Matthew Henry Commentary Hebrews 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Hebrews 2
Matthew Henry Commentary
Hebrews 2
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away [from them]. For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 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; God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will." — Hebrews 2:1-4 (ASV)
Since Christ has been proven to be superior to the angels, this doctrine is now applied. Our minds and memories are like a leaky vessel; they do not retain what is poured into them without much care. This proceeds from the corruption of our nature, temptations, worldly cares, and pleasures. Sinning against the gospel is neglect of this great salvation. It is a contempt of the saving grace of God in Christ: making light of it, not caring for it, not regarding either the worth of gospel grace, or our lack of it and our undone state without it.
The Lord's judgments under the gospel dispensation are chiefly spiritual, but for that reason are all the more to be dreaded. Here is an appeal to the consciences of sinners. Even partial neglects will not escape rebukes; they often bring darkness on the souls they do not finally ruin. The proclamation of the gospel was continued and confirmed by those who heard Christ; by the evangelists and apostles, who were witnesses of what Jesus Christ began both to do and to teach; and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which qualified them for the work to which they were called.
And all this was according to God's own will. It was God's will that we should have a sure ground for our faith and a strong foundation for our hope in receiving the gospel. Let us, therefore, be mindful of this one thing that is needful and attend to the Holy Scriptures—written by those who heard the words of our gracious Lord and were inspired by his Spirit. Then we will be blessed with the good part that cannot be taken away.
"For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak. But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him. But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, [even] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every [man]." — Hebrews 2:5-9 (ASV)
Neither the current state of the church, nor its more completely restored state—when the prince of this world will be cast out and the kingdoms of the earth will become the kingdom of Christ—is left to the governance of angels; Christ will take to himself his great power and will reign.
And what is the moving cause of all the kindness God shows to people in giving Christ for them and to them? It is the grace of God. As a reward for Christ's humiliation in suffering death, he has unlimited dominion over all things; thus, this ancient scripture was fulfilled in him.
Thus, God has done wonderful things for us in creation and providence, but for these we have made the most shameful returns.
"For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me." — Hebrews 2:10-13 (ASV)
Whatever the proud, carnal, and unbelieving may imagine or object, the spiritual mind will see a special glory in the cross of Christ and will be satisfied that it was fitting for Him—who in all things displays His own perfections in bringing many sons to glory—to make the Author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
His way to the crown was by the cross, and so must the way of His people be.
Christ sanctifies; He has purchased and sent the sanctifying Spirit. The Spirit sanctifies as the Spirit of Christ. True believers are sanctified, endowed with holy principles and powers, and set apart for high and holy uses and purposes.
Christ and believers are all of one heavenly Father, who is God. They are brought into relationship with Christ. However, the fact that He is not ashamed to call them brothers expresses Christ's high superiority to human nature. This is shown from three texts of Scripture (Psalms 18:2; Isaiah 8:18).
"Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." — Hebrews 2:14-18 (ASV)
The angels fell and remained without hope or help. Christ never designed to be the Savior of the fallen angels; therefore, He did not take their nature, and the nature of angels could not be an atoning sacrifice for the sin of man. Here is a price paid, enough for all and suitable to all, for it was in our nature. Here the wonderful love of God appeared: that when Christ knew what He must suffer in our nature, and how He must die in it, He yet readily took it upon Himself.
And this atonement made way for His people's deliverance from Satan's bondage and for the pardon of their sins through faith. Let those who dread death and strive to overcome their terrors no longer attempt to defy or stifle them, nor grow careless or wicked through despair. Let them not expect help from the world or human devices, but let them seek pardon, peace, grace, and a lively hope of heaven by faith in Him who died and rose again, so that in this way they may rise above the fear of death.
The remembrance of His own sorrows and temptations makes Christ mindful of the trials of His people and ready to help them. He is ready and willing to aid those who are tempted and seek Him. He became man and was tempted, so that He might be in every way qualified to aid His people, since He had passed through the same temptations Himself but continued perfectly free from sin. Then let not the afflicted and tempted despond or give place to Satan, as if temptations made it wrong for them to come to the Lord in prayer.
No soul that cried to the Lord from real alarm at its danger, with faith and expectation of relief, has ever perished under temptation. This is our duty when we are first surprised by temptations, and to do so will stop their progress—which is our wisdom.
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