Hebrews: Prologue

Hebrews 1:1-4

The prologue of Hebrews strikes briefly at various themes expanded throughout the book:

• The definitive revelation that came in Jesus Christ
• The superior nature of His personal sacrifice for sin
• The Son’s greatness – which makes preoccupation with angels unnecessary

The Climax of Revelation (verses 1 – 2a)

The writer of Hebrews points out at the very beginning that though God has revealed Himself by various means and in various ways in the past[1] He now has revealed Himself in His Son – Jesus Christ. This is the end-times climax of God’s revelation! Thus, naturally we should listen most closely to it.

The Greatness of the SON (verses 2b-4)

Immediately[2] the writer begins to set forth the greatness of Jesus, God’s Son.

• Jesus is the /HEIR OF ALL THINGS[3]/
• Jesus is the /CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE[4]/
• Jesus is the /PERFECT RELECTION OF GOD[5]/
• Jesus /SUSTAINS THE UNIVERSE  BY HIS WORD[6]/
• Jesus /HAS PROVIDED PURIFICATION FOR SINS AND HAS TAKEN HIS SEAT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD.[7]/

In doing these things He has obviously demonstrated His pre-eminence over the angels[8].

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[1] The Old Testament

[2] This is all part of a single subordinate clause in the original text.

[3] Verse 2b. This anticipates the thought of His future reign – of which the writer will have much to say.

[4] Verse 2c.

[5] Verse 3a. That is, He perfectly represents the One who has spoken in Him.

[6] Verse 3b.

[7] Verse 3c.

[8] Verse 4. The writer will immediately expound the superior Name that He has inherited.