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Hebrews Chapter
One
I.
Content of the Chapter
Christ is the Son of God
More Excellent
than the Prophets and the Angels.
A. The Son of God is more excellent than the
prophets (v.1-3);
1. By the prophets:
at various
times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers (v.1);
2. By His Son: has in these last days spoken to us (v
3. The status
ministry and nature of the Son
of God (v.2b-3);
B. The Son of God is more excellent than the
angels (v.4-14);
1. Name ---- He has by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they (v.4);
2. Status ---- He is the Son of God
and the
angels are merely the (v.5-7);
3. Power and disposition ---- God accepts more
than all (v.8-9);
4. Work and existence ---- the heavens and the
earth are the work of His hands. And He remain (v.10-12);
5. His relation with salvation ---- He is the
accomplisher of salvation. And the angels are the ministering spirits sent
forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (v.13-14);
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Heb. 1:1
“God
who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the
fathers by the prophets
”
YLT: ”In many parts
and many ways
God of old having spoken to the fathers in the prophets
”
Meaning of Words:
“prophets”: foreteller
an
inspired speaker; “various times”: many parts
many
phases; “various ways”: many forms
many
methods; “spoke”: preach
utter
(the past perfect tense);
Literal Meaning:
“God …in
time past by the prophets”
“in time
past”
before the incarnation of Christ
namely
the
times of the Old Testament; “prophets”: those who
speak for God and reveal God Himself and His will to men; “the
prophets”: the prophets in the Old
Testament; “by the prophets”: it is “in
the prophets” in the original
which means that the
inspiration and revelation of God’s Spirit in the prophets;
“At various
times and in various ways spoke to the fathers”
“at
various times and in various ways”
“at various
times and in various ways”: at different times and by different ways
partly and incompletely
e.g. all the prophecies
types
visions and dreams
etc. “Spoke”: God spoke to men; “the fathers”: the elect of God ---- the
fathers of the Jews in the past generations
which are in contrast to “us” in
verse two.
This verse suggests that God in the
times of the Old Testament spoke to men successively through the personalities
and words of those who were of God
expressing Himself and His will partially.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) God is a God who speaks. He reveals Himself
and His will to men by speaking to men so that they may know what He is and has
and does.
2) God is a God of revelation. He has
fellowship with men through revelation. And God needs vessels to convey His
revelation. That is to say
He needs a group of men to be His vessel.
3) God spoke to men “by the prophets”.
Therefore
we shall not despise the prophecies
but prove all things and hold
fast the right (1Thess. 5:20-21).
4) “The prophets” show that any single prophet
could not represent the complete revelation of God
and each prophet could only
speak a part or an aspect of God’s word for Him. Therefore
we shall not uphold
any servant of God above what is written (1Cor. 4:6).
5) We shall desire to prophesy (1Cor. 14:1).
However
one shall firstly be revealed and inspired by God so that he is able
to speak for God and edify the church (1Cor. 14:29-31).
6) If we desire to know God
we shall rely on
and obtain the transient word through the word that God has already spoken.
Therefore
let the word of God in the Scriptures dwell in us richly (
7) Do not ignore the Holy Bible
for every
scripture is divinely inspired (2Tim. 3:16). And do not despise the prophecies
(1Thess. 5:20).
8) The words that God had spoken in the Old
Testament were spoken “at various times and in various ways”
Heb. 1:2 “has in these last days
spoken to us by His Son
whom He has appointed heir of all things
through whom
also He made the worlds;”
YLT:
”in
these last days did speak to us in a Son
whom He appointed heir of all things
through whom also He did make the ages;”
Meaning
of Words: “these
last days”:
the end of these days; “speak”: utter
preach;
Literal
Meaning:
“has in these last days spoken to us by His Son”
“these last days”
refer to the times of the New Testament
or the times of grace
namely
the
period from the first coming of Jesus Christ to His second coming; “His Son”
refers to Jesus Christ ---- He is the only begotten Son in the bosom of the
Father and has declared God (John 1:18); “we”: believers in the times of the
New Testament;
The whole verse shows that God speaks to us through His Son Jesus Christ
today and we are enabled to obtain the word of God and understand only by Him.
