Hebrews 13:1-3

13:1 Keep on [remain; do not let love fall by the wayside] loving [Gr. philia + adelphos] each other as brothers [treat one another as family members].

13:2 Do not forget [become unmindful] to entertain [treat as a family member; hospitality was important because few inns; do this out of brotherly love rather than out of a sense of duty; use discretion as per 2 John 7-11] strangers [visiting brethren, ministers, believers driven from their homes by persecution; see also Matt. 25:35], for by doing some people [like Abraham in Gen. 18:1-15] have entertained angels [messengers: a guest can turn out to be a messenger of God’s blessings to us] without knowing it.

Note: See Titus 1:8 and Romans 12:13 for additional insight into hospitality. Also read 2 John (warns against entertaining false teachers) and 3 John (offers guidelines for hospitality).

13:3 Remember those [believers] in prison [as a result of their Christian faith; see Matt. 25:36] as if [Golden Rule, Matt. 7:12] you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated [persecution other than imprisonment] as if you yourselves were suffering [see 1 Cor. 12:26].

Hebrews 13:7

13:7 [1] Remember your leaders [possibly leaders who had died, possibly by martyrdom], who spoke the word of God to you. [2] Consider [observe] the outcome [can refer to the sum total of what one has done in life] of their way of life and [3] imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:17-18

13:17 Obey [listen to, follow] your leaders and submit [yield] to their authority. [reasons to submit include…] [1] They [under-shepherds] keep watch [lose sleep] over you as [2] men [stewards] who must give an account [to the “great Shepherd”; see 1 Peter 5:1-4]. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden [groan or anguished sigh], for that would be of no advantage [unprofitable; harmful] to you.

Note:
• This exhortation may suggest that church members were not supporting their leaders.
• Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
• Recommended reading: Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee.

13:18 Pray for us [indicates the writer of Hebrews was a church leader]. We are sure [persuaded; confident] that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

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On Hospitality

H = Heart | Offering hospitality to strangers was a moral imperative and sacred duty in Bible times. God told His people to show their “love for the alien” because they had been “aliens in the land of Egypt” (Lev. 19:34; Deut. 10:19). They knew what it meant to be treated harshly and unjustly. Hospitality is a matter of the heart — of extending to others the kind of care we would want for others to extend to us, especially in difficult circumstances and hostile places.

O = Openness | Offering hospitality requires that we have an openness to those in need. Jesus said that at the judgment He “will say to those on His right … I was a stranger and you invited Me in” (Matt. 25:34-35). And “to those on His left … I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in” (Matt. 25:41-42). Mother Teresa defined her mission as looking for Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor and then showing hospitality to those individuals.

S = Sent | People in Old Testament times believed guests were sent to them from God. Abraham showed this attitude when he entertained three strangers who proved to be angels (Gen. 18). The writer of Hebrews admonished his readers to “show hospitality to strangers” as Abraham had done, “for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2).

P = Philoxenos | The Greek word for hospitality is “philoxenos” — from the words “philo” (love) and “xenos” (stranger or guest). This word means “lover of strangers or guests” and conveys the idea of enjoying being a host. Our English word hospitality is from the Latin word “hostis” which means “enemy or stranger.” The Latin word “hospitem” can refer to a host or guest. Hospitals were originally hostels or hospices, places where pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land found a friendly reception.

T = Table | The table is central to hospitality. Abraham and Sarah prepared a meal for their guests (Gen. 18:2-8). One of the first things a host did was to offer a guest something to drink (Gen. 24:17-18) and then a meal (Gen. 26:30). Lot prepared a meal for his guests (Gen. 19:3). As Christ-followers, we should do the same (Mark 9:41).

A = Acceptance | A remarkable feature of hospitality in Biblical times was receiving an enemy as a guest. Some cultures have a rule that an enemy who has dismounted and touched the rope of a single tent is safe. Enemies enjoyed the same protection as friends (Gen. 19:4-8). I have been a guest in many Muslim homes on my travels. Once, while in the mountains of Pakistan, our host assured us of his protection. “You are my guest,” he said, “and I offer you my food and assure you of my protection.” I felt accepted and safe (Ps. 23:5).

