An exegetical examination of the humanity of Christ in Hebrews 2:5-18

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An exegetical examination of the humanity of Christ in Hebrews 2:5-18

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title: An exegetical examination of the humanity of Christ in Hebrews 2:5-18

creator: Barnes, Nathaniel D.

subject: Jesus Christ - Humanity.

subject: Bible - Hebrews - Criticism, interpretation, etc.

description: Abstract reads : "It is widely recognised that the book of Hebrews presents a more explicit and thorough exposition of the significance of Christ’s humanity than any other New Testament document. Despite this, the scholarly examination of Christ’s humanity in Hebrews remains under-developed. Many works, while acknowledging its significance, examine it in only a cursory or tangential way. A few scholars have provided more extensive examination, but their conclusions have been controversial.The present study is an exegetical examination in Hebrews 2:5-18—the first major section of Hebrews to give focused attention to the humanity of Christ. By careful analysis of the text, within its own context, this study aims to clarify and deepen our understanding of how the author of Hebrews presented the humanity of Christ and its significance.This thesis argues that Christ’s humanity is explained in Hebrews 2:5-18 through Old Testament categories, and particularly in relation to Psalm 8.In Psalm 8, humanity is depicted as inherently frail but is exalted over creation through its relationship with God. In Hebrews 2, Christ is presented as having entered into human frailty and, in that position, exercised faith in the Father. As the true expression of what humanity was created to be, Christ also entered into the promised dominion of humanity. In so doing, he opened the way for other humans to receive the promised blessings of Psalm 8. Hebrews 2:5-18 further depicts Christ as the human leader of God’s people. This thesis argues that, as the ἀρχηγός, Christ exercises a role of leadership that was prefigured in the OT kingly and prophetic offices. Both of these offices intrinsically entailed identification of the leader with those who are led. To be perfected in this role, then, Christ needed to experience the frailty of humanity in a fallen world and demonstrate faith in the midst of his sufferings.This thesis further argues that Hebrews 2:5-18 presents Christ’s humanity as central to his sacrificial work. In becoming a human, Christ took on mortality such that he could die for his people. Christ’s death is therefore presented as a substitutionary sacrifice—his mortal humanity took the penalty of human death that hung over sinful humans.Hebrews 2:5-18 concludes by introducing the priesthood of Christ. This is the first explicit introduction of the concept of priesthood in Hebrews. By introducing Christ’s priesthood as the conclusion of 2:5-18, the author frames priesthood in the categories of humanity expressed in this passage."Submitted in Fulfillment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Moore Theological College.

publisher: Moore Theological College

date: 2022-06-01

type: Text

language: English

rights: In copyright - educational use only.This item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge that it is held by Moore Theological College.This digital item is accessible online to all.

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format: pdf

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