“Whom He has appointed heir of all things”
“appoint”: set
which shows that such action is completely out of God the Father; “heir of all
things”: the one who inherit all things legally. All that God has had and done
are of Him (John 16:15).
This verse indicates that Jesus Christ is
always the center and end of God’s eternal will and the significance and
purpose of the existence of all things are the Son of God Jesus Christ.
“Through whom also He made the worlds”
“the worlds”: a habitual word of the Jews
which refers to the universe manifested in different ages. It is corresponding
to “all things” ---- the worlds are all things
and vice versa.
This verse suggests that the worlds were
created by God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Verse two and three tell us the relation of
Christ with all things: 1) in the past
He was the creator of all things (see
v.10; John 1:3; Col. 1:16; 1Cor. 8:6); at present
He is the maintainer of all
things; 3) in the future
He is the heir of all things (see Rom. 11:36).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Both the Old Testament and the New Testament
are written according to what God has spoken. However
the value of them is
different because of the distinction of the way of the speaking.
2) The New Testament is hidden in the Old
Testament
and the Old Testament is manifested in the New Testament. In the
past
God only spoke some of His word partially (see v.1). However
all that He
wants us to know are revealed in His Son.
3) Since God speaks to us by His Son
the
object of our hearing shall not be men or things
but the word of Christ in
everything (including the preachers
the Scriptures and the environment etc.).
4) No matter the Old Testament or the New
Testament
we shall read the Christ in the Scriptures and obtain the provision
of life through the fellowship with the Christ in the Scriptures (see John
5:39-40).
5) The words that the Lord Jesus has spoken
unto us are spirits and are life (John 6:63). What is important is that the
object word shall be transformed into subjective and transient words through
the worship and receiving in spirit and truth. Otherwise
we will profit
nothing (see John 4:23-24).
6) If we desire to have part in all the fullness
of God
it does not depend on knowledge
but touching and knowing and
manifesting the indwelling Christ
for in Christ dwells all the fullness of the
Godhead bodily (Col. 2:9).
7) “God … spoken to us”
it shows that God takes men as the object of
speaking and God pleases to have fellowship with men. Therefore
we shall
cherish this precious status.
8) “God … has appointed heir of all things”
it points out that Christ is the center
of God’s will and works. Once we have obtained Him
we have got value. Without
Him
all is vanity.
9) All things were created by Christ. And
Christ is the origin of all things. Once we have obtained Him
we have obtained
everything. Without Him
we have nothing.
Heb. 1:3 “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of
His person
and upholding all things by the word of His power
when He had by
Himself purged our sins
sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
”
YLT:
”who
being the brightness of the glory
and the impress of His subsistence
bearing
up also the all things by the saying of his might -- through himself having
made a cleansing of our sins
sat down at the right hand of the greatness in
the highest
”
Meaning
of Words: “glory”: honor
praise
dignity; “brightness”: radiance
an off-flash
efflugence; “person”: substance
essence; “image”: scratch
etching
sculptured figure
mark
graven; “word”: transient word
(rhema); “uphold”: bear
bring
forth
carry;
Literal
Meaning: “who being the brightness of His glory”
“glory”: it is the revelation of God in
the Scriptures (see Acts 7:2); “the brightness of His glory”
it means that He
is the manifestation of God’s substance.
“And the express image of His person”
“express image”
it
in the original refers to the image stamped on the object is the same as that
in the seal; “the express image of His person”
it indicates that He is the
manifestation of God’s nature. Once men have seen Him
they have seen God (see
John 14:9;
“And upholding all things by the word of His power”
“the word of His power”
it means that His
word carries authority and power; “uphold all things”: maintain
uphold and
promote all things (see
“When He had by Himself purged our sins”
the past perfect
tense shows that it had fulfilled once and the effect endures for ever.
