after the LEAGUE MADE WITH HIM HE SHALL WORK DECEITFULLY: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.