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Hebrews 10:24 ESV

Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG

Romans 16:3-4 ESV

The writer of Hebrews was not identified regarding the author of the text in the first century. We do know from the style of writing more than likely the writer was educated because the style of Hebrew was very complex.

We know it was not Timothy because he was mentioned. Theologians believe it could have been Apollos, Barnabas, Luke or Priscilla. I lean toward Priscilla.

Allow me to explain why…SHE is the only woman noted and at the time it was written but if she would have ‘owned’ the letter no one would have read it. Why? Because she was a woman. Priscilla was a notable believer. She was a prominent citizen and was known as a missionary, a teacher, a church planter, and a close follower of Paul. Her husband was Aquila. She is mentioned in Acts 18:2-26, Romans 16:3-5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and 2 Timothy 4:19. 

The section of the text we highlight today in Hebrews 10:24 tells us, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

I could be wrong, but the text seems to have a gentle tone.

Hebrews 10:22-25 from The Message gives us the big picture, “So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”

The writer is gently stirring up the readers with powerful words. The rhetoric is pinned by a seasoned believer. In Romans 16:3-4 we read, “Greet Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.”

The section of text found in Hebrews was not written as a command, yet it was not a suggestion either. The author encourages us to hold o to the precious gift of love Jesus has given us. We are encouraged to be creative with our love for Jesus and to help out when we see an opportunity. The author wants us to remember the love we have been given by Spirit of God is a wonderful gift. As we worship together we are to encourage one another in love. The ‘big day’ mentioned could have referred to the destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.) which signified the end of the old sacrificial practice in the Old Testament and the beginning of the new covenant of Jesus or it could have referred to the Second Coming. Once again, I look at it a different way. I believe it meant both of those things. I have a list of questions in my head that will be known when THE hour comes. We do know the hour will come…and oh my it WILL be grander than we can begin to imagine!

Deborah

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