Exploring the Bible with PureScripture.Org

~Hebrews~

Chapter 1: The Supremacy of the Son

Introduction

The Book of Hebrews opens with a profound declaration about the supremacy of Jesus Christ. It presents Jesus as God's ultimate revelation, surpassing all previous messages delivered through prophets. This chapter emphasizes the unique and exalted status of the Son, "radiates God’s own glory and expresses [His] very character."

Overview of Hebrews 1

Hebrews 1 can be divided into three main sections:

  1. The Son as God's Ultimate Revelation (verses 1-4)
  2. The Superiority of the Son to Angels (verses 5-9)
  3. The Eternal Nature of the Son (verses 10-14)

The Son as God's Ultimate Revelation (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Verses 1-2: God, who previously spoke through the prophets, has now spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe. This positions Jesus as the culmination of God's revelation.

Verses 3-4: The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After providing purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, signifying the completion of His redemptive work.

The Superiority of the Son to Angels (Hebrews 1:5-9)

Verses 5-6: The text compares the Son with angels, highlighting that no angel was ever called God's Son or received worship from all angels. This sets the Son apart as uniquely divine.

Verses 7-9: The Son's throne is described as eternal, and He is anointed with the oil of joy above His companions, emphasizing His divine kingship and righteousness.

The Eternal Nature of the Son (Hebrews 1:10-14)

Verses 10-12: Quoting from Psalm 102, the author emphasizes the eternal nature of the Son, contrasting the transience of creation with the unchanging nature of the Creator.

Verses 13-14: The chapter concludes by affirming the Son's unique position at the right hand of God, a place of honor that angels do not share. Angels are described as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Hebrews 1:1-2 emphasize the uniqueness of Jesus' revelation compared to the prophets?
  2. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "radiance of God's glory" and the "exact representation of His being"?
  3. How does the author of Hebrews demonstrate the superiority of the Son over angels?
  4. What are the implications of Jesus' eternal nature for our understanding of His divinity?

OT Verses Quoted in Hebrews Chapter 1

  • Hebrews 1:5a - "The king proclaims the LORD’s [Yahweh's] decree: The LORD [Yahweh] said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father.'" - Psalm 2:7
  • Hebrews 1:5b - "I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do." - 2 Samuel 7:14
  • Hebrews 1:6 - “Rejoice with him, you heavens, and let all of God’s angels worship him. Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles, and let all the angels be strengthened in him. For he will avenge the blood of his children; he will take revenge against his enemies. He will repay those who hate him and cleanse his people’s land.” - Deuteronomy 32:43
  • Hebrews 1:7 - "The winds are your messengers [angles]; flames of fire are your servants." - Psalm 104:4
  • Hebrews 1:8-9 - "6Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. 7You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else." - Psalm 45:6-7
  • Hebrews 1:10-12 - "25Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. 26They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. 27But you are always the same; you will live forever." - Psalm 102:25-27
  • Hebrews 1:13 - "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." - Psalm 110:1
  • NOTE: References to Psalm 110:1 are found in Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43, Acts 2:34-35, Hebrews 1:13, and Hebrews 10:12-13.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. Supremacy of the Son: Jesus is not merely a prophet or angel but the ultimate revelation of God, superior to all.
  2. Divine Sonship: The Son is uniquely God's Son, appointed heir of all things and worshipped by angels.
  3. Eternal Creator: Jesus' role in creation and His eternal nature highlight His divinity and authority.

Conclusion

The first chapter of Hebrews establishes the foundational truth of the book: the supremacy of the Son over all creation, including angels. The Son, Jesus, is not just another messenger but the culmination of God’s revelation, deserving of worship and obedience. He is the Creator, Savior, and eternal King, uniquely positioned as the "only begotten" (μονογενής) of the Father. The concepts of monogenēs, kenosis, and God's glory inhabiting Jesus set the stage for understanding His unparalleled role in God's redemptive plan.

Home