Commentary on the book of Hebrews

Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria gained experience in explaining the Holy Scriptures when, as a rhetorician of the Great Church, he instructed the people. Most of his written interpretations arose at the request of the Greek Empress Maria, whom he calls his pious patron. These works became an outstanding synthesis and transposition of the established patristic traditions, primarily the heritage of the Antiochian theological school and St. John Chrysostom. As a rule, the author presents abbreviated versions of extensive interpretations of the ancient Church Fathers, borrowing only what is necessary for understanding the text. The commentary also includes his own explanations, which often concern disputes with heretics, especially later ones, and issues of dialogue with the Latins. Thanks to his clear, concise presentation and clear semantic emphasis, his commentaries were accessible to a wide range of readers, became widespread and had a significant influence on both Byzantine and Western European theology. The Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews (13 chapters) explains that the epistle is addressed to believing Jews who were subjected to severe persecution and deprivation of property by their unbelieving fellow tribesmen, who had the power to judge and imprison. These trials led Jewish Christians to despondency and spiritual weakening. The following topics are raised in the commentaries: a discussion of the superiority of the New Testament over the Old and the superiority of Christ over the angels, the prophet Moses and the Old Testament high priests, the humble enduring of sorrows and the expectation of heavenly reward. Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Saint Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, as he himself says about this in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 11:13-14). For the Jews did not tolerate his preaching to them and were more hostile to him than to the other apostles, since by his unexpected conversion he proved the invincible power of Christ, which attracted such a strong persecutor to Him. But this is the great proof of the truth of the gospel preaching, that Paul, the strictest zealot of the law, suddenly turned to Christ. Therefore, the Jews were strongly hostile to him and could not even hear his voice. However, even the Jewish believers did not pay much attention to him, since he completely distracted from the law and freed him from circumcision. Nevertheless, although he was sent as a preacher to the pagans, he also writes to the Jews. For, just as he was not commanded to baptize, yet he baptized, because it was not forbidden to him: so, doing beyond what was due, he sends this Epistle to the Hebrews, for he was greatly concerned about those for whom he prayed even to be excommunicated (Rom. 9:3). He writes a letter to those living in Palestine and Jerusalem. For from the unbelieving Jews they were deprived of their property and were subjected to countless disasters. That is why the apostle was also very concerned about giving alms to them, encouraging both the Corinthians and Macedonians to do this. And, having shared the sermon with Peter, he makes the poor Jewish believers living in Jerusalem common. So, out of necessity, he writes to them, encouraging them when they are losing heart. For they were greatly embarrassed by insults from their fellow tribesmen, who ruled arbitrarily in Jerusalem and had the power to judge and throw into prison those whom they wanted. This is what he shows when he says: “strengthen the hands that hang down and the knees that weaken” (Heb. 12:12). Being Jews and knowing that their fathers enjoyed benefits during their lifetime, they lost heart greatly, not receiving relief from anyone. Therefore, the apostle also talks a lot in this epistle about faith and about the saints from eternity who have not yet received blessings, making two suggestions: first, to generously endure everything that happens; second, to undoubtedly expect retribution. For the Lord will not despise the saints from all eternity; therefore, you will then get yours. The apostle also says a lot about the Old and New Testaments and shows that the law no longer has an important meaning; for although the church still stood, it makes it clear that this will be until a certain time and that our teaching is true. The Apostle writes a letter from Italy. This letter is older than Second Timothy. That message indicates that his life is coming to an end: “For I am already becoming a sacrifice, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Tim. 4:6). In this he also promises the Jews that he will see them. “Know,” he says, “that our brother Timothy has been released, and I, together with him, if he comes soon, will see you” (Heb. 13:23). This probably happened. For he spent two years in Rome in chains, then was released, as he himself clearly says about this: “When I first answered, no one was with me...” (2 Tim. 4:16) and: ... delivered from the mouth of the lion (cf. 2 Tim. 4:17), obviously Nero. Then he went to Spain, where perhaps he saw Jews. After that, he again arrived in Rome, where he was deprived of his life by order of Nero. You might be interested in: