18, 19. Explain the meaning of the words of Hebrews 2:1-4.

¹⁸ To illustrate an advantage in reading aloud perhaps in a family group or among friends, and then giving consideration to what is read, getting the understanding of it, consider Hebrews 2:1-4. There we read: “That is why it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us, that we may never drift away.

¹⁹ The opening words of Heb chapter two say “that is why.” This ties the information back to the first chapter of Hebrews. Hebrew Christians were to “pay more than the usual attention to the things heard.” Why? Because they were spoken by God’s Son, the one greater than all other prophets and even greater than angels. Next consider what happened to the Israelites for ignoring the ‘word as transmitted by angels,’ the Law covenant. They were punished for their willful disobedience to the word, receiving “a retribution in harmony with justice.” That being the case, can we expect anything less if we refuse to pay more than the usual attention to the Word of God?

For example, look at the miracles Jesus and his apostles performed, healing the deaf, blind and lame, expelling demons, and even raising the dead. In these ways we have proof positive of the need to “pay more than the usual attention to the things heard.”