Hebrews 2

Hebrews 2:1

Honour widows that are widows indeed. In the church at Jerusalem the widows were honored with support (Acts 6:1). The teaching of Paul here seems to place widows who were above sixty years old (1 Timothy 5:9), and without children or grandchildren to support them (1 Timothy 5:4), in a class of church widows devoted to the work of the church (1 Timothy 5:10), and supported out of its funds. Such were “widows indeed”.

Hebrews 2:2

But if any widow hath children or nephews. These must support them, and thus “show piety at home”. “Nephews” is better rendered “grandchildren”, as in the Revised Version.

Hebrews 2:3

She that is a widow indeed. Has neither husband not children, and is left desolate. Having no earthly trust, she trusteth in God, and shows this by her devout life.

Hebrews 2:4

She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. The widow that plays the wanton is dead spiritually.

Hebrews 2:5

These things give in charge. Insist upon these things.

Hebrews 2:6

If any provideth not for his own. The support of his relatives and servants is referred to. Children and grandchildren must support their aged parents. Any one who does not provide for his own family, whether it be wife and children, or aged parents, has practically denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever, for even unbelievers do these things.

Hebrews 2:7

Let not a widow be taken into the number. Into the order of widows supported by the church and engaged in its work. Under three-score years old. None but the aged. Having been the wife of one man. Not having had more than one husband living at the same time, as was very common in those days of easy divorce.

Hebrews 2:8

Well reported of. Good character was a requisite. For good works. The good works are named. If she have brought up children. Either her own, or orphans or neglected children. If she have lodged strangers. The duty of hospitality is often urged. Often, in that age, saints were made homeless by persecution. If she have washed the saints’ feet. A duty of hospitality, not a church ordinance. If she have relieved the afflicted. A ministering angel.

Hebrews 2:9

But the younger widows refuse. Do not take them into this number for the reason that they in part will wish to marry again.

Hebrews 2:10

Having damnation. Not because they marry, but because, after entering a class consecrated entirely to church work, they have cast off their first faith. They forsake its duties in order to marry.

Hebrews 2:11

They learn to be idle. They have not that gravity which is required for this work of visitation and ministration laid upon the “widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:3), but wander from house to house to gossip.

Hebrews 2:12

I will therefore that the younger women marry. None are to enter upon this consecrated life but the aged; there are to be no young nuns. The apostle distinctly forbids the conventual system which now exists in the Romish church.

Hebrews 2:14

If any . . . that believeth have widows, let them relieve them. If any have widows among their relatives, let them support these, instead of the church, in order that the church may support the “widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:3).

Hebrews 2:15

Let the elders that rule well. The officials called “bishops” previously are here called elders. See PNT 1 Timothy 3:1. Be counted worthy of double honour. Held in especial esteem, and not only treated with respect, but maintained. Especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. The class we call preachers, or pastors. That support is referred to is shown by 1 Timothy 5:18.

Hebrews 2:16

The Scripture saith. See Deuteronomy 25:4. Thou shalt not muzzle the ox. See PNT 1 Corinthians 9:9. The labourer [is] worthy of his reward. Quoted from Lu 10:7. Paul says it is Scripture. Therefore, Luke’s Gospel was already written and in Paul’s hands when this Epistle was written. He calls this Gospel “Scripture”. Peter applies the same term to Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:16).

Hebrews 2:17

Against an elder receive not an accusation. Accusations against bishops might be brought before Timothy. But before two or three witnesses. They were not to be considered unless supported by two or three witnesses. The same rule is found in Deuteronomy 19:15.

Hebrews 2:18

Them that sin. Whether they be elders, or private members, if convicted, rebuke before all. Rebuke them publicly, for the sake of the lesson to others. Do not hush the matter up privately.