Hebrews 1 (NIV)
In this chapter Paul is writing to the Hebrews. He compares the ways of the law with the freedom inherited through Christ for the benefit of the Jews, and also proves the divinity of Christ using the prophesies from the scripture. Remember that Paul had once been one of the most devout Pharisees, so when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he researched everything he once thought he understood. It changed everything he believed, everything he had studied and learned, everything he had zealously defended. So he had to go back and re-read the scriptures in this new light, he had to re-learn everything he had known his whole life. So the letters to the Hebrews were very close to his own heart and he was incredibly knowledgable on this subject. His arguments for the validity of Christ were well-formed and detailed.
God’s Final Word: His Son
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Paul begins to declare how excellent the gospel of Jesus Christ is in comparison to the law. He proceeds to show the differences in the way God communicated previously with his children and how he does now. In the past, only those specifically chosen by God were able to communicate with him – the prophets. But now, communication with the creator is possible as individuals. In addition, God revealed himself personally through his own son, the very embodiment of his glory, a perfect representation of himself. Paul then begins to present his argument to the validity of Jesus’ claim to be the very messiah that was prophesied.
The Son Superior to Angels
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”[Psalm 2:7]?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”[2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13]?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[Deut. 32:43]
7 In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”[Psalm 104:4]
8 But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”[Psalm 45:6,7]
10 He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”[Psalm 102:25-27]
13 To which of the angels did God ever say,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet”[Psalm 110:1]?
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Notice that Paul first establishes how superior the gospel of Jesus Christ is to the law of the ancestors. Then, using scripture to ask “who else could these scriptures refer to?” “Who else has Father God ever referred to in this way? ” He makes comparison of Jesus and Angels, he shows that Christ was there at the very beginning, and how God has promised him a place at his right hand. A throne to rule side by side – and who else would God give this honor but his only son?
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