Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 2:3

"how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;" — Hebrews 2:3 (ASV)

How shall we escape?—In a different context, these words might naturally mean, “How shall we, transgressors of the law, escape from the penalty it threatens, if we neglect the one means of deliverance now offered to us?” (Galatians 4:5). Here, however, the command and threat that came through angels and the salvation “spoken through the Lord” are placed in contrast. While the one “word” is thus wholly unlike the other in substance and in form of proclamation, each is a law, in that neglect is met with penalty. The writer does not dwell on the intrinsic greatness of the salvation; it is implied in the unique dignity and commission of Him through whom it was given.

Which at the first began to be spoken.—Better, which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was made sure to us by those who heard. “Through the Lord” was spoken this word of God that brought salvation. In two other passages, Jesus receives the name “our Lord” (Hebrews 7:14; Hebrews 13:20), but nowhere else in this Epistle (unless perhaps in Hebrews 12:14) is He spoken of as “the Lord”; the dignity of the title here heightens the contrast.

“By those who heard” “the word from Him,” the writer says, it “was made sure” (not confirmed, as if a stronger attestation were the meaning intended) “to us.” It is evident that the writer here classes himself with those who had not immediately heard the word from Jesus. Such language as this stands in striking contrast with St. Paul’s claim, repeatedly maintained, to have received his doctrine directly from the Lord Himself (Galatians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:1, and other passages).