Hebrews 10:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

NIV: Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

NASB: partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated.

CSB: Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way.

NLT: Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things.

KJV: Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

NKJV: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;

The "book" of Hebrews is really a letter, written to Jewish people who had converted to Christianity. As a result of that conversion, many suffered ridicule, abuse, or mistreatment. Those various forms of persecution tempted Jewish Christians to return to an easier, more socially acceptable religion. The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to explain why faith in Christ, despite persecution, is God's ultimate plan for our salvation. At the same time, he has provided dire warnings about the consequences of disobeying or dismissing God's will (Hebrews 6:1–8; Hebrews 10:26–31).

In this particular instance, the persecuted believers are being reminded of how they've withstood such storms in the past (Hebrews 10:32). This is why the writer of Hebrews has so often followed warnings with notes of encouragement—he is speaking to those who have shown an ability to withstand pressure in the past (Hebrews 6:9–12). Later, the book of Hebrews will point out how martyrs for the faith were able to endure even worse experiences (Hebrews 11:36–38).

Hebrews 10:26–39 contains the letter's most dire warning against apostasy. This passage should be understood in the same context as earlier references to Israel's punishment in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:12–19) and the dangers of a shallow faith (Hebrews 6:1–8). The concern here is not a loss of salvation, but of God's punishment on those who willingly rebel against His will. Since the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, we can expect those who ''profane'' the new covenant to suffer greater consequences for disobedience. This is followed by a word of encouragement and reassurance to those who have already survived hardship and persecution.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 4/29/2024 4:11:42 PM