“Purged”: through the blood of Him shedding on the cross (see Heb. 9:14);
“Sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”
“sat down”: it is a posture of rest and
enjoyment and waiting
which shows that He has completed His redemption work
and waits from henceforth until his enemies be set footstool of his feet (see
v.13; 10:13); “on high”: “the third heaven where God dwells” (see 2Cor. 12:2);
“the Majesty”: God Himself (Titus 2:13; Heb. 8:1); “right hand” represents
honor and power (see 1King. 2:19; Ps. 110:1; Titus 2:25
34-35)
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The beloved Son is the image of the
invisible God (
2) The Lord Jesus is the image that the nature
of God has sealed and is the manifestation of the invisible God. The more we
have known of Him
the more we will know about God. Man is unable to seek the
way of knowing God outside of Christ.
3) All the celestial bodies are hung upon the
outer space and move in certain orbits in perfect order. Apparently
they work
under the action of universal gravitational forces. However
they work because
of the “word” of the Son of God.
4) The word of the Lord is mighty and powerful.
All those who draw the Lord’s word in faith will be enabled to enjoy the power
in His word (see Luke 1:37).
5) All the sins before we have believed the
Lord have been purged
and God will no more remember the sins and
lawlessness of us in the past (Heb. 10:17).
6) We have to confess our sins committed after
we have believed the Lord so that we will be forgiven and cleansed (1John 1:7
9).
7) The great redemption of the Lord has been
utterly “fulfilled” (John 19:30)
leaving nothing to be further accomplished
so He sits down in the heaven. We shall also sit down in the heaven with Him
(Eph. 2:6).
8) Christ does not sit down in the heaven doing
nothing. He looks upon all those who are of Him in the heaven and sympathizes
with our infirmities. Let us approach therefore with boldness to the throne of
grace that we may receive mercy and find grace for seasonable help (Heb.
4:14-16).
9) Christ now is the mediator of the better covenant
in the heaven (Heb. 8:1
6). He is also able to save to the uttermost those who
come to God through Him
since He always lives to make intercession for them
(Heb. 7:22
25).
Heb. 1:4 “having become so much
better than the angels
as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name
than they.”
YLT:
”having
become so much better than the messengers
as he did inherit a more excellent
name than they.”
Meaning
of Words: “more excellent”: surpassing; “better”: stronger
nobler;
The Background: “better
than the angels”
the Jews revere
the angels greatly
for they believe: 1) there were angels before all things
were created (Job. 38:4-7); 2) the power of the angels far surpasses men in the
world (2Pet. 2:11); 3) the angels will not die (Luke 20:36); 4) the angel is a
spirit
and yet is also able to manifest in physical body (Heb. 13:2); 5) the
angels minister unto God before Him (Dan. 7:10); 6) God gives the laws to the
Jews through angels (Acts 7:51-53; Gal. 3:19); 7) God often preaches His word
to the world through angels (Luke 1:26; Acts. 27:23).
Literal
Meaning: “as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name
than they”
“by inheritance … name”
it refers to “the Son of God” (see
v.2
5). Sufficient explanation of it will be given in the following verses.
The Jews pay very attention to names
and in the Scriptures names often
represent the being and walking of a man (see 1Sam. 25:25). “They”: the name of
the angels: ministers of God (see v.5-7); sons are certainly more honorable
than servants.
“Having
become so much better than the angels”
it is the comparison concerning name and person; “the Son of God”: it is the
manifestation of God Himself. He has infinite divine power and is worthy of
inheriting all things (see v.2-3). But the “angles” are ministering spirits
(see v.14)
who are unable to be compared with the Son of God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Salvation is in none other
for neither is
there another name under heaven which is given among men by which we must be
saved (Acts 4:12).
2) The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the
name that is above every name (Phil. 2:9-11). We shall bow our knees and uphold
this name together.
3) To those who call upon the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ
Christ is ours (1Cor. 1:2)
which means that He is rich towards
and rewards Himself to all that call upon his name (Rom. 10:12) so that we
shall enjoy the reality of the name.
