Hebrews 1
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1God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 3His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have. 5For to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father?” and again, “I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?” 6When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” 7Of the angels he says, “Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.” 8But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” 10And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. 11They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. 12You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.” 13But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?” 14Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
World English Bible (public domain)
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”
Hebrews 1:3
Summary
Hebrews chapter 1 presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God, superior to all previous revelations. The chapter opens by contrasting the old way God communicated to humanity through prophets with the new, definitive way—through His Son, Jesus. It emphasizes the divinity and supremacy of Jesus by stating that He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature. Jesus not only created but also sustains the universe by His powerful word. After achieving purification for sins, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, indicating His completed work and supreme authority. The chapter then expounds on Jesus’ superiority over the angels, another key element, by citing various Old Testament scriptures. This serves to highlight the unique Sonship of Christ, as no angel was ever addressed by God as His Son in the same way. The chapter ends affirming that while angels are ministering spirits, Jesus alone is enthroned as the eternal King.
Key Themes
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