I = Insight | While the Bible encourages hospitality, it also offers a word of caution to those who offer hospitality. In 2 John 10 we read, “If anyone” [a traveling teacher] comes to you and does not bring this teaching [probably refers to the teaching about the incarnation (see verse 7)], do not take him into your house [do not offer shelter and lodging; keep them at a distance because they can endanger the spiritual health of the home and the church] or welcome [in either a private or official way; to give a welcome indicates fellowship and solidarity] him.”

3 John 5 offers this encouragement about opening our homes to God’s servants: “Dear friend [refers to Gaius], you are faithful in what you are doing [Gaius’ service was really a service to Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 10:40; 25:34-40)] for the brothers [traveling ministers or missionaries; sincere ministers of the gospel as opposed to the false teachers of 2 John; read 1 Cor. 16:6; Titus 3:13], even though they are strangers [same as “brothers” in the first part of this verse; cf. Heb. 13:2] to you.”

T = Time | In Biblical times, a host devoted time to his guests. Guests did not expect privacy and would feel ill-treated or deserted if left alone, even at night. Because people slept with their clothes on, a male host and family members would sleep in the same room as their male guests.

Y = Yes | Offering hospitality seems to be an increasingly difficult thing in our culture. Our calendars are so full that we hardly have time to say yes to guests. Yet, unless we do so our children may not learn the importance of showing hospitality to guests or how to do so. So, let’s heed Paul’s advice in Romans 12:13 and practice, or pursue, hospitality.

Hebrews 12: 1-3

12:1 Therefore [links what follows to the examples (see Hebrews 11) of those who persisted in serving God], since we are [three things that motivate and help us to “run with perseverance” include: 1] surrounded by such a great cloud [a great number or assembly of people] of witnesses [not spectators but witnesses or those whose lives bear witness to us of what God can do; Gr. martyron: those saints listed in Heb. 11 who were tried by difficulties; follow the example of those who have run well], [2] let us throw off [remove: athletes removed superfluous flesh through training and excess clothes in competition] everything [broad application; includes things which, though good and right, can become a hindrance to spiritual progress] that hinders [keeps you from living a faithful Christian life] and [in addition] the [any] sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance [indicates that the race is difficult] the race [contest; struggle; not a short race but a marathon; see 1 Cor. 9:24-25; Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:7] marked [path of faithfulness; stay in your lane; do not veer of your path] out for us [not all are entered in the same event but all must be faithful in their event].

Note: To run the race successfully, remember to…
A. Look around at the winners (12:1a)
B. Look at yourself (12:2)
C. Look at Jesus Christ (12:3)
(Warren Wiersbe)

12:2 [3] Let us [deliberately look away from one thing (distractions) to another (Jesus)] fix our eyes [focus] on Jesus [not on people], the author [chief; leader; captain; pioneer; originator] and perfecter [the one who inspires, leads, and enables us to reach the goal] of our faith, who [persisted in staying on the path the Father had set for Him] for [because of] the joy set before Him [Jesus knew His work would provide salvation for many] endured the cross [completed His mission], scorning [disregarding] its shame [disgrace; see Gal. 3:13], and sat down [perfect tense indicates He is still there; see Heb. 1:3; Eph. 1:20] at the right hand of the throne of God [see Phil. 2:6-11].

Note: See Acts 7:56 regarding the reference to Jesus “standing” — perhaps to welcome Stephen, the first martyr, into heaven!

12:3 Consider [reckon; meditate] Him [Jesus is our greatest example] who endured such opposition from sinful men [throughout His ministry], so [for this reason] that you will not grow weary [discouraged] and lose heart [give up; grow slack; give out].

