The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

16 Conclusion Thus, the introduction to the book clearly defines the scope of the discussion. 22 Rather than simply magnifying the person of Jesus in contrast to prophets or angels, the introduction contrasts God's communication and mediation in the past to the ultimate media– tion and communication now given in a Son. Jesus is not simply the ultimate person, but the ultimate mediator/revealer of God. The messenger is discussed not for the sake of his person but for the implication which this has upon the theme of ultimate importance, the revelation and mediation which has been accomplished through him. What he has done and said is superior to all which has been done and said before. Greater Revelation Demands Greater Obedience 1:5-4: 16 Introduction The first major implication of having received greater revelation is that the recipients are under greater obligation to obey it. 23 If previous generations of God 's people 22 "This sermon concerns the God who speaks. It begins by focusing attention upon the God who has spoken to his people in the past, and who is speaking to his people in the present time (1: 1-2a). It is an urgent call for the new people of God to listen to the word h has spoken through his Son," Lane, Hebrews, 15. As Hughes states the intent of the introdu - tion, it is "to confirm the finality, and the dignity of the Son in whom ha come the e chatological form of God 's address . The prologue as a whole, therefore, i pre-emin ntl about the Word in the Son." Graham Hughes , Hebrews and Hermeneutics (Cambridge: ambridge Univer ity Pres , 1979), 7. ti n (1: - 4 :1 ) on