4) Angels and we believers are both the
servants of God. Therefore
we shall not worship angels
but worship God only
(Rev. 22:8-9).
5) Though man of the flesh is inferior to the
angels in strength (see Heb. 2:6-7)
we believers are greater in person (see
v.14). We shall judge angels in the future (1Cor. 6:3). Therefore
the worship
of angels is false
and he that worships angels shall be deprived of prize
(Col. 2:18).
6) We believers in the New Testament should not
worship the angels
let alone those who are little inferior to the angels (Heb.
2:6-7). No matter how spiritual they are
or how worthy of honor they are
we
shall in no wise uphold or obey them utterly.
Heb. 1:5 “For to which of the
angels did He ever say: "You are My Son
Today I have begotten You"?
And again: "I will be to Him a Father
And He shall be to Me a Son"?”
YLT:
”For
to which of the messengers said He ever
`My Son thou art -- I to-day have
begotten thee?' and again
`I will be to him for a father
and he shall be to
Me for a son?'”
Literal
Meaning: “for to which of the angels did He ever say:… And again:…”
this is the opposite word
which means God has
never said anything like the follow word.
“You
are My Son
Today I have begotten You"?” It is quoted from the Book of Psalm (2:7)
which
especially relates to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Acts 13:33). His
death is for the purpose of purging our sins. And His resurrection shows that
God has accepted and confessed the value of His death so that those who believe
Him have obtained the sign of justification by God (see
“You
are My Son”
it means that God not only confesses the relation
of life with His Son but also appoints the sonship. The former shows that all
that God the Father “is” have dwelt in Christ (Col. 2:8-9)
so He is the
manifestation of God the Father (John 1:18). And the latter indicates that
Christ is qualified to inherit all “that God the Father has” (see v.2; John
3:35; 13:3).
“Today I have begotten You”
it means that Christ was marked out the Son of
God (
“"I
will be to Him a Father
And He shall be to Me a Son"?” It is quoted from the Second Book of
Samuel (7:14)
which indicates that the Lord Jesus has already received by God
(see 2Cor. 6:17-18) and has established the “Father - Son” relationship with
God: 1) all that Christ “is” is out of God the Father; 2) all that Christ “has”
is inherited from God the Father; 3) all that Christ “has done” is according to
the will of God the Father.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christ was marked out the Son of God by
resurrection. Now the life of God is in the Son of God. He that has the Son has
life
and he who does not have the Son of God does not have life (1John
5:11-12).
2) Christ is raised from the dead
thus also in
the Christ all shall be made alive (1Cor. 15:20-22). We are not those who have
hope in this life (see 1Cor. 15:19; 1Thess. 4:13). Therefore
we shall look up
and life up our heads to embrace the second coming of the Lord (Luke 21:28).
3) To those who are separated them from the
world and unto God
the God Almighty will say
“I will be a Father to you and
you shall be to me for sons and daughters” (2Cor. 6:17-18). May we grasp this
precious promise to lead a separated life and enjoy the full provision of God.
Heb. 1:6 “But when He again brings
the firstborn into the world
He says: "Let all the angels of God worship
Him."”
YLT:
”and
when again He may bring in the first-born to the world
He saith
`And let them
bow before him -- all messengers of God;'”
Meaning
of Words: “the
world”:
habitable world;
Literal
Meaning: “but when He again brings the firstborn into the world”
it is an indirect
quotation of the Book of Psalm (97:7)
which suggests that Jesus Christ is the
Messiah whom the Jews wait for. And the psalm ninety seven does not describe
his first coming
but second coming.
“The firstborn”: it is the status of the Lord Jesus after resurrection.
He was the only begotten Son of God (John 1:18). Moreover
all those that
believe Him have become the sons of God (John 20:17) because of the
resurrection of Christ
so He is called firstborn (Rom. 8:29). “The firstborn”
here contains a meaning of surpassing status. He is not only the “firstborn” of
the old creation (Col. 1:15) but also the firstborn of the new creation (
“The
world”
it refers to the
environment that human beings inhabit.