Hebrews 11:7

11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things [the flood] not yet seen, in holy fear built [indicates Noah believed what the Lord told him] an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:23-26

11:23 By faith Moses’ [Moses mentioned eleven times in Hebrews] parents hid [willing to take a risk in order to protect their son] him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary [Gr. “asteios” which means beautiful; cf. Acts 7:20] child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter [and by so doing lost the power and prestige associated with Egypt’s royal court].

11:25 He chose [Moses made hard and right decisions] to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time [the pleasures of sin do not last as long as the consequences of sin].

Note: When have you faced a choice between comfort and courageous action? Which option did you choose?

11:26 He regarded [indicates Moses weighed things carefully] disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Note: What did you give up to become a Christian? What have you gained by being a Christian?

Hebrews 10:19-25

10:19 Therefore [links exhortation that follows with preceding verses], brothers [an affectionate term], since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place [not a physical sanctuary but rather the presence of God] by the blood of Jesus [on the basis of Jesus’ saving work on the cross],

10:20 by a new [cf. 2 Cor. 5:17] and living way opened for us through the curtain [imagery of curtain that hung in the tabernacle before the Most Holy Place], that is, his body,

10:21 and since we have a great [high] priest over the house of God,

10:22 [note three exhortations…] [1] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart [cf. Matt. 5:8] in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse [Jesus’ blood cleanses] us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water [a reference to baptism, the outward sign of an inward cleansing].

10:23 [2] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

10:24 And [3] let us consider [reflect on, give careful / thoughtful attention to] how we may spur [provoke, sharpen, incite] one another [there are more than thirty one another passages in the NT] on toward love [for God and others; see Matt. 22:37-40] and good deeds [the behavior that results from salvation; see Eph. 2:10].

10:25 [must do 10:25 in order to accomplish 10:24] Let us not give up [abandon or desert] meeting [“the regular gathering together of Christian believers for worship and exhortation in a particular place” (Reinecker/Rogers)] together [consistently; see 1 Cor. 16:2a], as some are in the habit [custom] of doing [to their peril because “Satan is a pirate looking for a vessel without a fleet.”], but let us encourage [entreat, support; emphasis is on what you can contribute; see 1 Thess. 5:14] one another — and all the more as [strong motivation] you see [live with the urgent expectation of] the Day [of the Lord’s imminent return; see Matt. 24:42] approaching.

Note: The words “meeting together” translate the Greek word “episynagogue.” The prefix “epi” means “in addition to.” Some scholars believe the readers of Hebrews attended the synagogue and “in addition” attended meetings of believers. To neglect the “additional” meetings might indicate that they were slipping back into Judaism.

Hebrews 9:11-15

9:11 When Christ [inaugurated/established new covenant] came [appeared] as high priest of the good things [comprehensive way of summing up the blessings Christ has won for His people] that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made [heavenly sanctuary of God’s presence (cf. Heb. 8:1-2; 9:24)], that is to say, not a part of this creation.

9:12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all [final; in contrast to repetition of priest’s work under old covenant] by his own blood [Christ offered His own blood], having obtained [secured] eternal redemption [release by payment of a price].

9:13 The blood of goats and bulls [offerings presented on Day of Atonement (cf. Lev. 16)] and the ashes of a heifer [offering to remove uncleanness associated with contact with a corpse (Num. 19:1-10)] sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them [thus qualifying the person for again worshiping God] so that they are outwardly clean [cleansing under old covenant primarily outward/ceremonial].

9:14 How much more [stresses incomparable greatness of Christ and His work for us], then, will the blood of Christ [His death regarded as sacrifice for sin], who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished [without imperfection; cf. 1 Pet. 1:18-19] to God, cleanse our consciences [inner, spiritual cleansing] from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve [to do religious service, to minister] the living God!

9:15 For this reason [“refers to Christ’s effectiveness in offering sacrifice and cleansing from sin so that the believer might worship the living God” (Rienecker/Rogers)] Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal [not temporary] inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:22-26

9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly [some Jewish purificatory rites involved water or fire as well as the shedding of blood] everything [people and things] be cleansed with blood [symbolized cleansing and forgiveness; blood is a symbol of life because it keeps alive], and [cf. Lev. 17:11] without the shedding of blood [Jesus shed his blood (his life)] there is no forgiveness.

