Hebrews 1 Bible Study

text: Hebrews 1

Hebrews 1 BSB

1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. 2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”? 6 And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.” 7 Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.” 10 And: “In the beginning, O 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.” 13 Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”? 14 Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Context (including other Scripture passages referenced or alluded to)

· Immediate Context – what comes right before and after in Hebrews?

This is the first passage in Hebrews, so nothing comes before it; the passage following it makes application of this truth to the lives of believers.

· Book Context – how does this fit in the book of Hebrews?

It introduces a major theme of Hebrews: Jesus Christ is superior (better). He is the superior Word of God, and He is superior to angels because He is the Son of God.

· Bible Context – how does this fit in the flow of all of Scripture, and what other Scripture passages are referenced or alluded to or shed light on this passage?

Jesus is the WORD that God has spoken as the full and final revelation of Himself. This corresponds with John 1:1-2.

Jesus, the WORD, was the agent of creation, also attested in John 1:3, Colossians 1:15-16.

Jesus is the unchanging, eternal Son of God, who is seated on His throne at the right hand of God, in fulfillment of God’s promise to David (Psalm 2:7; 2 Sam 7:14; Psalm 45:6-7; 102:25-27; 110:1)

The angels are God’s servants who must bow before the Son (Psalm 97:7, 104:4; Deut 32:43 (LXX))

Theme/Main Idea – a sentence stating the main idea, theme, or goal of the author in writing the passage

Jesus is superior to angels because of who He is and what He has done.

Other important words or ideas – repeated, emphasized, or unexpected words or phrases; sub-themes

heir/inherit

angels

Son

throne / kingdom / sat down

the Son’s involvement in creation

Outline – a simple structure (1 or 2 levels) to organize the flow of the passage

1. The Son is superior because of what He has done

-He has revealed God in a better, clearer way than the prophets

-He is the Creator and sustainer of all things

-He provided a perfect purification for sins

-He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on High as perfect prophet, priest, and King.

2. The Son is superior because of who He is

-He is the Son of God

-He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature

-He is God, and angels worship Him

-He is the eternal King, and angels serve Him

Applications – how did this passage apply to the original hearers, and how does it relate to us today? What changes in our thinking, desires, words, or behavior need to happen?

We need a high view of Jesus.

If we are lower than angels and angels worship Him, we also ought to worship the Son.

If angels are content to be servants, so must we.

The real application comes in ch. 2 - because Jesus is so much better than angels, we must pay close attention to Him, so that we don’t drift away.