This verse unveils that Christ will come upon the world in His second
coming on the position of the firstborn of God. Then He will receive all the
sons of God to the “assembly of the firstborn registered” in heaven (see Heb.
12:23).
“He says: "Let all the angels of God worship
Him."” “All”
it is not
the worship when the Lord first came to the world (Luke 2:9-14)
not the
worship of the angels when he was raised up
but the worship of the angels when
He comes again (Ps. 97:7).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) He is the firstborn
and will bring many
sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). We shall walk in Him today (Col. 2:6) and go on to
full growth (Heb. 6:1).
2) We worship the Lord on account of the
revelation and knowledge of His surpassing person. Everyone who has really
known the greatness of the Lord will doubtlessly give his true worship (see
Matt. 2:11; John 20:27-29).
3) All those who know Christ is the Almighty
God and thus worship Him will fulfill the works of God through His
Almightiness.
Heb. 1:7 “And of the angels He
says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of
fire."”
YLT:
”and
unto the messengers
indeed
He saith
`Who is making His messengers spirits
and His ministers a flame of fire;'”
Meaning
of Words: “spirits”: breath;
Literal
Meaning: “and of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels
spirits”
this verse quotes
from the Book of Psalm (104:4). “Spirits” have two aspects of meaning: 1) the
angels are merely creature that can not be compared with the Lord who creates;
2) the angels move as swiftly as breath.
“And His ministers a flame of fire”
“fire” indicates that the
ministry of the angels is being ordered to execute the judgment of God (Is.
66:15-16) and to protect those who are of God (2King 6:17).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Though the breath and fire are terrible and
fearful when executing their duty
they are under the government of God. We
servants of God should absolutely obey the commandments of God instead of
walking presumptuously.
2) The servants of the Lord shall be as swift
and powerful as breath
and be as bright and shining as the flame of fire.
3) The servants of the Lord shall also move by
hidden ways as breath ---- leaving no reputation or position for them
and as
fervent as fire ---- in spirit fervent
serving the Lord (Rom.12:11).
Heb. 1:8 “But to the Son He says:
"Your throne
O God
is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is
the scepter of Your kingdom.”
YLT:
”and
unto the Son: `Thy throne
O God
to the age of the age; a scepter of
righteousness the scepter of thy reign;”
Literal
Meaning: “but to the Son He says: …
O God”
it indicates that the Son is God.
“Your throne …
is forever and
ever”
it is quoted from the Book of Psalm
(45:6). “Your”: that of the Son of God; “throne” represents reigning power;
“forever and ever”: never change or move (see v.11-12);
It mentions the position of Christ in the
kingdom ---- He sits down and reigns on the throne.
“A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your
kingdom.” “Scepter”
the word originally refers to the token
of the ruler of a country
and then it relates to the principles and guidelines
of running a country; “righteousness”
it is opposite to guile or perversity
containing the meaning of integrity and honesty.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) God had delivered us from the authority of
darkness
and translated into the kingdom of the Son of his love (Col. 1:13).
And we are fellow-partakers in the
2) “The throne of the Lord is for ever and
ever”. The kingdom that we have received from Him cannot be shaken. Therefore
let us be grateful and serve God acceptably with reverence and fear (Heb.
12:28).
3) Christ reigns in our spirits forever and
ever
so His power is also endless and never decreases. Therefore
we shall
draw His great power by faith at any time.
4) “A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of the Lord”. All those who desire to please
Him in His kingdom shall prepare them the way of the Lord and make straight His
paths (Matt. 3:3).
5) Who walks in integrity shall be saved. But
he that is perverted in double ways shall fall in one (Pro. 28:18).
Heb. 1:9 “You have loved
righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God
Your God
has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions."”
YLT:
”thou
didst love righteousness
and didst hate lawlessness; because of this did He
anoint thee -- God
thy God -- with oil of gladness above thy partners;'”
The Background: “the
oil of gladness”
in the Old
Testament
when the servants fulfill their ministry
they will receive the
anointment of the oil. This is a joyful occasion. Therefore
the oil that is
anointed is called “oil of gladness”.