9:23 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things [the heavenly counterparts of the earthly sanctuary] themselves with better sacrifices [the single sacrifice of Christ stands as the fulfillment of all the different sacrifices of the old covenant] than these.

9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made [earthly] sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he [Christ (not priests or saints) is our representative and Advocate] entered heaven itself [before God Himself], now to appear [always] for us [Christ is our intercessor and our only mediator] in God’s presence [literally “face”].

9:25 Nor did he enter heaven [“once for all” (Heb. 9:12)] to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year [indicating a job that never ended] with blood that is not his own [the blood of a sacrificial animal offered to bring cleansing to the nation].

9:26 Then [if Christ’s sacrifice had been like the OT sacrifices] Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he [Christ initiated a new covenant and was the perfect sacrifice] has appeared once for all [in contrast with “many times” (Levitical sacrifices that must be repeated] at the end of the ages [cf. “in these last days” (Heb. 1:2); refers to Jesus coming to earth in fulfillment of OT prophecies] to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 8:6-7

8:6 But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior [more excellent] to theirs [priests under the old covenant] as the covenant of which he is mediator [legal term for one who arbitrates between two parties; Jesus is arbitrator between sinful humanity and holy God, cf. 1 Tim. 2:5] is superior to the old one [covenant at Sinai], and it is founded on better promises [Heb. 8:10-12 cf. Jer. 31:31-34].

8:7 For if there had been nothing wrong [faultless] with that first covenant, no place [room for, occasion for] would have been sought for another [new covenant; establishment of new covenant confirmed inadequacy of old one].

Hebrews 8: 13

8:13 By calling this covenant “new [Gr. kainos: something totally new in time],” he has made the first one obsolete [out-of-date; no longer need for temple, sacrifices, priesthood; cf. Heb. 7:18-19]; and what is obsolete and aging [words emphasize old covenant ineffective] will soon disappear [suggestive of utter destruction and abolition].

Hebrews 7:23-28

7:23 Now there have been many of those [the priests of Aaron’s line] priests [according to Josephus, approximately 83 high priests served Israel from Aaron (first high priest) to fall of second temple in AD 70], since death prevented them from continuing in office [the office, rather than the person, continued];

7:24 but because Jesus lives forever [in contrasts to the many priests who died and were succeeded by others (7:23)], he has a permanent priesthood.

7:25 Therefore he [Christ alone; no one can add to His work] is able to save completely [absolutely and for all time] those [Jesus paid the price for our sins once for all (cf. Heb. 9:24-28)] who come to God through him [cf. Acts 4:12], because he always [perpetual and continuous; not just once a year like the high priests] lives to intercede for them [those who come to God through Him].

7:26 Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy [Jesus knew no sin], blameless [Jesus is without evil and completely innocent], pure [undefiled, unstained, uncontaminated], set apart from sinners [Christ’s sinless character sets Him apart from all others], exalted above the heavens [His present position (cf. Heb. 1:3); greater than earthly high priests; represents us in God’s presence].

7:27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day [no single animal sacrifice could permanently remove the stain of sin], first [before he could offer sacrifices for the sins of others] for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He [the perfect sacrifice] sacrificed for their sins once for all [His sacrifice took care of the penalty for sins “once for all” and ended the need for the sacrificial system] when he offered himself.

7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak [high priests were not perfect, sinful, and eventually dies]; but the oath [cf. Heb. 7:21], which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

2:1 [in light of the truths revealed in chapter one…] We [indicates the writer was addressing Christians] must pay more careful attention [Gr. prosechein = consider your ways and act on what you know; we must not have a casual attitude toward Christian truth and sound doctrine], therefore, to what we have heard [the gospel; the Christian message (including the life, ministry, death, resurrection of Jesus); sound doctrine], so that we do not drift away [sound doctrine is best antidote to false doctrine and philosophies that can lead believers astray (cf. Col. 2:8), lead to complacency, or stunt spiritual growth].

