Q. “A. B. M.” What is the correct thought of Hebrews 12:23: “to the general assembly and church of the first born”? Does the Holy Spirit repeat Himself, or is there a distinction?
A. The passage should be read thus, “But ye are come unto mount Zion; and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem; and to myriads of angels a general convocation; and assembly of firstborn (ones) enrolled in heaven,” etc.
The writer is contrasting the order of things to which the Hebrews had come under Christianity and grace, with that of Mount Sinai and law. They were not come to the latter (vss. 18-21), they were come to mount Zion — the principle of perfect grace from God to His earthly people when wholly ruined in all classes of the nation; people, priests, and Kings, (vss. 22-24). This is the meaning of “Mount Zion” here; it is perfect grace. It refers to God’s intervention by His chosen King, David, in re-establishing His relationship with the people at mount Zion when all was ruined; in bringing back the Ark of God (see 2 Sam. 5-6). He opens in these verses a magnificent vista of all that will be in millennial glory, but as now true to faith. The word “and” divides each thought in verses 22-24. So that the last clause of verse 22 should not have been severed from the first part of verse 23. These two clauses refer to the great convocation of angels on high. Then comes, “and assembly of firstborn (ones),” enrolled in heaven, by grace; they were not like angels — indigenous to the place. (Compare Luke 10:20.)