Literal
Meaning: “you have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness”
the word is quoted from the Book of Psalm
(45:7). “You” refers to the Son of God (see v.8); “righteousness”: justice
integrity; “lawlessness”
not be
governed by the law;
“Therefore
God
Your God”
it indicates that
your works are totally according to the will of God. Therefore
God is happy to
confirm that your ministry is out of Him.
“Has anointed You With the oil of gladness”
it indicates that God approves His Son’s
works with a joyful heart.
“More than Your companions”
“companions”
here refer to the angels. Though the angels have not been anointed
since the
following verses mention the comparison between the Son of God and the angles
here it unveils that the Son of God is greater than the angels.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Our Lord is a just and righteous God. He
takes delight in righteousness and hates lawlessness. Therefore
we shall walk
in integrity and pursue holiness so as to please God.
2) There is no acceptance of persons with God.
Therefore
all those who are of Him shall not be with respect of persons (James
2:1).
3) He will reign in our hearts and remove all
sins and uncleanness so that we shall enjoy heavenly peace and joy.
4) The
5) The Holy Spirit is God’s “oil of gladness”. God will grant the Spirit (Acts 2:33) to
those who trust in Him so that they will be filled with joy because of the oil
of gladness (see Is. 61:3).
Heb. 1:10 “And: "You
LORD
in
the beginning laid the foundation of the earth
And the heavens are the work of
Your hands.”
YLT:
”and
`Thou
at the beginning
Lord
the earth didst found
and a work of thy hands
are the heavens;”
Literal
Meaning: “and: "You
LORD
in the beginning laid the foundation
of the earth”
it is quoted from
the Book of Psalm (102:25)
“the beginning”: the beginning of time; “the foundation of the earth”
it refers to “creation”. In many
scriptures of the Old Testament
it is used as a synonym of “creation” (Job.
38:4; Ps. 89:11; 104:5; Pro. 8:29; Is. 48:13; 51:13
16; Zech. 12:1).
“And
the heavens are the work of Your hands.” “Heavens” and the earth refer to all creation.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) He stretches out the heavens
and lays the
foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him (Zech. 12:1).
The heavens are for the earth
and the earth is for men. Therefore
men are the
central purpose of all creation.
2) The heavens declare the glory of God. And
the expanse shows the work of his hands. Through the things that are made
both
God’s eternal power and divinity can be understood (Rom. 1:20).
Heb. 1:11 “They will perish
but You
remain; And they will all grow old like a garment;”
YLT:
”these
shall perish
and Thou dost remain
and all
as a garment
shall become old
”
Meaning
of Words: “perish”: die
lose
destroy
fully; “remain”: stay constantly;
Literal
Meaning: “they will perish”
the words in this verse
are quoted from the Book of Psalm (Ps. 102:26). Here
it indicates that the
heavens and the earth will be dissolved (2Pet. 3:10) and unable to remain.
“But You remain”
“You”: the Son of God;
“remain”: exist forever;
“Ant they will all grow old like a garment”
“like a garment”
it suggests that the heavens and the earth exist for the
purpose of human existence (see Zech. 12:1)
for garments are one of the
necessities of men’s existence. “Grow old”
it includes natural obsolescence
and artificial consumption
showing that the value of the existence and usage
gradually decreases and shall be done away.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Our eyes shall be focused on what is
incorruptible
but not pursue what is corruptible (see Matt. 6:19-20).
2) All things are growing old and corruptible
and even our old men corrupt gradually (Eph. 4:22). Only the old man will be
gradually renewed according to the image of him that has created him (
Heb. 1:12 “Like a cloak You will
fold them up
And they will be changed. But You are the same
And Your years
will not fail."”
YLT:
”and
as a mantle Thou shall roll them together
and they shall be changed
and Thou
art the same
and Thy years shall not fail.'”
Literal
Meaning: “like a cloak You will fold them up”
it is quoted from the Book of Psalm
(102:26b-27). “Cloak”
it can be folded up when it is unnecessary.
