A. THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST (1:1–10:18)

The relationship of Christianity to Judaism was a critical issue in the early church.  The author clears up confusion by carefully explaining how Christ is surperior to angels, Moses, and high priests.  The new covenant is shown to be far surperior to the old.  This can be a great encouragement to us and help us avoid drifting away from our faith in Christ.

1. Christ is Greater than the angels

 
1
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but 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.  3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
  • 5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Fathera"b?
Or again,
I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"c?
6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."d
7In speaking of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
his servants flames of fire."e
8But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy."f
10He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12You 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."g
13To which of the angels did God ever say,
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet"h?
14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

a5 Or have begotten you
b5 Psalm 2:7
c5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chron. 17:13
d6 Deut. 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint)
e7 Psalm 104:4
f9 Psalm 45:6,7
g12 Psalm 102:25-27
h13 Psalm 110:1
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