2:2 For if [because] the message spoken by angels [Jews believed God mediated the Ten Commandments to Moses on Sinai through angels (Deut. 33:2; Acts 7:38,53; Gal. 3:19)] was binding [had weight of God’s authority behind it], and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment [Israelites disciplined for violation and disobedience of OT revelation],

2:3 how [in light of the surpassing nature of the message of salvation brought to us by God’s Son] shall we escape [to avoid a serious or unwanted outcome] if we ignore [neglect or disregard] such a great salvation [refers to sanctification or growth toward spiritual maturity; answer: we cannot escape]? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord [cf. Lk. 19:9; Jn. 4:22], was confirmed to us by those who heard him [eyewitnesses; cf. Jn. 15:27].

2:4 God also testified to it by [note the following ways in which God authenticated His message…] signs [point to something of greater importance], wonders [awe-inspiring acts that cause people to take notice] and various miracles [or “deeds of power”], and gifts [Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12–14; Eph. 4] of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will [1 Cor. 12:11].

2:5 It is not to angels [means “messengers”; referred to as “servants” (Heb. 1:7) and “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1:14)] that he [God] has subjected the world to come [the Messianic kingdom initiated by Christ and which He will inherit at His second coming (cf. Heb. 1:2)], about which we are speaking.

2:6 But there is a place where someone has testified [cf. Ps. 8:4]: “What is man that you are mindful [from Heb. “zakar” which has the basic meaning of “remember”; cf. Ps. 139:17-18 re: God’s constant thoughts about us] of him, [note parallel statement used to emphasize the first statement…] the son of man [means same as “man” in first part of verse; Jesus used the term Son of man to refer to Himself (Jn. 1:51] that you care [from Heb. “paqad” which means “look after”] for him? 


2:7 You made him [these words remind us that man is neither an accident nor a product of evolution] a little lower than [but higher than the rest of creation] the angels [Heb. “Elohim” can be translated gods, angels, or heavenly angels]; you crowned him with glory and honor 


2:8 and put everything under his [some Bible students see this as reference to Adam and humanity, others to Jesus] feet? In putting everything under him [Jesus, the Son of man], God left nothing that is not subject to him [God gave Jesus dominion over everything (see Eph. 1:20-23)]. Yet at present [these hopeful words speak of a future day when we will see the fulfillment of God’s purposes] we do not see everything subject to him.

2:9 But we see [by faith] Jesus [first use of this name in this book], who was made a little lower [some old manuscripts read “for a short time” instead of “a little lower”] than the angels [a reference to Jesus’ incarnation], now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, [the purpose of the incarnation…] so that by the grace [unmerited favor] of God he might taste [or experience] death [cf. Phil. 2:8-9] for everyone.

2:10 In bringing many sons to glory [this happens through a right relationship with Jesus], it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author [“one who goes first so others may follow”; Gr. “archegos” can be translated “captain” (KJV), “author” (NASB, NIV), “source” (HCSB), “leader” (NEB), and “pioneer” (REB, NRSV); This noun “is difficult to translate satisfactorily” and signifies one who is both the source or initiator and the leader … one who first takes action and then brings those on whose behalf he has acted to the intended goal.” (Philip Edgcumbe Hughes)] of their salvation perfect [or complete; in the sense of fulfilling God’s purpose] through suffering [essential to the completion of His mission].

2:11 Both the one [Jesus] who makes men holy [to sanctify; to set apart for God’s purposes] and those [Christians; those who have placed their faith in Christ alone for salvation] who are made holy are of the same family [“have the same Father” (NLT)]. So Jesus is not ashamed [cf. Lk. 9:26] to call them brothers.

2:12 He says [cf. Ps. 22:22], “I will declare your name to my brothers [fulfilled after the resurrection (Jn. 20–21)]; in the presence of the congregation [Gr. ekklesia] I will sing your praises.”

