Hebrews: A Verse-by-Verse Commentary (Vine) / December 20, 2022

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W.E. Vine was a careful theologian who was conscious of the need to communicate Biblical truths with a common touch. He revealed his pastoral heart when, writing of another of Paul’s letters, he said, “Truth that saves is truth warm from the heart of God, glowing with the love that proved itself at the Cross, the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Vine’s discernment as a theologian and his pastoral concerns are both demonstrated in his commentary on Hebrews. Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were being tempted to return to their Jewish faith. Vine says – almost poetically – that many had been attracted to Christianity, but had never accepted Christ. “They had been ‘enlightened’ without having Christ as their Light; they had ‘tasted of the heavenly gift,’ without receiving it. They had been having a share in the power of the Holy Spirit, without being indwelt by Him as believers. They had ‘tasted of the good Word of God,’ without actually feeding on the Bread of Life.” “The antidote” to abandoning the Christian faith, says Vine, “is provided in the presentation of Christ as the Son of God, His essential glories, His finished and completely efficacious sacrifice, and His present ministry as the great High Priest.”