July 12, 2010 Lesson 1 of Hebrews 1

V 1-4. List the statements made about Christ in verses 2 and 3. What do these statements tell us about his person and work? In what ways is He greater than prophets and angels? Answer: 1) “whom He appointed heir of all things” 2) “and through whom He made the whole universe” 3) “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory” 4) “the exact representation of His being” 5) “Sustaining all things by His powerful Word” 6) “He provided purification for sins” 7) He then “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Jesus is called what no other created being is called, Son, in addition to these statements. This makes His name superior to all others. Jesus is, was, and always will be the one true way to the father.


How do the scriptures quoted in verses 5-14 confirm the statement of verse 4? Define for yourself the ways in which what God says of Christ is different from what He says about angels. Answer: Like other passages we have read during these studies this author is using OT references to prove who and what Christ is to the NT Jews. However, in this instance it is to prove Christ’s superiority to the angels. These statements show how Christ is called the Son by God. The fact that He is called Son alone places Him above the angels. Not to mention the fact that Christ is seated at the right hand of God (v13), God through Christ created the heavens and the earth and all things in it (v10), the angels are commanded to worship Him (v6), Christ is set above the angels by God (v9), and the angels were sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (v14).


Notes:
The emphasis laid on Christ’s superiority to angels, which to us seems obvious, is explained by the fact that, to the Jews, one of the chief glories of the Old Testament revelation was that it was given through angels. See 2:2
Verse 7. Angels are created beings; they are God’s servants; and their form and appearance suffer change and transformation at God’s pleasure. Contrast the royal dominion and unchanging being of the Son (v8-12).

Eric’s personal note
It seems that the author is marking the change from prophets to now. Verse 1 and 2 note this transition.