I am engrossed in Hebrews at the moment. So much so that I simply don’t have time to post at the moment – but here is a thought that I am beginning to explore: that the establishing sections of Hebrews (i.e. up to halfway through chapter 10) betray a triadic (God/Son/Spirit) substructure.
I think that Cockerill is right in determining the overall flow of Hebrews as follows:
1:1-4:13: God’s revelation in the Son as a warning against disobedience
4:14-10:18: Christ’s priesthood as content of God’s self-disclosure
10:19-12:29: The need for faithful endurance until Christ’s return
Cockerill explains this elegantly:
The divine sonship of the first section is the pastor’s foundation. The high priesthood of the Son in the second is his main theme. The perseverance of the people of God in the third is his ultimate goal. (p. 62)
The element that I would like to add is that in each of the first two major sections (1:1-4:13 and 4:14-10:18), Scripture is said to be spoken by God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in turn. And in each section, the action of each of these persons is equivalent: God is the initiator who appoints and summons; the Son is the obedient executor of salvation; and the Holy Spirit adds “testimony” that confirms and applies the Son’s achievement:
1:1-4:13
God has spoken… (1:1-4)
God: “Sit at my right hand…” (1:5–2:4)
Son: “Here am I and the children…” (2:5-18)
Holy Spirit: “Today if you hear his voice…” (3:1-19)
4:14-10:18
We Have a Great High Priest… (4:14-16)
God: “You are my Son” (5:1–9:28)
Son: “See, God, I have come to do your will” (10:1-14)
Holy Spirit: “I will put my laws in their hearts” (10:15-18)
Great thoughts!
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