Hebrews 1:1-14, pt. 1
Jesus is revealed to be both Lord and God, equal with the Father.
OVERVIEW OF HEBREWS
- Author: Paul (based on the info below)
- Date: Sometime between the 50-60’s
- Place of Writing: Unknown
- Occasion: Encourage the Jewish people to live in the New Covenant Jesus established (Heb. 8:6).
- Theme: Jesus, God the Son, is the mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 12:24).
Four Reasons to Support Pauline Authorship:
- Church History: According to the church historian Eusebius in the 300’s, Clement of Alexandria in the mid-100’s said it was the written work of Paul in Hebrew and translated and published for the Greeks by Luke. Likewise, multiple early councils and lists considered Paul to have written fourteen epistles; Canon in the Apostolic Canons (380’s) and Canon of Gregory Nazianzus (mid-300’s).
- Similar to Paul's Testimony: The author gives his testimony in a Pauline fashion in Hebrews 2:3, “how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” Notice the “us” refers to people like Paul who were not around during Jesus’s earthly ministry.
- The Author's Relationship To Timothy: Timothy is close to the author and ready to travel with him to the people receiving Hebrews (like in other Pauline letters); Hebrews 13:23, “I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.”
- Pauline Style: The letter ends with Paul’s standard blessing, Hebrews 13:24-25, “24 Greet all your leaders and all the Lord's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. 25 Grace be with you all.”
HEBREWS 1:1-14
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. [Exodus 20:11, Isaiah 42:5; 43:10; 44:24, John 1:14-18, 1 Corinthians 8:6, & 1 Timothy 2:5; 3:16 (KJV)]
3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. [John 10:30; 14:9 & Isaiah 43:10, 44:6;24] 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.
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 Chronicles 17:13]
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.” [Colossians 1:15-18, Psalm 97:7 (LXX), Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 32:43 (LXX), & Isaiah 42:8]
7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” [Psalm 104:4 (LXX)]
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 110:1-7; 8:9; 97:5 & Matthew 22:43-46]
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? [Psalm 91:11]