Subscribe: https://youtube.com/StJohnDC?sub_confirmation=1
The Pastoral Epistles of Saint Paul
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), part 49, Hebrews 12:18-13:25
November 21, 2023

Topics include:
(1) A comparison of Mt Sinai on earth and the Heavenly Jerusalem, the very Temple of God, seen in the Book of Revelation and in the Divine Liturgy. The New Covenant transcends the Old Testament, as direct revelation does symbols. The Christian revelation far exceeds that of Moses. But both call for fear and awe, reverence, in coming into the presence of God; 
(2) As we draw closer to God, we realize how far we are from understanding Him. The deeper we go, God dwells in impenetrable darkness. God is not an object of knowledge, and approaching Him seeking knowledge is futile and darkness. But contemplating Him in noetic awareness, He begins to reveal himself as light; 
(3) Many who are not yet purified have stumbled, approaching Him in arrogance, assuming they can understand, but instead falling into error and heresy. Beware Catechumen Theologians! We should rather humble ourselves and submit to teachers appointed by God; 
(4) Verse 12:23, "to the spirits of just men made perfect"  and the "so great a cloud of witnesses" of 12:1 speak of the Community of the Saints. The combined reality of heavenly and earthly worship, paralleling the book of revelation, joined together in the Divine Liturgy; 
(5) 12:28 "With reverence and piety": we need to have awe and fear before God, not to disregard Him and act as if He doesn't exist. Awe that He has allowed us to see and experience His holiness; 
(6) Sex within marriage is not defiling, but sex outside of marriage is profoundly defiling and God will judge; 
(7) People rejected Christ as a criminal. As Christians, we must learn to accept being rejected and reviled. This is not our home. Our identity is not in terms of any earthly or political nature; 
(8) vv. 15-17. Offer your tithe. Love and support your Priests and Bishops ... they are accountable ... so let them be joyful in your care; 
(9) On sacrifices: Sacrifice and Priesthood are key concepts in Hebrews. The blood and meat is offered, sanctified by that offering, and returned to those who offer it to sanctify them. Sacrifice is at the heart of our worship. Worship is sacrifice, offering and receiving back again, conveying holiness. Christ has offered all things, in himself (recapitulation), to the Father.