“And they will be changed”.
“they”
according to the Scriptures
the
heavens and the earth will be dissolved by fire (2Pet. 3:10-12). The old
heavens and the earth will pass away
and the new heavens and the earth will
appear before us (Rev. 21:1; 2Pet. 3:13).
“And Your years will not fail."” It means that your years always endure
forever and ever.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) All things in the world are changing
and
even the heavens and the earth will be changed. Nothing is worthy of our
pursuit or reliance with whole heart.
2) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
and
today
and to the ages (Heb. 13:8). Therefore
we shall hold fast Him and His
words instead of being drawn by anyone or any doctrine to follow them (Heb.
13:9; Eph. 4:14).
Heb. 1:13 “But to which of the
angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand
Till I make Your enemies
Your footstool"?”
YLT:
”And
unto which of the messengers said He ever
`Sit at My right hand
till I may
make thine enemies thy footstool?'”
Literal
Meaning: “but to which of the angels has He ever said”
“to which has He ever said”
it has been
mentioned thrice in this chapter
which indicates the angels are absolutely
unable to be compared with Christ.
“Sit at My right hand
Till I make Your enemies Your
footstool"?” It is quoted from
the Book of Psalm (110:1). It carries the following four aspects of meaning: 1)
He has already accomplished the great redemption with nothing left for us to
fulfill (see v.3); 2) He is now rest on the praise and upholding of God; 3)
however
such rest is still not perfect
for God has not made His enemies His
footstool; 4) the time of God has not come yet. Though the enemy’s head is
crushed (see Gen. 3:15)
it has still not been totally destroyed.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Since the redemption of the Lord Jesus
Christ has already completed
we need only enjoy the fruit of His works at rest
rather than be made perfect by the flesh (Gal. 3:1-4).
2) Though the enemy Satan is rampant
it will
undoubtedly end in failure. Therefore
we resist the devil with steadfast
faith
he will flee from us (1Pet. 5:9; James 4:7).
Heb. 1:14 “Are they not all
ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit
salvation?”
YLT:
”are
they not all spirits of service -- for ministration being sent forth because of
those about to inherit salvation?”
Literal
Meaning: “are they not all ministering spirits”
“ministering”
it means the ministration as the servant to the
master.
“Sent forth to minister for those who will inherit
salvation”
“those who will inherit
salvation”: we believers; the
angels are sent forth to serve believers (see Acts 12:7-11
15).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The position of believers is higher than the
angels. Today
we are served and protected by the angels
and we will judge the
angels in the future (1Cor. 6:3).
2) Today
we believers are viewed by the angels
(see 1Cor. 4:9; 11:10)
so we shall have good performance for the sake of the
angels.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
Two Phases of God’s
Revelation
A. In time past (v.1):
1. By the prophets
---- the servants of God;
2. At various times and in various ways ---- many parts and many ways;
3. Spoke to the fathers ---- the elect of God in the past
generations;
B. In these last days (v
1. By his Son ---- the only medium;
2. Has spoken to us ---- those whom He has
saved;
Seven Things of the
Son of God
A. He has the closest relationship with God
---- the Son (v.1-2
5
8);
B. His word is powerful (v.3);
C. His name is exceedingly honorable (v.4);
D. His throne is forever and ever (v
E. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom (v
F. His person never changes (v.11);
G. His overcomes the enemies completely (v.13);
The Son of God is
the Full Manifestation of God
A. The Son of God is the substantiating and
manifestation of God’s full thought:
1. The way of the Old Testament is passed
(v.1).
2. The ultimate revelation of God is through
His Son ---- the full Christ (v
B. Christ is the only answer to all things
according to the eternal will of God:
1. Christ is the origin of all things (v
2. Christ is the conclusion of all things
(v.2b).
3. Christ is the premise of the existence of
all things (v.3b).
