Hebrews
Chapter 1
Overview
Hebrews opens by comparing the many ways God spoke in the past with the decisive way he has now spoken through his Son. The writer presents the Son as creator, ruler, and perfect expression of God’s being. Then, using a chain of ancient sacred writings, he explains why the Son stands far above angels, God’s heavenly messengers. The argument moves on a grand scale—from the beginning of the universe to its eventual passing away. Creation may wear out like clothing, but the Son remains unchanged, while angels serve those who will receive God’s rescue.
1Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many different ways through the prophets.
2But now, in these final days, God has spoken to us through a Son. He appointed this Son to inherit everything, and through him he also made the universe and its ages.
3The Son shines with God’s glory and is the exact expression of God’s being. He sustains everything by his powerful command. After cleansing people from their sins through himself, he sat down at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
4He became as far superior to the angels as the name he inherited is greater than theirs.
5For God never said to any angel, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” Nor did he ever say about an angel, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”
6And when God again brings his firstborn Son into the inhabited world, he says, “All God’s angels must bow down before him.”
7About the angels, God says, “He makes his angels winds and his servants a flame of fire.”
8But about the Son, God says, “Your throne, O God, lasts forever and ever. The ruler’s staff of your kingdom is a staff of justice.
9You have loved what is right and hated lawlessness. Therefore God, your God, has chosen and honored you by anointing you with the oil of joy above all your companions.”
10God also says about the Son, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth’s foundations, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11They will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing.
12You will roll them up like a cloak, like worn clothing, and they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
13God has never said to any angel, “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet like a footstool.”
14Aren’t all angels spirits who serve God, sent out to help those who are going to inherit salvation?