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Paul contrasts the people of Israel with the Gentiles in Rom. 15: 10, and this word
laos (which occurs thirteen times in the epistle to the Hebrews) is used there of Israel,
even as the word ethnos is used in Ephesians of the Gentiles.
We bring this second study to a conclusion. Let us see what we have found:
(1)
That the absence of the name and office of Paul from the epistle to the Hebrews, is
an indication that Paul is dealing with a calling that was outside his own distinctive
ministry as an apostle, and that, consequently, this epistle must be kept distinct, so
far as sphere and calling is concerned, from the epistle to the Ephesians.
(2)
That in close conformity with this finding, is the use of the terms "Gentile" and
"People", supplemented by the references to "the Fathers". The two comparisons
already instituted between these two epistles lead us to the conclusion that two
different callings and spheres are in view in them. This conclusion will be
strengthened, weakened, or confuted by further studies in this series, to which we
direct the prayerful attention of every true "Berean".
#3.
Angels (Hebrews), Principalities (Ephesians),
Differences in rank indicated.
pp. 154 - 156
The distinctive callings and spheres of the epistles to the Ephesians and to the
Hebrews, have been indicated by the presence and absence of the authority of "Paul the
apostle", and by the exclusive use of either "Gentile" or "People". We now continue our
comparison by observing the difference between the exaltation indicated in Heb. 1: 4 and
that spoken of in Eph. 1: 20-23. In both epistles Christ is spoken of as being "seated" at
the right hand of God (Eph. 1: 20; Heb. 1: 3; 8: 1; 10: 12; 12: 2), but in Hebrews His
exaltation is emphasized by its superiority to that of angels, whereas in Ephesians it is
said to be far above all principality and power. It may be that no difference is intended
by those two sets of expressions, and as we know nothing about the heavenly host except
what is revealed in Holy Scripture we must abide by what is there written. First of all, let
us put the two sets of passages before the reader. We have already observed that the
distinctive word laos, "people", is used in Hebrews thirteen times; we now find that
aggelos, "angel", occurs thirteen times also.
The use of "angel" in Hebrews.
In chapter 1: Christ in His exaltation to the right hand of the Majesty on high is said
to be made "so much better than the angels" (Heb. 1: 4).
"Unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son? . . . . ." (1: 5).
"Let all the angels of God worship Him" (1: 6).
"He maketh His angels spirits" (1: 7).
"To which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand?" (1: 13).