C. Christ is God Himself:
1. Christ is the true expression of God’s
nature (v
2. Christ is the manifestation of God (v.3b).
3. Christ has completed the redemption and has
been exalted in glory (v
Prophet and Priest
and King
A. The Son of God is a prophet ---- God has
spoken to us by Him (v.1-2):
1. He is the One who completely reveals God.
2. In the past
He was the creator of the
worlds.
3. At present
He is the sustainer of all
things.
4. In the future
He is the heir of all things.
B. The Son of God is a priest ---- He purged our sins
sat down … (v.3);
1. He is the effective sacrifice ---- purge our
sins;
2. His perfect works ---- sat down;
3. His honorable position ---- at the right
hand of the Majesty on high (v.8)
C. The Son of God is a king ---- Your throne is
forever and ever (v.8);
1. He is the ruler of the eternal kingdom.
2. He is the ruler of righteousness and
justice.
The Honorable Person
of the Son of God
A. His relationship with all things:
1. He is the heir of all things (v.2b);
2. He made the worlds (v
3. He upholds all things (v.3b);
B. His relationship with God the Father:
1. He is the brightness of His glory (v
2. He is the express image of His person (v.3b);
C. His relationship with believers:
1. He is the Savior who purged our sins (v.3b);
2. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high ---- our mediator in the heavens (v.3b; see 8:1
6);
Christ from Eternity
to Eternity
A. In the past eternity:
1. He is God (v
2. He is the creator (v
B. In the time:
1. He had been incarnated and had fulfilled the
redemption on the cross (v.3b).
2. He was raised up (v.5) and has ascended into
the heavens (v3b).
3. God spoke to us through Him (v
4. He upheld all things (v.3b).
5. He will come again (v.6).
6. He will establish His kingdom and sit as
king for ever and make the enemies
His footstool (v.8-9
13).
C. In the coming eternity:
1. His throne is forever and ever (v.8).
2. He will never be changed and His years will
not fail (v.12).
The Son of God is
More Excellent than the Angels
A. A more honorable name (v.4);
B. A more intimate relationship ---- begotten
by God (v.5);
C. A higher position:
1. The angels worship Him (v.6);
2. The angels serve Him (v.7);
D. Own more scepter:
1. His throne is forever and ever (v
2. The scepter of righteousness is the scepter
of His kingdom (v.8b-9);
E. Own the creating power (v.10);
F. Own the changeless and eternal divinity
(v.11-12);
G. Own the glory of victory (v.13);
H. The angels are sent forth to minister for
those whom the Son of God has saved (v.14);
Christ is the Vision
and
A. The honorable name of the Son of God is more
excellent than the names of the angels (v.4).
B. The Son of God is more excellent than the
angels (v.5).
C. The Son of God will come again and receive
the worship of the angels (v.6).
D. The Son of God is more excellent than the
angels because of the anointment and the inheriting of God’s kingdom:
1. The Son of God receives the service of the
angels (v.7).
2. The throne of the Son of God is forever and
ever (v.8).
3. The scepter of the Son of God is righteous
(v
4. God gives His Son infinite Spirit to
overcome His companions (v.9b).
I. The Son of God is more excellent than the
angels:
1. The Son of God is the creator of all things
(v.10);
2. The Son of God remains forever (v.11);
3. The Son of God shall remove the old and
renew (v.12);
J. The Son of God is more excellent than the
angels:
1. The Son of God has overcome the enemies and
sits down in the heavens on high (v.13);
2. The Son of God sends
forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (v.14);
The Comparisons
between the Son of God and the Angels
A. Concerning the person ---- He is the Son
the angels are ministers (v.4-5);
B. Concerning the worship ---- He is the One
who receives the worship
the angels shall worship Him (v.6);
C. Concerning the authority ---- He is the
ruler
the angels are ministers who are sent by God (v.7-9);
D. Concerning the creation ---- He is the
creator
the angels are created beings (v.10-12);
E. Concerning the war ---- He is the One who
overcomes
and the angels are those who minister for believers (v.13-14);
A More Honorable
Name
A. The Son (v.5);
B. The firstborn (v.6);
C. God (v.8);
D. The Lord (v.10);
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou