| Wherefore we ought to give the more heed to the things we have heard lest we perish. For if the word which was spoken by angels was steadfast: so that every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense to reward how shall we escape, if we despise so great salvation, which at the first began to be preached of the Lord himself, and afterward was confirmed unto us ward, by them that heard it, God bearing witness thereto, both with signs and wonders also, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the holy ghost according to his own will.
He hath not unto the angels put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place witnessed, saying. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? After thou hadst for a season made him lower than the angels: thou crownedst him with honour and glory, and hast set him above the works of thy hands. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. In that he put all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. Nevertheless we yet see not all things subdued but him that was made less than the angels we see that it was Jesus, which is crowned with glory and honour for the suffering of death: that he by the grace of God, should taste of death for all men.
For it became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, after that he had brought many sons unto glory, that he should make the Lord of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he that sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of one. For which causes sake he is not ashamed to call them brethren saying: I will declare thy name unto my brethren, and in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: behold here am I and the children which God hath given me.
For as much then as the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part with them, for to put down through death, him that had lordship over death, that is to say the devil, and that he might deliver them which through fear of death were all their lifetime in danger of bondage. For he in no place taketh on him the angels: but the seed of Abraham taketh he on him. Wherefore in all things it became him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be merciful, and a faithful high Priest in things concerning God, for to purge the peoples sins. For in that he himself suffered and was tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. |
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