The First Warning: How Can We Escape? (2:1-4)

The Context and Superiority of Christ.  In chapters 1 and 2, the author deals with Christ's superiority over the angelic beings by quoting several Messianic Psalms about Christ's deity and preisthood.  Chapter 1 addresses His deity and chapter 2 addresses His humanity. It has been proposed that these believers had begun worshipping angels and the author was condemning this practice, but this is not likely because he does not mention worship anywhere in the passage.  Instead, while upholding Christ over the angels, the author makes the point that humans are given the right to rule with Christ, not the angels (Heb. 1:13).  In fact, the angels were created to serve the humans who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14).

The Sin and Possible Problem.  After telling his audience that Christ has chosen humans not angels to rule with Him, the authors warns of neglecting this gift (Heb. 2:1).  Christ is not only greater than the angels, He has chosen vessels even weaker than angels for His Kingdom.  To ignore this gift is sin.

The Warning and Consequences.  The author warns that by neglecting this salvation, the readers run the risk of not being able to escape "just penalty."  If those in the Old Testamant received judgment for disobedience, how much more will we who have the living Christ (Heb. 2:2-3)!  In the context of rulership talked about 1:13-14, the consequence of ignoring the work of Christ in this life will result in loss of ruleship in the next.

The Exhortation and Encouragement.  This warning opens the discussion of Christ in the remainder of the book.  The author exhorts his readers to pay closer attention to what Christ has done and who He is, things the author is preparing to discuss.  He tells them they might drift away from their inheritance if they ignore what was taught (Heb. 2:4; 13:7) and what he is about to teach.

Old Testament Examples.  The author quotes Psalms 2, 7, 102, 104, and 110 and urges his readers to remember these teachings just as the Israelites were urged to study them.

New Testament Cross References.  The New Testament gives similiar warnings.  In the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30), Christ teaches the value of paying attention to the investment given to us.  In Acts, the disciples decided it was better for them to "not neglect the word of God" (Acts 6:2-4).  Paul similiarly encourages Timothy not to "neglect" his gifts (I Tim. 4:14).