Hebrews Chapter 1

From The Open Bible Project

The Letter to the Hebrews

1:1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

• The purpose of this epistle, is to show that Jesus Christ the Son of God both God and man is that true eternal and only Prophet, King and High Priest, that was shadowed by the figures of the old law, and is now indeed exhibited of whom the whole Church ought to be taught, governed and sanctified.
• (1) The first part of the general proposition of this epistle the son of God is indeed that prophet or teacher, who has actually now performed that which God after a sort and in shadows signified by his prophets, and has fully revealed his Father’s will to the world.

1:2 has 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.

• (a) So that the former declaration made by the prophets was not complete, and nothing must be added to this latter.
• (b) That one Son is God and man. (2) The second part of the same statement: The same Son is appointed by the Father to be our king and Lord, by whom also he made all things: and in whom only he sets forth his glory, yea and himself also to be under obligation to us, who upholds and supports all things by his will and pleasure.
• (c) Possessor and equal partner of all things with the Father.
• (d) That is, whatever has been at any time, is, or shall be.

1:3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

• (e) He in whom the glory and majesty of the Father shines, who is otherwise infinite, and cannot be under obligation.
• (f) His Father’s person.
• (g) Sustains, defends and cherishes. (3) The third part of the same proposition: The same Son executed the office of the High Priest in offering up himself, and is our only and most mighty Mediator in heaven.
• (h) This shows that the savour of that his sacrifice is not only most acceptable to the Father, but also is everlasting, and furthermore how far this High Priest surpasses all the other high priests.

1:4 having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.

• (4) Before he comes to declare the office of Christ, he sets forth the excellency of his person. First of all he shows him to be man, and that in addition he is God also.
• (i) Dignity and honour.

1:5 For to which of the angels did he say at any time, "You are my Son. Today have I become your father?"[1] and again, "I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?"[2]

• (5) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (Hebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).
• (k) The Father begat the Son from everlasting, but that everlasting generation was revealed and represented to the world in his time, and therefore he added this word "Today" * (6) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (Hebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).

1:6 Again, when he brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him."

• (7) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (Hebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).
• (l) The Lord was not content to have spoken it once, but he repeats it in another place.

1:7 Of the angels he says, "Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire."[3]

• (8) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (ebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).
• (m) Cherub, (Psalms 18:11).
• (n) Seraph, (Isaiah 6:2).

1:8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.

• (o) The throne is proper for princes and not for servants.
• (p) For everlasting, for this repeating of the word increases the significance of it beyond all measure.
• (q) The government of your kingdom is righteous.

1:9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."[4]

• (r) This type of speech in which the Jews use contrasting phrases, has great force in it.
• (s) In that, that the word became flesh, by sending the Holy Spirit on him without measure.
• (t) For he is the head and we are his members.

1:10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.

• (9) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (Hebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).
• (u) Made the earth firm and sure.

1:11 They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does.

1:12 As a mantle, you will roll them up, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail."[5]

1:13 But 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?"[6]

• (10) He proves and confirms the dignity of Christ revealed in the flesh, by these six evident testimonies by which it appears that he far surpasses all angels, so much so that he is called both Son, and God in (Hebrews 1:5,6,7,8,10,13).

1:14 Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

• (x) By that name by which we commonly call princes messengers, he here calls the spirits.