2:13 [cf. Isa. 8:17] And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says [cf. Isa. 8:18], “Here am I, and the children [His spiritual brothers (Heb. 2:11,12) and congregation or God’s people (Heb. 2:12)] God has given [cf. Jn. 10:28-29] me.”

2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity [by becoming flesh and blood (but Jesus did not share our sinful nature); cf. Jn. 1:14] so that by his death [Jesus could pay the penalty for our sins because He was innocent of any sin; Christ destroyed death’s power by dying] he might destroy [to render impotent; to nullify; to make ineffective] him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

2:15 and free [to deliver or to release] those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death [the fear of death has no power over those who have placed their faith in Christ for salvation].

2:16 For surely it is not angels [are not the objects of God’s redemptive love and grace] he helps, but Abraham’s descendants [people; human beings; the Jews (Matt. 15:24; Rom. 1:16) and every individual who trusts Him for salvation (Gal. 3:29)].

2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers [like human beings; like us] in every way [except for our sinful nature], in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest [represents others before God] in service to God [cf. Heb. 7–8], and that he might make atonement [propitiation: an offering that turns away God’s wrath; Jesus is the propitiation (or atoning sacrifice) for our sin] for the sins of the people [cf. Heb. 9–10].

2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted [yet never sinned], he is able to help those [believers] who are being tempted.

1:1 In the past [the age of promise] God [the agent of the revelation described in these verses] spoke [Gr. “lalesas” indicates a process that continued over a period of time; progressive revelation (each truth adding to the preceding ones) that culminated in Jesus Christ] to our forefathers [Israelite ancestors, the patriarchs, those who lived before Christ] through the prophets [Gr. “prophetes” means “to speak in front of or for someone else”; the human channels of God’s revelation; cf. 2 Pet. 1:20-21 re: trustworthiness of the prophets’ words] at many times [throughout the span of OT history] and in various ways [such as: dreams, visions, angels, events],

Note: Some of the various ways in which God spoke include…
• visions (Isaiah) — Isa. 6
• dreams (Jacob) — Gen. 28:10-22
• personally (Abraham and Moses) — Gen. 18; Ex. 31:18
• object lessons — Jeremiah
• a failed marriage — Hosea
• pillar of cloud and pillar of fire — Ex. 13:21
• Urim and Thummim (decision-making) — Ex. 28:30; Num. 27:21

1:2 but in these last days [the age of fulfillment; the period between the incarnation and Second Coming] has spoken [Gr. “elalesen” indicates a process that is finished, sufficient, never to be added to; in a final and complete manner; four hundred years since Malachi was written] to us [contrast with “forefathers” in v. 1] by his Son [contrast with “prophets” in v. 1; superior to the prophets; God’s full and final revelation; God’s revelation moved from promise to fulfillment in Jesus Christ], whom he [note seven descriptions of Jesus and affirmations of His deity…] [1] appointed [to place] heir [cf. Ps. 2:8; Mk. 12:1-12] of all things, and [2] through whom he made [created; cf. Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-18] the universe.



1:3 The Son is [3] the radiance [reflection] of God’s glory [Jesus reflects God’s glory and reveals God’s character; Jn. 1:18; 10:30] and [4] the exact representation [character; imprint, image; Jesus explains God] of his being [Gr. hypostasis = the very substance of God; cf. Jn. 14:9], [5] sustaining all things by his powerful word [cf. Col. 1:17]. After he had [6] provided purification for sins [Jesus’ sacrifice eliminated the need for any other sacrifices for the atonement or cleansing from sins], [7] he sat down [His work was finished (as opposed to earthly priests whose work was never finished)] at the right hand [the place of authority, honor, power, prestige; cf. Ps. 110:1; Matt. 26:64] of the Majesty [this reference to God used only here and in Heb. 8:1] in heaven.

