The Book of
Hebrews
Jesus –the
Radiance of God
Hebrews 1: 3
INTRO TO THE BOOK OF HEBREWS:
•Written between 67 ad –70 ad
•Author: Traditionally says Paul is the author, however
others like Barnabas, Apollos, or Phoebe maybe the
author. We know:
•The author was an expert in Greek and used the
Septuagint (Grk translation of the Torah/39 OT Books)
•Written to Jewish believers in Roman Empire
•Written before 70 ad & the destruction of Jerusalem
•Style was more like written sermon not epistle/letter
•It’s opening did not have the usual Paul’s greeting
and identifying of himself/Paul
•It’s closing was Paul’s usual closing
•The writing style more like a recorded/printed sermon
than a letter –could be why no Paul greeting and
could explain why the style is a little different than
Paul’s other writings
Chapter 1 God’s Final Word
V1 “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the
prophets at many times and various ways.” In the past = the
covenant with Abraham, Issac, Jacob, David and through the
prophets: Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Major and Minor Prophets.
God’s promises were not fulfilled/completed UNTIL…
V2 “but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son,
Whom (His Son –Jesus) He (God) appointed heir of all things,
and through Whom (Jesus) also He (God) made the universe.”
In these last days = Time period of the forgiveness of sins
through animal sacrifices in the Temple building is finished…God
is now speaking through His Son –the final blood sacrifice
•Whom (His Son –Jesus) He (God) appointed heir of all things =
•Philippians 2: 6 –11, “Christ Jesus: Who, being the very
nature of God, did not consider equality with God
something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He
made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being
found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to death –even death on a cross!
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and
gave Him the name that is above every name, that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every language
acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.”
Still verse 2…
•and through Whom (Jesus) also He (God) made the
universe.”
Colossians 1: 16, “All things have been created through
Jesus.”
John 1: 1-4 & 14, “In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was
God…through Him all things were made; In Him was
life…The Word became flesh (human) and made His
dwelling among us…the glory of the one and only Son,
Who came from the Father.” – Jesus.
V3-4, “The Son is the radiance of
God’s glory and the exact
representation of His being,
sustaining all things by His
powerful word. After He/Jesus
had provided purification for
sins, He sat down at the right
hand of the Majesty in heaven.
So He became as much superior
to the angels as the name He
inherited is superior to theirs (the
angels).”
“The Son is the radiance of
God’s glory and the exact
representation of His being”
(v3) … picture of the cloud of
glory in Exodus 24:16: “and
the glory of the Lord settled
on Mt. Sinai. For 6 days the
cloud covered the
mountain.” This is called ‘the
“Shechinah” glory of the
Lord’- His divine presence,
perfection of God, and divine
nature of God
(still v3)
“the exact representation of His
being,” = the exact imprint like a
seal/stamp; God’s nature and
eternal existence; NOT created but
from; and a manifestation of God’s
nature.
(still v3)
… “After He/Jesus had provided purification for sins, He sat down
at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
•“purification for sins” = to make pure by removing sin – like the
lepers cleansed in Matthew 8: 3
•“He sat down” = rested and waiting until all His enemies are
subjected to Him (I Chron 22: 9)
•“at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” = possessing in the
highest authority in heaven
V4, “So He became as much superior to the
angels as the name He has inherited is superior to
theirs (angels).” Jesus is greater than angels.
Angels were created, Jesus is God.
V5, “…to which angel did God ever say,
•“You are My Son; … I have become Your Father” (Psalms 2:7)
•“I will be His Father” (II Samuel 7: 14)
V6, “God brings His firstborn into the world, He says, ‘Let all
God’s angels worship Him (firstborn = Jesus).’” (Deut 32: 43)
V8, “About His Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for
ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of Your
Kingdom.’” (Psalms 45: 6 & 7)
•V13, “To which angel did
God ever say, ‘Sit at My right
hand until I make your
enemies a footstool for your
feet’?’
•V14, “…All the angels are
ministering spirits sent to serve
those who will inherit
salvation”
Jesus is fully God and fully human…
“God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him
the name that is above every name, that at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and
on earth and under the earth, and every language
acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.”
Philippians 2
