Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking. Or, “not neglecting.”

The assembling. The writer here refers to Christian gatherings for the purpose of worship and mutual encouragement, which in NT times were commonly held in the homes of believers (see Vol. VI, p. 47).

The manner of some. Or, “the custom of some.” Apparently, some were neglecting to fellowship with their brethren in seasons of worship and devotion, to their own detriment. In so doing they were living in contravention of the counsel of v. 24 to encourage their fellow believers in love and good works. In view of the political situation prevailing at the time the book of Hebrews was written, some may have absented themselves from fear of incurring governmental displeasure and possibly civil penalties. Others remained absent from religious services because of carelessness and indifference (see vs. 26, 27).

Exhorting. Or, “encouraging.” Words of exhortation would encourage others to “hold fast” their “faith without wavering” (v. 23). Those who are firmly established in the faith should never forget that some of their fellow believers, whose opportunity for the development of Christian character may have been less favorable, may be passing through doubt and discouragement. “A word in season to him that is weary” (Isa. 50:4) may be the means, in God’s providence, of converting a “sinner from the error of his way,” of saving his “soul from death,” and of hiding “a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

So much the more. As trouble, difficulty, and persecution should increase, mutual exhortation and encouragement would prove to be of even greater benefit. The danger to personal safety that might be incurred by attending public worship would be far outweighed by the courage and strength that result from Christian fellowship.

The day. Reference here is to the day “of judgment and fiery indignation” (v. 27), the day when “he that shall come will come” (v. 37). The expression, “see the day approaching,” doubtless points back to the admonition of our Lord in response to the disciples’ question, “When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt. 24:3). The disciples’ question and our Lord’s reply alike encompass both the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and the end of the world (see on Matt. 24:3). In view of the fact that the book of Hebrews was doubtless written but a short time prior to the year A.D. 70 (see p. 389), it is not improbable that the writer looked forward also to the fateful events of that year. However, as the context makes evident (see especially Heb. 10:27, 37), he is thinking primarily of the second coming of Christ (see Additional Note on Rom. 13).