Note: Seven descriptions of Jesus and affirmations of His deity…
• heir of all things — Heb. 1:2
• agent of creation — Heb. 1:2
• radiance of God’s glory — Heb. 1:3
• exact representation of God — Heb. 1:3
• sustainer of the universe — Heb. 1:3
• purifier of people’s sins — Heb. 1:3
• ascended and exalted Lord — Heb. 1:3

1:4 So he became [He has always been superior to angels] as much superior [term occurs 13 times in Hebrews] to the angels [created beings subject to God’s authority] as the name [“Son” (Heb. 1:2)] he has inherited is superior [cf. Acts 4:12; Phil. 2:9-11] to theirs [the name “angel”; Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Lk. 1:19,26; name means “man or strength of God”) and Michael (Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev. 12:7; name means “Who is like God?”) are specifically named in Scripture; angels called “the sons of God” in Job. 1:6; 2:1 but never “the” Son of God].

Note: The work of angels in the Bible includes…
• Encouragement — Genesis 16:7ff
• Guidance — Exodus 14:19
• Punishment — 2 Samuel 24:16
• Exalt God — Isaiah 6:3
• Protection — Daniel 6:22; Matt. 18:10
• Patrol the Earth — Zechariah 1:9-14
• Fight Evil — 2 Kings 6:16-18; Revelation 20:1-2
• Messengers — Luke 1:26; Rev. 14:6-12
• Praise God — Revelation 7:11-12

Caution: Angels are not to be worshiped Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:1-10

1:5 [note seven OT quotations used to demonstrate Jesus’ superiority to angels…] For to which of the angels did God ever say, [1] “You are [describes an ongoing relationship] my Son [by contrast, angels are servants or “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1:14)]; today I have become your Father [Ps. 2:7]“? [2] Or again, “I will be his Father, and he [Jesus, not an angel] will be my Son [2 Sam. 7:14 (1 Chron. 17:13)]“?

1:6 And again, when God brings his firstborn [Gr. protokos; firstborn children had greater privileges and inheritance than siblings; does not mean Jesus was a created being] into the world [the incarnation; Jesus’ birth], he says, [3] “Let all God’s angels worship him [Deut. 32:43; Ps. 97:7; see also Lk. 2:13-14; Rev. 5:11-12].”

1:7 In speaking of the angels he says, [4] “He makes his angels [wind and fire are metaphors that illustrate angels status as created beings…] winds, his servants flames of fire [Ps. 104:4].”

1:8 But about the Son he says [Ps. 45:6-7], [5] “Your throne [no angel ever had a throne], O God [affirmation of Christ’s deity], will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter [no angel ever had a scepter; symbol of authority] of your kingdom.



1:9 You have loved righteousness [cf. Amos 5:24; Acts 10:35] and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing [the noun “Christ” or “Messiah” derived from verb translated “anointed”] you with the oil of joy.”



1:10 [Ps. 102:25-27 cf. Heb. 1:10-12] He also says, [6] “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.



1:11 They will perish [all created things are temporary], but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.



1:12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed [all created things are subject to change]. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

1:13 [cf. Ps. 110:1] To which of the angels did God ever say, [7] “Sit at my right hand [the place of authority, honor, power, prestige; Jesus quoted this verse in reference to Himself (Matt. 22:44, cf. Acts 2:33-36)] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Note: Seven OT quotations that affirm Jesus’ superiority to angels…
• Heb. 1:5a — Ps. 2:7
• Heb. 1:5b — 2 Sam. 7:14 (1 Chron. 17:13)
• Heb. 1:6 — Deut. 32:43 or Ps. 97:7
• Heb. 1:7 — Ps. 104:4
• Heb. 1:8-9 — Ps. 45:6-7
• Heb. 1:10-12 | Ps. 102:25-27
• Heb. 1:13 | Ps. 110:1

1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve [angels are servants; cf. Acts 12:7-10 re: Peter’s rescue from prison; cf. Ps. 34:7] those who will inherit salvation [Christians]?